Bertram33 User Forum

Hey Guys; I am in final stages of bargaining for new engines, etc for my 87FBC. The new ones are 1996 6BTA 315 hp with ZF 220A gears, 1.5:1. With the 10 degree down angle of the 220A, will there be any problems matching up to the angle the 454's Mercruiser? I do not know what the Mercruiser angle was. Any one know that angle? Lynn

Lynn, Are you trying to say that you're using the same motor mounts/posittion of the 454's or are you talking about the angle of the shaft tube where it enters the hull?

dougl33; The angle of the shaft tube as it enters the hull. Is there a great amount of jury rigging in setting up a level engine with 10 degree down angle to meet the same angle that the tilted Mercruiser and straight gears met the hull? Lynn

Lynn, I have some hands on experience with what you are trying to do. It's pretty easy. Your new setup won't be perfectly level but close enough. I made a rudimentary cardboard cut out of the engine and gear(same as yours) which will give you a pretty close idea of the exact dimensions and the placement of the angle brackets for the motor mounts . If you'd like, I could send it to you. Remember , when you mount the angle brackets on the stringers, they should be at the same pitch as the engine(the same line as the oil pan seam)

There was some discussion on the Boatdiesel forum last year about Cummins 6BT engines and how much oil you should actually put in them. I can't recall the exact details, but the problem was related to mounting the engines at angles which were enough to have the crankshafts splashing in the oil in the pan, and turning the oil to a froth, which among other things came out the dipstick hole. As I recall Tony Athens said to put in less oil than Cummins instructions specify, but I can't recall exactly how much. I was going to check on this, but my membership expired there and I haven't renewed it yet.

Our engines are within spec. as to the running angle. The key would be not to over fill and if anything, a quart under full wouldn't hurt anything. The relatively flat , large capacity pan has a potential for the crankshaft to whip up some oil if over filled or if the engine is at much of an angle, and to make matters worse, the breather system is marginal if they are over filled. The gist is, don't over fill your oil. The angle they run in our boats (with the 10 degree downangle)is about 3 degrees which is OK.

Good Morning to All; Thank you for making a seemingly complex issue very simple. I am not going to do the actual removal and installation of the engines; just the plumbing, fuel and elctrical hook ups. That is to keep costs down and keep the project in budget. I need to know how the shipwrights figure things out, so as to keep up with them. Please send the profile of engine and gears at your convenience. Thanks Again, Lynn

Frank P... I believe my deezil guy here said to put 1-2 quarts less than the manual says.

Frank, For sure it won't hurt to have a couple quarts low, when they hold 15. Lynn, I don't mind sending the cut out of the engine but if you're not doing the work, don't the guys doing the job have some idea of what they're doing? The placement of the engine is completely dictated by the prop shaft , which is bolted to the transmission , which is of course bolted to the engine, none of which has an option as to where you can mount them as soon as they bolt to the shaft. It may just pissoff the install guys if you hand them my cardboard cutout. If you still want it, I need an address.

Frank; Point well taken. I defer to your knowledge of installs and withdraw request for profiles to be sent to me. You certainly are a gentleman and a scholar for offering. Thanks, Lynn

Lynn, You are always welcome. As you work on your project , I hope you ask lots of questions, there is always someone here who has done most everything and we all like to see someone elses progress.Have fun.