1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: Final Engine Test & Impeller Install

With Tent Model XXX finally retired, the last items on my pre-launch punch list are to prove the Cummins 6CTAs start reliably and then install the raw water impellers.

Since the boat is on land, there’s no raw water supply to cool the exhaust. I don’t want to overheat my brand new exhaust hoses or fiberglass mufflers, so I’ve only been letting the engines run for a maximum of 10 seconds. I’m very pleased that after so much time sitting, they light off at the first twist of the key switches. I think they may be idling too low, but that should be an easy adjustment once the boat is in my temporary slip.

I’ve never had a turbocharged boat before. I love hearing the subtle whistling sound of the turbos spooling up even at idle. 🙂

This short video shows the view from outside when I light off each engine. I don’t have the engine heaters on, but the starter only runs for a fraction of a second before the engines are running. There’s a bit of smoke, and it differs slightly from side to side, but I don’t think it’s anything to be concerned about. My Kubota tractor belches black smoke every time it starts, and it gets run a lot more often than these Cummins 6CTA have for the last decade!

The important thing is that the engines now reliably start every time I’ve tested them.

When the video is over, click Cancel or it advances to some randomly selected video at the hosting site.

With the final engine pre-launch tests done, I set about installing the raw water impellers.

I’ve had these new Sherwood 17000 impellers for far too long

They’ve been sitting in the original packaging since 2015, waiting for me to finally get the project where it is now.

I put a dab of Gasoila thread sealant on the shaft to hold the key in place

A hose clamp compressing the fins a bit helps ease installation

I also put a bit of dish soap on each fin tip as a lubricant.

Aligning the keyway to the key was a bit tricky, but I finally got it.

Each bolt got a touch of Tef-Gel

I was glad to see that the previous owner of these engines had also obviously been using a thread lubricant. I take that as a good sign that he paid attention to important details.

Starboard side is done

Port side is done

That’s it! My Roamer is officially ready to splash! All I need is the insurance company’s approval, and I’m off to the boatyard for the big launch!

Next up in our 1969 Chris Craft Roamer 46 Refit: Splash Day (sorta)!