Nissan LD28 injector pump belt access in Albin 27FC

[Hobbit]

As a new owner A27 who performs a great deal of DIY on his vessel I am starting to prepare for preventative maintenance that will be upcoming.

The Nissan LD28 injector pump belt is recommended to be replaced every 500 hours. I have already checked access and other LD28 powered owners know what I am facing. This vessel, powered by the LD28 was obviously designed by an engineer not a mechanic.

I would almost go as far as to say the engine and drive train were hung by a chain and the rest of the boat built around it.

Has anyone come up with a (relatively) easy way to replace and tension the belt? Has anyone done any investigating adding access panels in the forward part of the engine compartment to aid in this task?

All replies welcome!

Hobbit

[WillieC]

Simple. Replace the A27 with an A25! (Just kidding)

Best wishes for you guys in your new boat, and keep us posted about DIY maintenance.

[Hobbit]

He he he,

Still chuckling over your reply Richard. I wouldn't even consider undertaking the project you are doing on WillieC.

When I need the injector belt replaced I will swap having you do it for new canvas and cushion covers on WillieC.

[Panhdjoe]

Hello, I did mine on our Family cruiser with the Nissan LD28 without any serious difficulty, First allow me to say that 1200 hours is generally accepted as the replacement interval, but I also think years should be considered. no mater what the hours are my personal thought is that if its more than 6 or 7 years old its time.
With that being said the Job is not all that hard and access is not a problem, You will need a shop manual. The one that is around is for the Industrial engine version and covers the Injection drive pump belt well.

[Hobbit]

Thanks Panhdjoe. If you had any specific recommendations on tools, sequence of events, lessons learned I would appreciate them. My vessel is an '85 with only about 1450 hours on it. That being said it had a partial rebuild about 3 years and 150 hours ago. Apparently some water was able to get into a portion of the engine due to it perhaps being front low before going into winter storage. The engine was seized enough not too take chances hence the teardown. I am going to try and research if the belt was changed then.

[DesertAlbin736]

Ha ha, Hobbit & WillieC live close enough to each other that they can kid each other over beers at a local pub.