Back to the Island

Catastrophic Engine Failure!

After a short tow from Paramount's berth around to Granville Island, the boys get her ready for the engines to go back to the shop for forensic analysis to determine where the failure occurred. 

Was it just the wrong sized pistons with their 11-1 compression ratio? Or was it something else that started the heat that started the meltdown?

The Granville Island Boat Yard guys stayed back after hours to do a quick lift. A two hour quick lift! The engines were out in a flash - Gord the crane wizard, and all the crew were keen to catch the Canucks playoff game.

Comment From Paul, Founder of The Chris Craft Commander Forum

The Internet is a small world...

Paul has commented on this blog site - he must have found it on his own. We had been waiting to write to his website after everything was finished on Miss P. 

He has beat us to it, and comments on our engine problems. He is THE MAN - when it comes to Chris Craft Commanders, he is the founder of the CCC Forum, an architect by trade, a Chris fanatic by admission. We are grateful for his website and value his comments on our situation immensely. This is what he has written:

"Man I am soooo sad to hear news like this, especially after you have put your heart and soul into the restoration. I note the use of Keith Black pistons, many people have used these as a basis for custom 427 pistons with good results.

The only things I can imagine that would cause the motor to heat up like that would be poor ignition/fuel mix, a very poor automotive timing setting (and not following the dimple on the flywheel at 500-RPM while in gear for the marine Chris Craft setting), or a leaned out fuel mix (or both simultaneously), or perhaps an impeller that went out causing a catastrophic over-heating of the motor while running at speed. 

Forensic review of the impeller and strainer, and coolant would give an indication of their integrity. 

This could have been caused by advanced ignition timing, wrong plugs, lean fuel, intake manifold vacuum leak, sticking valves (perhaps incorrectly set for a solid lifter motor), insufficient cooling, poor lubrication. 

I have considerable resources I can share with you if you need them on the 427 marine motor. Drop me a line at ChrisCraftCommander@hotmail.com
and I'll do whatever I can to assist.

Sincerely,

Paul

Melt Down!

The Keith Black Pistons Blow Apart

The engine has been stripped down in the boat. The damage is extensive - all eight pistons have blown apart or are on their way. The aluminum got so hot it vaporized - large pieces of the pistons are missing.

We are investigating the cause. The timing was checked twice. The carb was rebuilt. They performed perfectly in the dyno test.

Oil samples from the other engine are being analyzed and we should know this morning if the port engine has done the same thing. With all eight affected in the starboard the port will need to come out as well. 

It was a very sad day for everyone involved in the restoration - she was running beautifully before the meld down. She was clipping along at 19 knots. 

Dr Doug has jumped in to help rescue the disaster. He's been in the bilges helping G get to the bottom of the engine and wasting no time to resolve this for Captain Doug who is pictured here running the good doctor, with his wheel barrel and tools, back to Granville Island.

It was time to cry in the beer.

"I still don't want bowling shoes ..."

Despite the most major of set-backs on the first sea trial for Paramount - Captain Doug isn't willing to trade in the deck shoes.

After months of labour & tons of TLC everything is restored to as new - all systems have been upgraded, the engines bench tested - Miss P is a looking and feeling like a new boat and she's ready to go for a first burn.

  

Everything was going beautifully for the first 1/2 hour at RPMS below 3000. Paramount was up and out of the hole at 2800 making 9 knots in a 4 knot tide on the bow. On a slack or slower tide she should be out of the hole sooner and a knot or two quicker.

Below is the view from the bow at around 3000 RPM running around 14 knots, into the tide. Paramount is up and sitting pretty. She's hasn't run this well for Doug, she's feeling sporty at the wheel, a slight correction and she is on her new heading with no delay.






A fine moment - the Captain at the wheel, feeling the difference in power and response. His beautiful boat is running like new.