As mentioned in an earlier post about rudder heals and bearings, the rudder stock as well as the rudder tube suffered corrosion from contact with a bronze bushing. The surface of the rudder stock was left pitted like a lunar surface.

Using ultrasound and calipers it was determined that sound stock measured at a minimum of 1.39″ in all but a few pits. The decision was made to repair and fill each of the dimples, grinding each back to the level of a straight edge placed across the stock

A gantry type of lift was quickly fabricated in order to provide easy rotation of the 300 lb + rudder. It will be used to service the engine and construct engine mounting system as well.

Below is the first phase of filling. Ugly but a significant betterment.  A piece of steel machined to exactly 1.55 ID is used to check for fit after welds are ground to flush line. If the “donut” catches at a point a file can be used to bring that point down. A few more passes and then a surface buff will catch-up the main stock with the heel which has had three passes.  It will look fairly fair and smooth by the time it’s finnished.

Our Volvo Penta MD2 has it’s new starter mounted on fabricated brackets incorporating a alternator bracket as well. Neither were originally fitted on this hand cranked surplus lifeboat engine.