Changed oil, oil filter and fuel filter. Then...tried to change transmission (ATF) fluid and SURPRISE, could not remove plug/dipstick without hitting the heat exchanger 4 inches above. Had to insert a tiny funnel to fill new ATF with dipstick still in fill hole. Was barely able to check dip stick. What gives guys? Another Catalina genius at work!
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Joe Lucido
1986 Catalina 36
Hull # 0625
M-25 Universal diesel
Oceanside, CA
Could be that (as I did on our boat) a previous owner upgraded the original 2" diameter heat exchanger on your boat with a larger 3" (which makes things very tight). I find I can barely reach and remove the trans oil stick now as well, but it does come out with careful angling.
In a thread just a couple of weeks ago ( https://www.catalina36.org/comment/56893#comment-56893 ), "Mitchman406" posted about a nice solution to this space problem, which involves permanently relocating the HX
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
Thanks for the citation, MC.
No known issues as of yet. I'll keep an eye on this and report back if I experience any setbacks with this modification.
But this mod does make access to the rear of the engine, zinc, AND to the tranny much easier.
The trade off of course may be the heat transfer as noted.
Mitch
1986 Catalina 36 MKI
S/V "Blessing"
Kema, TX
Hull: #584
M25 w/ Oberdorfer Conversion