[C320-list] Engine Access

[Allan Field]

I used a Dremel to cut the hole.  Much better control.

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:C320-List-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Karl Mielenhausen
_/) 
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 11:08 AM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: FW: Re: [C320-list] Engine Access

 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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