Engine Progress (Friday - February 12, 2010)

As of today, the engine rebuild is going smoothly. Victor Gamboa and Ramon (aka Chino) raised the 80HP Lehman and began to dismantle it from underneath. Jim had drilled a hole in the cockpit deck so that they could fit chains down to the engine block through the hole, braced by wood supports above the hole. Upon a closer look from Victor, he confirmed that one piston is frozen solid... filled with sea water at one point and the corrosion has caused it to seize. Jim knew that and had tried to lube it thoroughly a week or so ago... to no avail. They are returning tomorrow with tools to see if they can remove the piston liner and get a new one instead of having to take the entire motor to Victor's garage.

The Spanish is coming along nicely... Victor prefers to speak his language and I appreciate his patience with me. Engine parts and the understanding of their functions aren't a part of my English rhetoric. What a challenge!

Victor has asked for a 5,000 peso deposit... more than fair. He and his employee have put many hours into our engine thus far and we will be thrilled if this rebuild works out. Victor is considered the best engine mechanic in Mazatlan. What an honor!