I can do all the basic
maintenance work, and have dealt with taking off and putting back on with pretty much everything that bolts onto the block (on a gasoline engine though), but I fall short after replacing a
head gasket when it comes to getting iside the thing.
I guess the thought was that If I can do a
rebuild, or at least pull things apart to the point where a shop can do the more complicated stuff then when the time comes, if I do get the big
boat we are looking for that if its engine is junk that I could avoid spending 20 grand or more on a new one.
That said, its possible that the level of skill I want to have can't be had without some sort of formal
training (like a proper course spitting me out at the end as a certified
diesel mechanic), but Darn it I hate not knowing how it all goes together!
As far as the transmission - I looked at an online forum where someone said that replacing the transmission clutch plates was not very hard, so I thought it might be possible. But then again I think sometimes I search online till I find the answer I want to hear!
Sorry if im beating a dead horse, but to get an oil-eating, smoke billowing, worn out engine back to life, what needs replacing. My first thought would be rings, cylinder liner, bearings, crankshaft, Camshaft (do those wear out?), and maybe new valve seats?
(oh, by the way, this question officially has me swimming in way over my
head, if its too naive to answer, or I obviously wont understand what needs to be done no offense will be taken)
Cheers,
Brian