Many owners of Soviet outboard motors Wind With the challenge of finding parts and reliability for old components, redesigning Wind 8 to fit a Chinese engine is becoming increasingly popular, keeping the gearbox and the lower unit reliable while replacing the moody petrol unit with a modern and affordable one, extending the life of the beloved iron horse and eliminating the constant repair of the carburetor and ignition system.
But the process of installing a foreign power unit on a domestic base requires precision and an understanding of mechanics. You will have to face the need to make a transition plate, possibly lengthen the shaft and reconfigure the gas control system. Despite the apparent complexity, the result often exceeds expectations, giving a second life to the old engine.
Choosing a Chinese equivalent to replace
The first step in the modernization process is to select the right donor, most often to replace the regular engine. Wind 8 model Tohatsu or Hidea These engines are similar in size and, critically, often use similar principles of fastening the diewood. Chinese copies of Japanese technology are distinguished by affordable prices and the availability of spare parts in the wide market.
When choosing a new engine, you should consider the length of the new engine's lower unit. If you plan to use only the top (a carburettor cylinder block), the length of the shaft does not matter. But if you want to install the whole unit, the discrepancy in the length of the lower unit may require serious interventions in the design of the leg. The best option is to use the engine of the same power as the original, so as not to overload the engine. gearbox and propeller.
It is also important to consider the type of ignition system. Modern Chinese motors are often equipped with electronic ignition. CDIThis eliminates the problems with magneto and interrupters that are common in older Soviet models, making it much easier to start and operate in wet weather.
⚠️ Warning: When buying a Chinese motor, be sure to check the direction of the shaft rotation. Some models may have a reverse gearbox that is incompatible with wind turbine mechanics without a full replacement of the lower unit.
Required tools and materials
To make this work, you'll need not only the engine itself, but also the tools, and the challenge is to make a transition plate that connects the new cylinder block to the old leg, and you need a high-precision toolbox.
The materials for the transition plate should be durable and resistant to corrosion. D16T or stainless steel thickness of at least 8-10 mm. the use of conventional ferrous metal will lead to rapid corrosion and loss of leakage.
- 🛠️ A set of drills for metal and metal with hard alloy solders for accurate drilling of holes.
- 📏 A bar and micrometer to control the size of the transition plate.
- 🔩 A set of bolts and nuts made of stainless steel for fastening the nodes.
- 🔧 Sealer for internal combustion engines, resistant to gasoline and oil.
Be sure to prepare personal protective equipment and solvents for degreasing surfaces before assembly, and the quality of surface preparation directly affects the durability of the joint.
Manufacture of the transition plate
The most critical step in remaking is to create a transition plate, which is the element that keeps the gas tract tight and the crankshaft aligned properly relative to the lower unit, and a few millimeters error can cause vibrations or gas leaks, making exploitation impossible.
The process starts with taking the dimensions from the old engine and the new cylinder block, and you have to measure the distances between the mounting holes and the diameter of the outlet, and you have to create a drawing from that data that you cut the workpiece.
After machining, the surfaces must be perfectly flat, the check is carried out by applying a ruler to the lumen, and if gaps are detected, additional sanding on the sandpaper is required.
☑️ Quality control of the transition plate
Installation and centre of the engine
Mounting a new power unit on a prepared stove requires care, first of all, the studs or mount bolts are installed, which are pre-lubricated. threaderThis will prevent the fastener from unscrewing itself from vibrating.
Particular attention should be paid to the docking of the exhaust duct. If the geometry of the new engine is different from the original, it may be necessary to make a stretch or lengthen the exhaust pipe inside the lower unit. Incorrect docking will lead to exhaust gases entering the crankcase or water suction.
The shaft is centred by means of an indicator head. The shaft beating shall not exceed the permissible values specified in the technical documentation for the Wind 8Otherwise, the lower unit bearings will quickly fail.
⚠️ Warning: Never use regular paint instead of flat sealant. Gasoline and oil will dissolve the paint quickly, leading to air suction and poor mix.
Setting up the carburetor and fuel system
Chinese engines often come with carburetors that require additional adjustments to specific operating conditions. The customizations can be too rich or poor for our climate and fuel quality. Adjustment begins with checking the level of fuel in the float chamber.
You have to adjust the quality of the mixture at idle speed and under load. This uses a quality control screw of the mixture. spark-plug.
Secrets of setting up Chinese carburetors
Often in Chinese carburetors, jellyplants have uncalibrated holes. It is recommended to wash all channels with ultrasound and, if necessary, drill the jellyplants into 1-2 sizes to improve mixing.
It's also worth checking the fuel pump, if it's designed, and the fuel pressure should be enough to lift the gasoline to a lower unit height, but not excessive, so as not to flood the carburetor.
Problems with shaft lengthening and their solution
One of the frequent problems in the alteration is the discrepancy between the length of the shaft of the Chinese engine and the lower unit. WindIf the shaft is shorter, it will require lengthening or replacing it with a shaft from another motor, which is a complex operation that requires turning and balancing.
In some cases, it's easier to replace the whole lower unit with a leg from a motor with a suitable shaft length, but this increases the cost of reworking. The alternative might be to make a line between the cylinder block and the lower unit, but this is a disorientation disorder and not recommended.
| Parameter | Wind 8 (Original) | Chinese analogue 3.5-5 hp | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaft diameter | 12 mm (approximately) | 10-12 mm | Selection of sleeve or re-installation |
| The length of lower unit | Standard 50 cm | Often shorter. | Extension of the shaft or extension |
| Carburettor fastening | Through the collector | Often directly | Manufacture of adapter |
| Ignition system | Magneto/Contacts | Electronic CDI | Replacement of coil/switch |
When lengthening the shaft, it is critical to maintain balance, and the imbalance will lead to a strong vibration that will destroy bearings and glands in a matter of hours of operation.
First test and break-in
Once all the knots are assembled, the moment of truth comes, the first launch, which should be carried out in a barrel of water or on a body of water, observing fire safety measures, and the initial launch should take place on an enriched mixture.
During the break-in, you need to carefully monitor the temperature of the engine body and the presence of a jet of water from the control hole. The lack of water indicates problems with the pump or clogging of the cooling system.
The first 3-4 tanks of fuel use the mixture with an increased amount of oil (a ratio of 1:25 instead of 1:50) to ensure high-quality grinding of new parts.
The break-in should be done in a gentle mode, without sharp openings of the throttle and working at full speed, which will allow the parts to get lost in each other and ensure a long life of the engine.
Successful reworking of Wind 8 under the Chinese engine saves up to 70% of the cost of the new engine, while maintaining the reliability of the Soviet gearbox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put a Chinese engine with a capacity of 9.9 hp on Wind 8?
Theoretically, it can, but it will require strengthening the lower unit and replacing the propeller. The Windy 8 gearbox is not designed for this power and may not withstand the load, especially when going to plane.
Should I change the lower unit when installing the Chinese block?
Not necessarily. If the shaft is long enough and the diameters are the same, you can use your native lower unit, but often you need to replace the glands and bearings with more modern ones.
Where can I get the transition plate drawings?
There are no universal drawings, because the Chinese engine models differ, and the plate is made individually for a specific pair of cylinders - diewood by removing dimensions and creating a template.
How does the reworking affect the engine life?
With high-quality performance and proper alignment, the resource of the redesigned engine can exceed the resource of the original Wind due to the more modern design of the Chinese unit and the absence of scarce spare parts.