Help me start my 2x 1100HP engines!

As the OP doesn't seem willing nor able to share much of worth in this instance I think some good advice has been given and should be noted.

By and large I agree that even assuming to get the boat FoC, she would hardly ever be worth the huge amount of work and money required to bring her back to decent conditions.
But FWIW, I just noticed a video made entering the e/r, according to which my previous idea that the cockpit extension might have been an afterthought was wrong.
In fact, the engines are right under the raised part of the cockpit, and they spin straight shafts, so the boat was clearly designed like that from the start.
Pity that she was left to deteriorate so badly, but if by chance the OP is going to get her, I for one would be interested to hear about the restoration job - which is going to be demanding to say the very least!

I suspect the OP is long gone,

If it's a great adventure you're looking for, it's easy to predict that you won't be disappointed!
Looking forward to help as much as possible from my armchair and keyboard...
Or possibly also in person, if you are based in Valencia?
By sheer coincidence, I will spend a couple of weeks there in March, before and up to the Las Fallas.
If you will be around, I'm always happy to buy a beer to anyone who has the guts to embark in a project like this!

Just as a first thought, did you consider loading the boat on a ship to bring her to Spain, rather than fix her in the UK before moving on her own bottom?
I am suggesting this because I suspect you should invest a helluva time/work/money just to make her seaworthy and reliable.
Which would be essential, because as I'm sure you know it's a looong way from Brighton to Valencia.
Not to mention that Biscay crossing can be anywhere from tough (if you're lucky) to downright dangerous (if you aren't).

Sure, it would cost quite a bit to transport the boat by ship.
But aside from allowing you to do the whole restoration in a place you are more familiar with, and save yourself all the risks of a challenging route with a new to you (and somewhat untested) boat, it's not like bringing the boat to Valencia on her own bottom would cost nothing.
If you keep into account fuel, marinas, and possibly some professional crew (depending on your experience and how many other persons you are thinking to travel with), the ship transport becomes more attractive...
Anyway, just a thought. All the very best anyhow!

PS: yes, indeed I already noticed (see post #23) that my initial doubt about the boat being originally built without the cockpit extension was wrong.
The engine room video clearly showing the engines position and their straight shafts proves beyond any reasonable doubt that the extended cockpit was NOT an afterthought.

I never heard of anyone towing a boat of that size for such a long way.
And considering the inevitable speed restriction, also the weather window required (particularly for Biscay crossing) would be longer...
But if someone would tell you it's feasible, I'd be interested to hear more, just out of curiosity.

Ref. land transport instead, I'm 99% sure it would NOT be feasible at that size.
But again, happy to learn something new if you would find any transport company willing to handle it.

If you will fancy that beer (or sangria, whatever!) when you will be in Valencia, just drop me a pm.
But please, don't mention again "when I was younger" now that you specified you are 36yo.
Some of us could fall into a deep depression...!

1- You need to hand turn it first .
2- As MapishM said it’s a 32 mm socket .Use a 1 m long or as long as you can fit bar .I use a square box section bar which slips over the tool socket 10 inch handle .
3- remove the valve covers ( 14 mm socket )

4- use the front main crank pulley ( actually it’s damper ) to turn it .

Maybe a two man job ….one turns other watches carefully the rockers move and valves descend /ascend .Get the firing order from the manual or internet .

Obviously school the turning guy about feeling an obstruction.

If it’s pretty much ceased or feels stubborn, then consider removing the injectors .Two reasons .
1- pour a 50/50 solution of diesel and auto transmission oil in the pots .Better still try and spray it in .Leave 24 / 48 / 72 hrs intervals and try turning again and re lubrication.It will free up ……with time if the rings have rusted to the cylinder walls .
That’s the main issue , your gotcha if you connect a new battery bank and just attempt to fire it up the stuck rings will fracture and then you are into a rebuild / cylinder strip down .

1- while the injectors are out have them sent away tested and tips if necessary replaced .

Obviously it needs fresh fluids , filters and water pump impeller.Assuming it fires and runs .

The socket and it’s bar extension. ( on the seat back )


On the main crank pulley , note enough bulkhead clearance and only a 1/4 o clock space to move it but it’s a ratchet anyhow .



Valve cover off .You can reuse the gasket btw .Not ideal but do able .



Get the firing order or the valve adjustment rocker method sequence and carefully watch them fall/ rise and your mate ratchets the crank pulley.
This area will be bone dry in a eat your dinner off it hygiene if it’s not been run for years .The oil runs down .

If it’s not been run for a while and you do free it up and it appears all that should move is moving in the right way , you can still get a sticky valve. One due to corrosion of the valve seal or valve bevel does not quite get a proper gas tight seal the engine will tick .Tick , tick tick or if the gap is large bang bang bang .A gentle warm up ( do your gen service first ) and run and they re seal as the crap burns off , but gently gently .Don’t go out of the marina and pin the levers .

As for the “great adventure” no comment .

Credit to MapishM he’s the one ( another forum ) who told me it was possible to bar a big diesel.I was thinking 16 to 1 compression ratio etc etc .But it’s a diesel designed to run at ridiculously hight internal cylinder temps / pressures.As such when cold the rings are loose , so loose air escapes through the ring set easily = it turns easily.
When running as all metals expand with heat the rings expand = seal properly.
I did my valve gaps/ tappets or in American auto speak “ valve lash “ .

Wise choice.
With used boats, there's no such thing as a great opportunity lost.
There are only other opportunities out there that you are still unaware of!
Good luck.

The boat in question capsized and sank.

https://www.***************.com/yacht-news/vitech-motor-yacht-astor-sinks

(Link gets scrubbed, but it sank)

This one?
https://www.***************.com/yacht-news/vitech-motor-yacht-astor-sinks

(The link worked on Google, but not here)
Anyways, big neglected boat as per the picture. I wouldn't take if even if offered big money..

That is the one. The coast gaurd rescued 2 adults and a dog.

hahhahahahahaha. There is no shortage of people that don't know how complicated boats are and how life threatening something small can be... And it gets exponentially more complicated with size

The big question....did the OP of this thread really walk away...or did he just tell us that?