500 hour maintenance

[John Harper]

I have a Yanmar 3GF with almost 500 hours after 3 years and a mechanic who's done well by me so far recommends winter maintenance that includes things that make sense (such as flushing the cooling system, cleaning the air filter, checking hoses, and replacing belts, impeller, and motor mounts). But I wonder about some other things he also recommends. These are (1) reconditioning the alternator (new brushes), (2) reconditioning injectors, and replacing the exhaust riser if necessary. I have a refrigerator qaboard, so there's also an upgraded alternator aboard, as well as 2 180v gel house batteries. Does it make sense to do these other things.Thank you for the advice.John Harper

 

[Steve Dion]

Question some of these things now.

John:My only question would be why you would want to do some of these things now. I do not know if you pull the boat in the off season. If you do it seems that you would do these things before or when you relaunch the boat. If you leave it in the water, the only thing I would do is check to see that the antifreeze is going to protect you system in the event of extreme freezing conditions. Most of this stuff seems better left for the recomissioning in the spring. Seems that changing the belts and hoses would be good preventative maintenance during recomissioning. I just don't see the advantage of doing this stuff and letting it sit and rot for 4-6 months.I assume that you were also only talking about checking the motor mounts, and not replacing them unless they are bad.The one thing that is probably due but you did not mention is a valve adjustment which I think is due at about 500hrs (but maybe not on your engine?). We have almost 900hrs (1985) on our engine and have never done anything to the injectors or the alternator. The one thing you should do is change the oil before you put her up.