The Gods have spoken--again!
15 October 2014 | Puteri Harbor Marina
raining.
Well, the Gods have spoken and maybe we should listen? Nah, we're cruisers!! We only listen to the weather person and even then we take it with a grain of salt.
The day started early with us putting the final coat of teak oil/sealer on the port side and stern of the cap rail and bulwark. That makes four coats. We put the rest in glass jars(no rust) and will put them away for touchups later when needed.
Once that job was done, while Tracy was off to see another cruiser to drop off some info on the upcoming Indian Ocean crossing, I went to start the engine to warm it up so we could change the oil. One of our last "big" jobs before we set off for Langkawi. I turned the key and the engine didn't start!!! The starter geared up and spun but it didn't engage the flywheel. As I said, the Gods have spoken and they don't want us to ever leave this place. There must be a reason for this but we haven't found it out yet. Now we had the same problem shortly after getting here and had the old started rebuilt. While it was out getting rebuilt, we put in a new one I've been keeping as a spare since before we ever left Port Townsend 5 years ago. Now I finally needed it. It got installed and the engine started right up. This time when the key was turned, just the whir of the starter and nothing more. I checked all the wires and they seemed fine. I loosened each fitting and retightened them. Everything looked just fine but she just refused to engage.
As I was trying to sort out the problem and find a mechanic, Danna(marina manager) showed up with our Mercury outboard. She was back! Tracy and I hoisted it back into place and then we told Danna about our problem. He got on his phone and called a mechanic he knows over in Singapore and we sort of made arrangements for him to come over. When I told the mechanic on the phone the problem, well he was all ready to rip out the engine and rebuild or replace it. "But not to worry, we can fix it". I don't know about you, but I have my doubts about a mechanic that makes that kind of statement before even seeing the engine. "Rip it out"!!! Give me a break. Been there, done that and I don't want to do it again!!
I eventually got in touch with an electrician that has worked on other boats here and came well recommended. He's fixed "Kit Kat", a nice catamaran that has had engine problem for a while and those problems had eluded several mechanics the owner had called in. Mr. Yap found the problem and fixed it in 30 minutes with a minimum of fuss. He promises to be here on Friday morning to see what he can find. Until then we have no choice but to listen to the Gods and do some more jobs that need doing. Hey, there are lots worse places to be "stuck".
After lunch(great Thai chicken soup again), I hooked up the hose to the outboard and she started on the first pull of the lanyard. And, get this, she stayed running for well over 30 minutes. I ran her fast as well as slow and she did just fine. Now I'll wait a day and do it again. "Trust not lest ye be screwed" is my motto.
It started pouring about 1500 and has just stopped(it's 1700). Lots of rain and we still have a few leaks. The hunt goes on(and on and on).