FW: Re: [C320-list] Engine Access

[Karl Mielenhausen _/)]

 Russ,



I located the access port so that the bottom of the hole was 7" above the very bottom of the aft engine cover. I positioned the hole as far forward as I dared trying to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the cover and to leave room for the deckplate flange and its screws, about 2" or so. You want to go as far forward as possible to better align with the dipstick.



Here is a new pic with the cover reinstalled:

     http://www.catalina320.com/gallery/album91/Engine_Acess_Port



If I had to do it again, I'd position the hole at 8" not 7". That would improve access to the transmission (gearbox) dipstick. Right now it is difficult to reach over the engine control cables to get to that dipstick. Raising the hole 1" would help without compromising access to the engine oil dipstick. 



Cutting the cover was easier than I anticipated. Once I laid out the hole location, I drilled 2 adjacent 1/8" holes to form a slot for my saber saw blade. I used a fine tooth blade to make the cut. It left a nice clean edge but I had to open up the hole slightly anyway when I was done, since I cut it slightly undersize. For that I used a sanding drum on my rotary tool.





Karl Mielenhausen

2000 C320 Hull#690 "Silver Lining"

New Bern, NC

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