WECATCHEM’s Engine Is Headed To New Jersey!
Patrick helps guide the engine out.
Well, we did it, we had our last gasp this past weekend here in Virginia, and decided to run the fun out of old WECATCHEM, which she was happily ready to do. No issues, she just likes to stink up the boat, and looses oil by the quart every two fill ups. So she is headed to Katz’s Marina and Van Ness Engineering to do there magic. We are set to be ready for a fun Lake Dora trip, in the spring. And many fun trips to New Jersey over the winter.
Jimmy had her all ready to go. Time to get engine cleared and out 55 minutes!
ya gotta love a big John Deere tractor! This was all done Southern Style on the farm. Pull 160 horses out, then go out and feed the cows!
Patrick and Little Maggie standing watch. Maggie is a wonderful Border Collie that brightens all our days!
The engine will be completely rebuilt with new custom pistons and rings that have already been ordered. She is to be rebuilt to factory correct appearance and remain a stock “W”. As part of our Prerestoric journey, a reliable engine is a big deal. Thanks to Jim Scott, and Patrick for doing the hard lifting. Stay tuned for other cool boats headed to the restoration world this winter. …and next week, LAST GASP!
WECATCHEM last weekend on the Great Wicomico River, and I am holding back some of the killer shots for Last gasp Week. Are you?
Funny thing. I just pulled my “w” from my sp25 for a rebuild.
LOVE THE W’s!
Someone tell us the story of the “Ws”. Where are they in the CC progression of engines? Aren’t they pretty much near the end of CC designed & built engines? Just about the last ones prior to the V8 craze?
As I understand it the W has a long history with HP up to 200 on the WB model.
It is a Hercules block marinized by CC. Very similar to the M series engines only bigger.
Greg we never actually weighed mine, but with the reduction gear we guessed it was 1500 + lbs.
The boat has also been flipped to inspect the original bottom.
OK, so how did you get your registration numbers to match the year of the boat and the initials WB for WoodyBoater??? Cool move!
It’s really nice to have friends like Jimmy and Patrick. I’m really impressed with what I think is Jimmy’s barn. Looks like you could store a bunch of boats in there and still have a barn dance!
A “W” from my pathetic understanding is the Big Block version of the “K” series. It has the most wonderful sound one can imagine. I like it because of its innocence. Sounds like a strange term for an engine. But it is very simple and not all tweaked out. I like that on WECATCHEM. As to the hull numbers. Thats a story into itsself.. Maybe tomorrow. Never waste a story idea around here. Its a LOOOONG winter..
The MCL in my Continental weighs almost 1000 lbs. Do you know what that monster weighs? Solid cast iron is pretty impressive!
MCL is 940lbs
W is 1232lbs
I would have guessed the answer was “PHOTOSHOP”!
Can’t wait to hear this one.
You ordered new pistons when original Zollners are on the shelf?
Dave will be calling you Jim, right now the plan is to go with Arias Pistons in California. The Engine will be in New Jersey in two weeks.
We plan a ride on Lake Lanier tomorrow in our 1948 black side Shepherd. Hopefully not our last gasp, but will make the most of it just in case.
While you may not have a boat until late March, there is always bacon to keep your mind at ease during the wait. Speaking of bacon, it turns out the complex factors driving my behaviors can all be explained by a 2 minute Yahoo video…
https://screen.yahoo.com/science-behind-why-were-obsessed-142210548.html
Jim Staib’s stock pistons are the only pistons for a Hercules I’ve never heard complaints about.
I’m anxiously waiting for the registration number story. That is so cool.
Didn’t want to do modern power? Are you going to have any other work done?
Glad I got the jump on Matt.
Shipped my Capri’s KBL to Van Ness 2 weeks ago, it arrived on the 9th.
Admittedly she looks a little tired, after sitting in a garage for 37 years.
Local NASCAR guy suggested the good old boy method “Let’s crank her and see if she’ll fire up”. But I decided that since she’s a little tight, (turns but not entirely smooth) I’d rather have David Van Ness take a more knowledgeable approach.