Engine Bracket Failure
Printed From: Laser 28 International Class Association
Category: Laser 28 General
Forum Name: Maintenance
Forum Description: All the things to care for your boat
URL: http://www.laser28.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=712
Printed Date: 23 November 2024 at 1:21pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Engine Bracket Failure
Posted By: GIGGITY
Subject: Engine Bracket Failure
Date Posted: 21 June 2015 at 12:25am
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Hey guys. I was motoring in from sailing the other day when I heard the engine start to make a squeaking sound. I opened the hatch and noticed the engine bracket right in the front had broken on both sides. It was a clean break like someone cut it with a laser. I was told that the engine shock mounts might be bad and might have been what caused it. I'm going to take the bracket off the engine after I prop it up with some 2x4 wedges and get it welded. Does anyone know where I can get replacement engine mounts? Or have any suggestions on what else might have caused this bad break? |
Replies:
Posted By: fatjohnz
Date Posted: 22 June 2015 at 7:55am
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I can't see your picture but I've seen bracket failures on multiple engines. Nothing wrong with the motor mounts; just seems to be fatigue in the bracket.
The first time I had the bracket repaired, they just re-welded the bracket pieces back together and it broke again. The next time I had it repaired, they welded the bracket back together and then welded a large steel washer on top of each bracket hole. Looks bullet proof and haven't had any more problems. js |
Posted By: GIGGITY
Date Posted: 22 June 2015 at 3:45pm
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Sorry, I can't figure out how to post a picture. I tried to copy and paste and that didn't work. I dropped the bracket off at a welder and asked him to strengthen it any way he can. I'm glad it's not the mounts. Those seem rather expensive. Mine broke half way up the "A" frame on both sides. I asked the welder to see if he could add a washer like you had done. Hopefully we'll be ready for the weekend! Thanks for the response! Chris |
Posted By: George S.
Date Posted: 22 June 2015 at 8:56pm
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You can get new engine mounts from Crinmar Marine in Kingston, ON. Keith Strutt is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to, he has a toll free no. too. Sit down when you google the site.... THEY ARE NOT CHEAP ... Unless yours have been soaking in oil, the good news is they may still be OK.
I had both front and rear engine mounts break on my first L28, Voila. I put it down to stress over and above the call of duty when a plastic bag would momentarily get caught in the prop and the engine would almost vibrate out of the boat. My second L28 has shown no sign (yet) of this malady. Good Luck |
Posted By: Bill Layton
Date Posted: 22 June 2015 at 9:15pm
| Yes this is a known issue. After enough milage the frames can break around the stud holes (front and back) and on the front frame can break in the middle. Just remove them and get them repaired and re-inforced and it'll be fine. |
Posted By: GIGGITY
Date Posted: 23 June 2015 at 12:13pm
| Just got the bracket back from the welder. It looks great! I'm glad I was sitting down when I saw the cost of the mounts. WOW! I'll keep welding the bracket for as long as I can before I replace them. Thanks for all the help! |
Posted By: frfletch
Date Posted: 24 June 2015 at 11:08pm
| yeah! Or go to your friendly split air conditioning system provider and buy a set of flexible mounts on which they situate the compressors for pennies. There is no magic in flexible mounting of engines and motors. Just find something that looks sufficiently robust to take some tossing around of circa 45 lbs on each mount. That is not particularly heavy duty. |