The Big Gardner Engine Lift

After lots of preparation we get around to the major task that has set us back months. On the first extended run of the engine to test the totally replumbed cooling system, a major problem appeared! A significant oil leak from the flywheel casing was diagnosed to be from the hydraulic gearbox input shaft oil seal. After lots of dicussion it was decided there was no choice but to remove the gearbox. To do this, the engine had to be raised to get access to the bolts on the lower side of the flywheel casing. In preparation for this major task, we had to source 3 chain blocks, 3 lengths of railway track as supports for the chain blocks and many other things, not least to fabricate a lifting beam to share the 1,200 kg load of the engine between 5 by ½" diameter studs. After much careful planning with safety a major issue, we were ready to commence. Video created on 25th & 27th March 2026 with recording/editing by Keith Holman, second cameras Nick Simpson. All volunteers with Sunderland Maritime Heritage in addition to recording, were Bob Crompton, Charlie Hastie, Steve Wright and Mick Milne. This is a charity run 100% by volunteers with the aim of preserving our local maritime heritage. Patreon “please follow this link if you’d like to support us”   / sunderlandmaritimeheritage   We are at Unit 2, Church Street East, Sunderland SR1 2BB Our Opening Hours are: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10.00 – 14.00 or by appointment. Contact details: [email protected] or Tel. 0191 510 2540 For donations, see our website below where all are gratefully accepted. Our website: www.sunderlandmaritimeheritage.org.uk I volunteer for SMH, some videos from this channel may also be seen on my channel as my aim is to spread the word about our charity as wide as possible:    / @keithklivideo   For further information email: [email protected]