'77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower SPLASHED!

[Luhrs28]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Legoman67: You must learn the ways of the diesel, grasshopper. (look up 70's TV show Kung Fu) A diesel injection system has to return some fuel to the tank while running. Ideally you should return the fuel to the same tank you're drawing from. Otherwise it's possible you could overfill the off-line tank.

 

[hinric1]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

My motto is, "The weld does not have to pretty to do it's job". I have done some welding, and even though it never looks real good, I have never had anything come apart on me.

Seconded. I watched a guy re-weld a professionally welded aluminium aircraft fuel tank, it looked great but when he NDT'd it it was too weak.

 

[sasto]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Ideally you should return the fuel to the same tank you're drawing from. Otherwise it's possible you could overfill the off-line tank.

Been there. Long story short...valves in wrong position after refueling. Burning 60 gallons an hour.....well you know the story, at least as much out the vent as was burning. Glad I wasn't the captain! :facepalm:

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

I finally got around to ripping out the hideous 70's Shagadelic carpeting some previous owner installed in the V-berth:

Here's the black mold-encrusted mess on the ground. I'm afraid to even throw this stuff in the trunk of my car for fear of nasty microbes infesting it.

On the bright side, I've finally got all the old gas out of her tanks and am already fillin' some diesel so I have enough to get her started:

(note: the tanks have outer deck fills. I just find it easier to fill them from a jug through the sending unit ports on the deck.)

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

This I have to admit was a little insane. I got the idea to save some bucks and make my own Bimini top. I haven't a clue about sewing but I borrowed my daughter's machine and spent about 2 hours reading the manual and practicing on old T-shirts until I learned how it goes.

I bought Marine Sunbrella in Pacific Blue, which is what the pro's use:

I made 3 rows of stitching for strength:

I think it will basically fit my frame, but the question is will the tension get rid of the wrinkles.

I think you have to enjoy sewing and have a talent for it, which I don't. I blew about 6 hours on this, it was more frustrating than fun, and it may look like crap in the end. We'll see.

 

[superpop]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Did you happen to use marine grade thread? If so it looks great. Sun and sitting on the frame will get rid of the wrinkles.

 

[dlp_90731]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Hi everyone I am new to the forums here. I just want to say wow very nice Luhrs28. Very informative. I had a question about what year 6.2L you used?

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Superpop: Thanks for the encouragement on the wrinkles. Yes I got the thread from the same supplier as the Sunbrella fabric. I think it's polyester thread.

dlp: My 6.2 engine is a J-code from 1991. I actually started out to buy a remanufactured engine but the problem with remans is all you get is the main core (block, heads, valve covers, oil pan). You don't get the injection pump and all the brackets, as the manufacturer assumes you already have a 6.2 diesel that you can swap over all those parts from. In my case I didn't have any engine. So I went with more-or-less a complete junkyard takeout. My reasoning is if I get a couple of seasons out of it and it needs rebuilding then I can buy a reman engine. Or maybe I'll want to install a more powerful diesel by then.

 

[hinric1]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

If you don't mind me asking, is the "J" on the block side eg, J15?
I'm trying to ID the numbers of mine, mainly because I was told they were 6.5's and I think they are 6.2's. Google isn't helping much at the minute.

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Hinric1: As I recall it's not as simple as a J being cast into the block. I'm not sure how you would tell a 6.2 from a 6.5 if both are non-turbo. I've found the best source of information on the 6.2/6.5 is www.dieselplace.com. Go to their forums and they have separate forums for 6.2 and 6.5. It's 99% truck guys but they still have good information.

 

[dakotamusic12]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Hey Luhrs,

I just found this thread and joined the group.......I have a 76 280FB I picked up in Forked River august. Restoring like yourself minus the Engine swap. Your posts have been a huge motivator for me. Are you doing anything topsiodes with Gel Coat Piant etc? My boat is in dire need of topsiode restoration. Interlux was out and sending a report to me this week.
Anyway I am following with great interest!! Fantastic work! Where do you pick up yoru electrical items for 12V and AC electrical?
Dakota

 

[johnrv]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

That is a kick boat,I have a 230 Aft Cabin 1983 Wellcraft that sunk at the dock,stern and engine where ruined,I have pulled the engine and am repowering with a 190 hp 4.3 V6..some of my friends think I'm crazy..they tell me to buy a new boat. But like so many other people that are on this forum its a labor of love and some people just dont get it..your boat looks terrific and the next one I get will be 30-35 footer..good luck

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Dakota and Johnrv: Many thanks for the compliments on my boat. The only thing I have planned for topsides so far is, I'm going to paint the aft deck light gray. All that white is just too hard on my eyes.

Electrical items: some I buy at Home Depot, some at the boatyard store, some I ordered through right here at iboats.

Wanna see what I've been up to lately? First a before shot of how awful the V-berth looked the day I bought the boat:

Here's a shot after I painted and put in new cushions. I sewed the covers myself. (not the greatest sewing job but it's good enough for me)

It's actually quite pleasant to lie down in there now.

Remember the used swim platform I bought and refinished? I put it on today, with the help of my daughter Lynda.

For those of you who might think I never make mistakes, take a close look at the photo below. You'll see 3 extra holes next to the outer bracket. Same on the other side. I did measure but the curvature of the transom threw me off. At least that's what I'm telling people. Note to self: Epoxy/glass over extra holes in transom before putting boat in water.

I'll be at it again tomorrow, so if I get anything interesting done I'll post some new pics.

 

[sqbtr]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Looking good, when is the power plant going in?

Nice to finally work in some decent weather

 

[Engine344]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

As a kid I mated on many boats out of Ocean City NJ, Post, Stamas< Bertrams, Hatters, but a 28 Luhrs was my favorite....AWESOME job...looking forward to the rest of your post, real nice job!

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Thanks again for all the encouragement guys! Engine/tranny is all ready to go in but there are still 3 boats deep on all sides of mine in winter storage. I think they're going to start putting boats back in the water soon. I just need 1 side free'd up so the yard guys can bring in their big Caterpillar forklift to drop my engine/trans in.

The waiting is actually good though, as I've had time to do some cosmetic things that I would otherwise be too lazy to take care of.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

I think those cushions and bimini turned out very well, nice work. I'm hoping to learn a few things about canvas myself.

Good luck with the install on the 6.2, hope all goes well and can't wait to see how she does with the new power.

Yeah don't forget those holes, that's the type of item that would easily slip my mind prior to launch.

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Here's a shot of the flybridge with the new gauge panels in place. (nothing wired yet)

I finally got around to installing my homemade Bimini top canvas. The center is fine but the outer edges are way too loose. (no tension) The good news is I think I can fix it.

I kinda wish I'd had a professional make the canvas but I've blown my budget on so many other parts of the boat that I had to scrimp somewhere. It'll get me through this summer at least.

 

[Luhrs28]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Hi Guys. It's been a couple weeks since I posted. I've been setting up my bilge pumps, trim tabs, battery charger, etc. to get everything in the engine compartment done that's easier with the engine out. Now I'm finally ready to drop it in. Here are some pics:

Please ignore the goofy temporary hoses, which are still on the engine from when I test-ran it.

I think there's one more boat up on blocks that has to be moved to gain access to mine. I'm going to meet with the boatyard manager on Saturday morning to schedule a day to install the motor/tranny. I want to actually do the work with one of the yard mechanics running the crane.

After that I think I'll need just a weekend (or maybe 2) to hookup all the hoses and wires and she should be ready to splash.

 

[sqbtr]

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Re: '77 Luhrs 28 ft. diesel repower - just beginning

Looking good

I'm almost to the pull the powerplant out myself. Hoping I don't have any major Paragon problems