Ford Galaxy boat engine

[Womblejohn]

Hello hello , new member here so feel free to abuse ,
Building a houseboat and have a rust retired 51 plate 1.9 TDI with brand new clutch , would like to remove engine and use to power two props as its twin hulled cat , also to back up solar power battery system
Want the option of running the props from the batteries , and also drive a lathe and other tools any comments including jokes be great

I know their are easier routes to take but life's more fun this way

[crofty1984]

So you can run the pros with electric motors? I'd set it up as a generator and keep the propulsion 100% electric. That said, you can get ready-made gen sets so it knackers your idea of using the ford engine!

[JB!]

Shouldn't be that hard. You'll need an adapter to your generator at the flywheel or gearbox, immobiliser defeat, custom loom...

[Boatbuoy]

Some more info would be useful:

1) Where do you intend to keep/use this boat (salt/fresh/brackish water)?

2) How fast do you intend to go?

[Womblejohn]

Im semi retired plasterer but have always built or fixed anything , originally elect mech engineering. Was intending buying scrap outboards want option of connecting to electric motor or engine via gearbox , don't want fully rely on solar as I'm going to move up and down river with no mooring , solar on its own is a bit impractical , may want to cruise long distances , fresh water
Boat to be min 10 m length
Got an electric boat motor and its impressive but long term I'm not so sure , also like to build my own things , life's more fun
The engine is really for back up but I will give me a versatile power source , cheers for the interest , learning to navigate the forum was my first hurdle as I didn't know my post had been moved lol
Also I'm into recycling , not tight just like to build something that suits me and that I can fix and adapt , engine is sound , always serviced and treated with care , hate to scrap it , yes could choose a smaller engine but its their and I know its going to last , cheers for your interest , John

[Womblejohn]

So , in my charge ahead approach to life I'm planning to remove the engine with necessary bits attached , probably with an angle grinder if necessary lol , anything come to mind that I should be careful with to be kept intact , want to avoid limp mode if I can , cheers
Anyone want any bits for free before it goes to the scrappy, I'm in wyboston Bedfordshire

[Steve_D]

The key is likely coded as part of the immobiliser system so you will need the code reader ring from the column and all the immobiliser boxes and ecu but that's just for starters. Best you get onto a Ford forum and see if someone can what else matters. You may find it also wants to see gearbox sensors as well.

Did an engine swap on a BMW which did not run without the original lights switch which was both VIN coded and recorded the vehicle mileage...go figure.

Steve

[Womblejohn]

Many thanks , hence the angle grinder approach , cut away without disconnecting anything , was keeping the steering wheel , dash , pedals , gearstick fuel tank etc don't think I need the air bags lol

[Krikkit]

Sounds daft, but you might be able to get all the immobiliser and other gubbins mapped out of the engine ECU.

Sometimes it can even be as simple as snipping a pin on the IC, disconnecting an immobiliser controller while running or some other simple bypass.

[Womblejohn]

Maybe but as I can use everything and am scrapping thought the direct approach with an angle grinder should eliminate mistakes by disconnecting anything , the mapping did cross my mind as the engine is well overpowered for cruising at about 5 mph probably on Rickover but like the gearbox for other applications , who knows what I might want to run off it , lathe and wood saw for sure , a few alternator's for welding , shower , hot water tank for heat storage etc

[Scrump]

As your boat is a catamaran I think you are going to find it difficult to connect both shafts to the single engine via a gearbox.
The use of electric motors on each shaft and then using the diesel as a generator would be easier to physically fit in the boat but it brings the need to convert the galaxy engine into a generator and adding in a control system. As crofty said before, you may be better off buying a ready made genset.

[crofty1984]

Also, you'll need to replace the rad with a water/water heat exchanger and associated coldwater pump. I'm all for crazy ideas but this sounds like its so, so much work for no benefit when there are better pre-made solutions out there. But good luck if you're determined to, I'm not saying it can't be done.

[GliderRider]

A hydraulic pump on the engine output, with a hydraulic motor on each prop, would be another way of doing it. You could then have a second hydraulic pump on an electric motor for running on battery poweronly . Not so efficient as pure diesel electric, but may be cheaper to do if you can source second hand pumps and motors.

[Womblejohn]

Can't reply in evening as am new member , understandable due to trolls
Will do a sketch to show you where my thoughts lie , and will try to put a link on if that's possible , not that good at typing as I get a bit lost with direction , at work , be back later cheers

[gordmac]

Some boats have a hydrostatic drive allowing the engine to be placed somewhere convenient. This might work for you.

[Womblejohn]

Sorry for the delay , new member was unable to post in evening , ok now ,
all valid thoughts from you all , but life's fun taking the hard route
I intend on one prop salvaged from a deceased outboard as the main thrust
I haven't much idea how to control the diff but here's a sketch

[Scrump]

Is the prop going to be on the centreline?

[Womblejohn]

Middle, between two hulls , will make bow thrusters at four corners , strictly 12 v

[Womblejohn]

The reason for four is if I'm up against bank

[Scrump]

If the centre of your boat is high above the water then you are going to have a very steep shaft angle and/or have the prop a long way aft of the stern. You will also potentially have a long length of unsupported shaft.