"Must have" Socket Sizes

[FlyMeAway]

Looking at toolkit / socket wrench sets for our R-31 / D4-300. There are two many options. What are some "must have" socket / ratchet / wrench sizes for this boat and engine?

 

[knotflying]

You would probably want up to 22mm and maybe a 25mm. I carry sockets and combination open end/box wrench

 

[FlyMeAway]

Why as high as 22mm or 25mm? That's larger than in most sets... Which bolts are that large?

 

[Katmat]

Why as high as 22mm or 25mm? That's larger than in most sets... Which bolts are that large?

Crankshaft, may need to turn it to install a belt.

 

[Levitation]

What size are the engine mount nuts?

 

[FlyMeAway]

Crankshaft, may need to turn it to install a belt.

That sounds like it could be done relatively easily with an adjustable wrench rather than a ratchet/socket?

 

[Katmat]

Crankshaft, may need to turn it to install a belt.

That sounds like it could be done relatively easily with an adjustable wrench rather than a ratchet/socket?

Many crankshaft bolts are recessed inside the pulley.

 

[knotflying]

Crankshaft, may need to turn it to install a belt.

That sounds like it could be done relatively easily with an adjustable wrench rather than a ratchet/socket?

When I was in trade school one of the first lessons leaned, "Use each tool for the purpose intended". Check your crank bolt to see if you can use an adjustable. You may even want to confirm the size.

 

[BB marine]

The best way to set up your tool box is plan a day to go to your boat and familiarize yourself with the engine and components. Make up a check sheet of maintenance items that may need servicing while under way. Put your hands on the components. If you can't reach them or measure them you probably can't work on them. Examples:
Coupling nuts
Packing Nuts
motor mounts- hold down and adjusting nuts
pulley fasteners
water pump
oil filter and fuel filter wrench sizes
engine cover bolt
belt size or part number
filter numbers
hose clamp sizes ( some are metric some are standard )
Prop nut size and anode size

Inspect each serviceable component and then think about what tools may be needed to complete a task.

In general a metric and standard wrench and socket sets 5/16 to 7/8 and 6 MM to 18MM. Socket head wrench sets.General selection of metric and standard (SAE) hex keys, including 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 mm and 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8-in.

Basic tools for the most part we all have onboard. screw drivers, plier sets, adjustable wrench, screw gun and bits, ball peen hammer, small pry bar, vise grips, VOA meter,..... My list is more but I plan for the worst and hope for the best !!!

After your review of the engine and serviceable components use a machinist rule or caliber to measure the nuts and bolts that you question the size. Record and then purchase the individual sizes special to your boat.

This exercise accomplishes two things. Gives you an understanding of where components are and what it will take to service them along with fitting your tool box for essential tools. Over the 5 years of owning my C26 I have made additions to my tool bag and removed tools that I found not necessary to keep on board.