The Fuel Pump Saga
09 August 2014 | Clear Lake Shores, Texas
The Fuel Pump Saga
After all the effort to locate the last unused injection pump on the planet, we are now confronted by yet another challenge. Inasmuch as I think that is the one component on our engine that exceeds my personal experience and knowledge, we are attempting to find a mechanic to install it. There are a couple of items in the installation that may require specialized tools. The real challenge appears to be one of the highest bidder so to speak. The mechanic pool has several segments including the guys working on the big engines. They are usually part of service companies dedicated to the oil and ship industries. Then there are the independent guys in high demand who work all they want for really big bucks and are on call 24/7. Those two groups simply will not even consider working on Why Knot albeit the prestigious vessel she is. That relegates the task to the independents not so much in demand for some reason or another, not the least of which is the occasional fishing tournament, probation officer or angry soon- to- be- ex wife. The yard does not have a staff mechanic that is willing or capable of the task and he has depleted his list of candidates. Given that and the fact that we have been paying for a slip at Houston and Port A, we would like to get Why Knot ready to complete the circle as soon as possible. So, I ask myself what would Captain Jack Aubrey of HMS Surprise do? Tis simple. Bligh will acquire a new skill level by studying the procedure and installing the pump. It has been some time since I overhauled engines but this little challenge has a rather expensive penalty for failure. Then again, it might be simple and no big deal. Only the Shadow knows. It might be that the hard part is wadding my chubby rear into the space allotted to work on the problem.