Mystery component

[mjt]

Whilst I was sucking up the dregs from the engine bilge (the old Perkins leaks a bit of oil) I fished out this item. I wonder if anybody has any idea what it is (other than a large roll pin with a washer jammed onto it) and where it might have come from. It's almost certainly been down there since before we bought the boat 6 years ago.

 

It's length is 65mm.

 

 

[JawsOrca]

I'd guess its a grommet to protect something like a fuel pipe when going through a bulkhead but not 100% sure.  

 

If everythings running though and you have a BSC then I wouldn't worry

[mjt]

Hi Alan, the bore of the pin is about 6mm which I'd think is far too small for that. I found it under the front of the engine together with what appeared to be a couple of pieces of shredded fan belt so I wondered if it might have been part of the alternator mounting but I took the alternator off a few years back to renew the brushes and didn't notice anything obviously missing.

 

Everything is running fine at the moment, touch wood.

[JawsOrca]

I doubt its anything to do with the alternator as they are quite basic things and should be secured with bolts (on the engine too).. it does look like its been forced into something though - maybe as a botch or to use to centre something.. I don't think its anything to do with your drive system (although I've not seen a enfield leg).. nothing comes to mind too.. intriguing though

 

Again don't worry too much.

[mjt]

I'm not worried, the boat's been running for the last six years without it. I'm just curious so thought I'd ask the large body of experienced boaters in case anyone recognised it.

[diesel falcon]

I think it's the remains of a gear shift cable guide??

[quo vadis]

Trev how would you know that isn't cash?