The following morning, WW went in search of replacement impellers. The only ones he could find were for a different engine, presumably one that had predated our Volvo Pentas. He learned that along the coast, at St. David’s Marina, was the Volvo Marine dealer where he could buy replacements. Then he had a look at the impellers themselves. They seemed to be fine. Hmmmm.
He decided we would run up to St. David’s on the starboard engine and, if necessary, have a mechanic look at her. The only issue was the fuel. Those who followed our progress last year may remember that we had trouble with our starboard fuel line clogging because of algae in the diesel (a common problem). That’s when we learned to polish fuel. Well, that fuel was still lurking in the tanks. We crossed our fingers and headed out into the Caribbean to travel the short distance to St. David’s.
Once clear of the Prickly Bay headland, heading east with Hartman Bay coming up to larboard, the starboard engine protested loudly. It, too was overheating. WW switched it off.
We sat bobbing of the coast for several minutes, pondering whether to press on or turn back. Caution won. WW started the port engine and, keeping at very low revs, we returned to our spot in Prickly Bay.
A French chap from a neighbouring cat came over to see if we needed help. He said he’d had a similar problem and it had been a kink in his intake. Seeing he couldn’t do anything to help he departed with a cheerful, “We all have our troubles!”
WW played with engines for several hours, trying various remedies. The tropical rain poured down. We put up our rain catchers to go effect. Finally, as RP o’clock was arriving, WW announced he was making headway. “I have found the solution!” he said. “I just needed a bigger hammer!”
After all his clever pokings and proddings, he had been reduced to giving the heat exchanger a good bash on its side. Worked like a charm.
The next morning we set off toward St. David’s, planning to lay in a few spare impellers against future need.
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