Engine repair

On the second day of my family's visit, we were motoring in light winds from Vonitsa to Aktio, with the plan of heading south throughout the islands. Suddenly, without warning, the engine made a horrid noise of 'kaboom'. We shut it off and checked what was the problem. Smoke poured out of the air filter. It seemed to be a serious problem, so we sailed to Aktio, anchored near the boatyard and called for help. 

A couple of days later a mechanic came aboard and showed us a broken valve spring. He suggested that if pieces of the metal had fallen inside the cylinders, there would be serious damage and an expensive repair. Considering that the engine was about forty years old, he suggested getting a new engine installed. "If you don't, you're looking at more breakdowns, repairs, and loss of time waiting for parts," he told us.  An estimate for a new engine came roughly to about 10,000 Euros including external connections and installation. I hemmed and hawed. 
Meanwhile, my family was here for a holiday and they wanted to sail. We had already proved that we could sail without an engine, so we turned around and went back to Amvrakikos Bay. It was a bit of a challenge anchoring under sail and moving only when the wind was most favorable, but we managed and my family had a good time. 
Then in August, I received a couple more estimates for repairs and new engine installation but still couldn't decide. You see, I just spent about 1,000 Euros on a new, stainless steel exhaust elbow this past winter and a couple of years prior, another 1,000 Euros on new engine mounts. If I was to get a new engine installed, those parts would no longer fit and new ones would need to be added to the bill. 
At last, Ewa, a friend who runs Molos restaurant near the harbour in Vonitsa recommended one of her relatives to come and take a look. 

Nikos

Dimitris, in turn, called on Nikos, who is a diesel mechanic with 30 years experience. After seeing what the problem was, Nickos told me that I did not need a new engine, that he could repair the one I had, gave me an estimate for the repair, and told me that once he is through, the engine would be good for another 10-15 years. Oh, Joy! The estimate he gave me included taking the engine out, and doing a complete rebuilt. I was thrilled. Of course, you have the job, I said.

A few days later, Nick returned and took the head of the engine off. 

Engine after Nikos took the head off

He checked inside and told me that there was no need to take the whole engine out, there was no internal damage to the cylinders. Wonderful! He took the head with him to his workshop and told me he would be back in five days. 
Five days later, no Nikos. I called. "Five more days, Athens doesn't have the parts." he told me. Two weeks later I call. "Not here yet." And so it went, with me calling and Nikos explaining in Greek why he couldn't finish the work.
Finally, after five weeks, Nikos arrived back on board Eidos and completed the repair of the engine.

Like new

Other side

Back in action

Almost done

Once again the Yanmar is purring like a kitten. ;) I am so happy that I decided to have it repaired rather than buying a new one. Not only did I save a lot of money, but also, I trust it much more, knowing it well.  There was a problem sourcing parts and that was one reason for the delay. On the other hand, just like in Spain and other southern countries, Greece is famous for the 'tomorrow,' attitude, so one must be prepared to wait or else keep calling to put a fire under the person in question. Meanwhile, I've had a wonderful time in Vonitsa, making friends, swimming and catching up on other little jobs aboard.