I was shocked yesterday when the mechanic called and said he was ready to set the rebuilt head this morning. It takes 4 of us to work it in there.
To answer some questions:
-Yes, it was running fairly well, it would take a little while to start, lots of white smoke upon starting but that would clear up quickly. The only problem I was having was a constant search for idle. I could run for 8 hours and when I would go to set the anchor the engine would die from going in and out of gear.
-Ski you are right, I had the port engine done last year. It was a night/day difference between the two but I didn't know what an engine with 5k hours was suppose to sound like and act like. Now I know what a wore out engine sounds and acts like. I wasn't there for the liner fitting but last time they (Johnson Diesel) gave me several different size liners that we could fit into the bore until we found the right one. Then they loaded the liners. Mechanic also commented on my RTV sealant I applied to the oil pan when I had removed it to fix a crack, he said that stuff could easily come off inside the pan and clog up the pick up for the oil pump.
-The entire engine can be serviced in place. Unless block failure happens. There is enough room to crawl under the engine. The term Lugger here locally refers to older Chandeleur Island head boats, in the 50's and 60's that was big livin'