Century - No drive

[johnnythejig]

Hello all.
I have a 1962/3 Century Plus, long shaft with a clutch. (CPC30416L).
No history with it, but I'd say it may not have been used for twenty years.
Was told prop didn't turn, checked drive spring, which was fine, and put in a new fill of EP 140.
Managed to get her started but alas the drive will not engage when raising the clutch lever.
The water in the wheelie bin turned brown almost immediately.
Lots of impressive noise and smoke but that's Seagulls for you.
There was a bit of water through the tell-tale at first, then hot drips then just white smoke.
Blew air through water cooling system and got good flow at first but soon reverted to same.

I am a relative novice, having never worked on any engine before, let alone a British Seagull, but I am enjoying learning.
I don't want to kill the old bird so I thought I would check the vast bank of knowledge here first before attempting any further tinkering.

All thoughts and advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks for now.
John

[Michael]

I assume that it wad not pumping water?
If so I would suspect a broken (rusted) driveshaft

[johnnythejig]

Hello Michael, thanks for the reply.
Water comes out at first, when I start her, but then soon trickles away.

[johnnythejig]

Hello.
I managed to track down the previous owner.
He confirms the engine hasn't been started in over 20yrs but is dubious about a broken shaft as he has no recollection of any impact hard enough to cause such damage.
Any other thoughts please before I 'go in'?
Many thanks
Johnny

[headdownarseup]

Hi John

first things first, roll your sleeves up and prepare to get dirty hands.
The 2 screws/bolts that are holding the pumphousing to the gearbox need to be removed. (blowtorch and impact driver helps here) and also the clutch rod will need to be disconnected.
once the pumphousing is seperated from the gearbox, you can withdraw the square driveshaft out of the chrome tube.
Any breakages will be obvious.
The shaft also turns the water impeller,so if it started to pump at first then stopped, the chances are that the shaft is probably rotten right through.
If it's not this, then the cylinderhead will have to come off to check the waterways (again it will be obvious why it wont get water through)

plenty of help on here, just ask

pics, we like pics

jon

[johnnythejig]

Thanks for the support Jon.
I was thinking I might have to get my hands dirty.
I'll give it a whirl and report back - quite possibly with pics too!

Also, you may be interested; I have a 1946 102 series. I can gather up the data for you if you still want it.

Cheers
Johnny

[headdownarseup]

Hi Johnny
i'm always after data for 102's (the more the better)

Pics will always help make things easier to see what's going on.

jon