Do you handle routine maintenance, minor repairs, or major projects on your engine, or do you hire the work out? If you do your own work, did you learn how on your current boat or have you always been handy with engines? Have you found any books to be particularly handy? If you hire the work out, how did you find a mechanic you trust... or did you?
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Rob
"I did it... My... Way.."
I do all of the routine work on my Atomic 4 myself. I rely heavily on information gleaned from this site, as well as a great list-serve on sailnet.com for A-4 owners, and Moyer Marine. I have always had a fondness for machinery, so A-4 maintenance came kind of naturally to me, especially since I had two VW Rabbits when I was a kid. The Rabbits inline four cylinder engines, like the Atomic, so the engine layout was somewhat familiar. A-4's require regimented preventive maintenance. Properly maintained, however, I understand that they are great engines. Mine has been fantastic so far, and I like the familiarity that routine maintenance brings. When something goes wrong (clogged fuel filter last week), it is easier to troubleshoot/diagnose if you work on the engine regularly. For serious work, such as an engine alignment/cutlass bearings, I rely on my mechanic, whom I found by word of mouth. He is one of a handful who work on the lake down here, and while not cheap, he is well worth his hourly rate. Best Regards, Rob
I do all of the routine work on my Atomic 4 myself. I rely heavily on information gleaned from this site, as well as a great list-serve on sailnet.com for A-4 owners, and Moyer Marine. I have always had a fondness for machinery, so A-4 maintenance came kind of naturally to me, especially since I had two VW Rabbits when I was a kid. The Rabbits inline four cylinder engines, like the Atomic, so the engine layout was somewhat familiar. A-4's require regimented preventive maintenance. Properly maintained, however, I understand that they are great engines. Mine has been fantastic so far, and I like the familiarity that routine maintenance brings. When something goes wrong (clogged fuel filter last week), it is easier to troubleshoot/diagnose if you work on the engine regularly. For serious work, such as an engine alignment/cutlass bearings, I rely on my mechanic, whom I found by word of mouth. He is one of a handful who work on the lake down here, and while not cheap, he is well worth his hourly rate. Best Regards, Rob
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Larry Watkins
Engine work
I'm good with tools, worked in the metal fabrication biz for many years, know welding and machining and do as much of my own work as I can; routine oil/filter changes, repairs, etc. I was on army tugs in the service and that taught me a lot. In 25 years of sailing, I've never had to hire a mechanic, although I did hire an electrician some months ago who never did find the problem with my alternator/regulator and whom I still had to pay when he gave up.
I'm good with tools, worked in the metal fabrication biz for many years, know welding and machining and do as much of my own work as I can; routine oil/filter changes, repairs, etc. I was on army tugs in the service and that taught me a lot. In 25 years of sailing, I've never had to hire a mechanic, although I did hire an electrician some months ago who never did find the problem with my alternator/regulator and whom I still had to pay when he gave up.
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Tom Plourde
Do You Work On Your Own Engine
{1} I hire out most of the work but I am capable of doing the work myself. {2} I continue to use the dealer as they have the most experience working on Hunter Boats and are quick to rectify deviations properly.
{1} I hire out most of the work but I am capable of doing the work myself. {2} I continue to use the dealer as they have the most experience working on Hunter Boats and are quick to rectify deviations properly.
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Dave Tedesco
Engine Work
I bought a Suzuki 4-stroke outboard a couple years ago. One year I bring it back to the dealer I purchased it from, for a complete tune-up. The next year I do the maintenance myself; spark plugs, oil change, lower unit oil change. I purchase all the material from the dealer, so he knows it's being maintained to manufacturer's specs. I've always been handy with engine maintenance, but I've never worked exensively with outboards.
I bought a Suzuki 4-stroke outboard a couple years ago. One year I bring it back to the dealer I purchased it from, for a complete tune-up. The next year I do the maintenance myself; spark plugs, oil change, lower unit oil change. I purchase all the material from the dealer, so he knows it's being maintained to manufacturer's specs. I've always been handy with engine maintenance, but I've never worked exensively with outboards.
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red coles
DIY
I am a confirmed DIYr. I do all maintenance and repairs on my boats. cars, house, etc. I have always been handy, but, I think one of the reasons I do this is, I hate to pay for something I can do myself. I also feel that the repair is done correctly, but the best reason is I never get stranded as I know I can fix the problem. Good luck red
I am a confirmed DIYr. I do all maintenance and repairs on my boats. cars, house, etc. I have always been handy, but, I think one of the reasons I do this is, I hate to pay for something I can do myself. I also feel that the repair is done correctly, but the best reason is I never get stranded as I know I can fix the problem. Good luck red
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Blaine Keckley
When I bought my 1993 Beneteau 310 eight years ago it was my first experience with a diesel engine (Volvo 2002). Working with the Volvo manuals, I have learned routine maintenance. Have yet to face a major repair although I have replaced the fuel tank and added engine compartment insulation. The engine manuals seem inadequate. For instance they refer to zincs that are not there. Have taken the Power Squadron engine course which was helpful as well as a one day workshop offered by Great Lakes Diesel in Vermillion, OH. Ordering maintenance parts has always seemed to be very slow. As is anything ordered from Beneteau. Recently have been dealing with Wheel and Rudder Marine Service (www.volvopentaparts.com) which has provided excellent service with 2-day delivery.
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DAVID PERKINS
ALWAYS
I ALWAYS DO MY OWN WORK ,,,, MOSTY BECAUSE I DONT TRUST ANYONE ELSES WORK ON MY BOAT .... 23 YEARS MASTER MACHINIST ... HAND LAYED FIBER GLASS ... I HAVE BUILT SAILBOATS UP TO 28FT... CERTIFIED MACH. .. CERTIFIED WELDER..JACK OF ALL TRADES .... AND IF YOU DO YOUR OWN WORK YOU ONLY HAVE ONE PERSON TO GET MAD AT IF SOMETHING BREAKS ..... DAVID
I ALWAYS DO MY OWN WORK ,,,, MOSTY BECAUSE I DONT TRUST ANYONE ELSES WORK ON MY BOAT .... 23 YEARS MASTER MACHINIST ... HAND LAYED FIBER GLASS ... I HAVE BUILT SAILBOATS UP TO 28FT... CERTIFIED MACH. .. CERTIFIED WELDER..JACK OF ALL TRADES .... AND IF YOU DO YOUR OWN WORK YOU ONLY HAVE ONE PERSON TO GET MAD AT IF SOMETHING BREAKS ..... DAVID
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Paul Akers
Whatever I can
I do all preventive maintenance myself, including oil changes, filter replacements, antifreeze, etc. Whatever I trust myself to do or have time to do. Big jobs, I'll relinquish to hired help. I've had such things as mixing elbows, injectors, alternators (sent out) and valve adjustments done by hired hands.
I do all preventive maintenance myself, including oil changes, filter replacements, antifreeze, etc. Whatever I trust myself to do or have time to do. Big jobs, I'll relinquish to hired help. I've had such things as mixing elbows, injectors, alternators (sent out) and valve adjustments done by hired hands.
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Oscar Ycaza
Wish I could
Just bought the boat and it is in need of major engine repair so I anxiously await replies, hints, and any other help to be gotten from the experts or more experienced. Great idea of a weekly forum topic, look forward to it. Tks2all
Just bought the boat and it is in need of major engine repair so I anxiously await replies, hints, and any other help to be gotten from the experts or more experienced. Great idea of a weekly forum topic, look forward to it. Tks2all
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Jeffrey DeLotto
Want to do more
I do what I can, change the oil, filters, hoses, etc., but I want to do it all. I will replace the exhaust manifold gasket this winter and hope I don't have to call in a mechanic to finish....I still don't have the fuel line bleeding down....
I do what I can, change the oil, filters, hoses, etc., but I want to do it all. I will replace the exhaust manifold gasket this winter and hope I don't have to call in a mechanic to finish....I still don't have the fuel line bleeding down....
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Ross Harris
master mechanic...never
For years I have had a great mechanic, he is no longer doing the work. So I attempt some repairs. Most of the other mechanics in the area have difficulty in locating parts for the OMC sail drive. Any help on spare parts and stainless steel props would be greatly appreciated. Ross Harris, email sirius@dmv.com sv Miracle
For years I have had a great mechanic, he is no longer doing the work. So I attempt some repairs. Most of the other mechanics in the area have difficulty in locating parts for the OMC sail drive. Any help on spare parts and stainless steel props would be greatly appreciated. Ross Harris, email sirius@dmv.com sv Miracle
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William Fraser
big bucks
My 432 Beneteau was in need of a general maintenance review when I brought it in from Pompano Beach last year. I was able to do the minor repair work to pumps and cosmetics, running rigging etc but have found the only way to efficiently and quickly effect significant repairs or improvements is to have it done professionally. From a new fuel filter system to electrical/electronics work, I always go to Gulf Stream Marine here at the city marina. It costs more initially however the upgrades are perfect, and the repairs always increase the seaworthiness and appearance of the boat. Unless you have a relatively new boat or have alot of spare time, its the only way to go. Regards, Fraser S/V "Soul"
My 432 Beneteau was in need of a general maintenance review when I brought it in from Pompano Beach last year. I was able to do the minor repair work to pumps and cosmetics, running rigging etc but have found the only way to efficiently and quickly effect significant repairs or improvements is to have it done professionally. From a new fuel filter system to electrical/electronics work, I always go to Gulf Stream Marine here at the city marina. It costs more initially however the upgrades are perfect, and the repairs always increase the seaworthiness and appearance of the boat. Unless you have a relatively new boat or have alot of spare time, its the only way to go. Regards, Fraser S/V "Soul"
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Gill Louw
Basic maintenance - sure
I make a point of performing the basic maintenance of the engine including winterizing. It is a good way of getting to know your boats engine and alerts you to any issues that may be developing. The Yanmar engine manual and the Beneteau owners manual are both very helpful in this regard. When it come to more serious problems I call in the experts - they break less than I do!
I make a point of performing the basic maintenance of the engine including winterizing. It is a good way of getting to know your boats engine and alerts you to any issues that may be developing. The Yanmar engine manual and the Beneteau owners manual are both very helpful in this regard. When it come to more serious problems I call in the experts - they break less than I do!
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R. Young
If its obvious
I make an attempt to understand my diesal engine and can do all of the basic yearly maintenance and problem stuff such as bleeding the engine. My basic position is, if its obvious what the problem is - then I do it myself. If its not obvious after some inspection - then bring in the professionals. To date after 5 years, I have not had anything yet I could not handle myself. Roger Destiny Hunter 37 (Yanmar 3G30)
I make an attempt to understand my diesal engine and can do all of the basic yearly maintenance and problem stuff such as bleeding the engine. My basic position is, if its obvious what the problem is - then I do it myself. If its not obvious after some inspection - then bring in the professionals. To date after 5 years, I have not had anything yet I could not handle myself. Roger Destiny Hunter 37 (Yanmar 3G30)
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Pete Ludlow
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Gene Keller
DYI
Work on it myself, of course, there are to many self proclaimed diesel mechanics out there. I started working on engines (out boards) when I was a kid, then graduated to automotive when I had a vw beetle (by necessity), first diesel was in my 28.5 which I maintained. First major was in my current boat when I had to regasket the entire engine because I (wrongly) decided to use synthetic oil and it bypassed the gaskets into my engine compartment. Best book I have found is the one published by Yanmar, well worth every penny spent on it!!!! Advice, if you have a yanmar, dont bother with Calder's books as they are general and most I've read seem to pertain more towards Perkins, Westerbeke,and Universals. The Yanmar needs very little maintenance that would require a mechanic, as long as you are fairly handy with tools and can read! The only thing that is nagging with my 3GMF is getting carbon dust into the starter solenoid which makes it intermittent, resulting in removing the starter to allow regular cleaning.
Work on it myself, of course, there are to many self proclaimed diesel mechanics out there. I started working on engines (out boards) when I was a kid, then graduated to automotive when I had a vw beetle (by necessity), first diesel was in my 28.5 which I maintained. First major was in my current boat when I had to regasket the entire engine because I (wrongly) decided to use synthetic oil and it bypassed the gaskets into my engine compartment. Best book I have found is the one published by Yanmar, well worth every penny spent on it!!!! Advice, if you have a yanmar, dont bother with Calder's books as they are general and most I've read seem to pertain more towards Perkins, Westerbeke,and Universals. The Yanmar needs very little maintenance that would require a mechanic, as long as you are fairly handy with tools and can read! The only thing that is nagging with my 3GMF is getting carbon dust into the starter solenoid which makes it intermittent, resulting in removing the starter to allow regular cleaning.
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John Blossom
Back to the Shade Tree
I paid someone to get the motor on my O'Day up and running after I purchased it this spring. Never having owned an outboard before, I had committed the cardinal sin of starting it up out of the water, and blowing the water pump. There went $250 real quickly! Over the summer I have ordered up the manual for this 1985 7.5HP mercury, popped the cover on it to see that it was a relatively crude thing. I was able to change everything on my old Chevy Vega years ago (and HAD to change virtually everything at one time or another), so I guess that I will give this a shot come the fall on my own! I'll be looking at this discussion for "do's and don'ts.
I paid someone to get the motor on my O'Day up and running after I purchased it this spring. Never having owned an outboard before, I had committed the cardinal sin of starting it up out of the water, and blowing the water pump. There went $250 real quickly! Over the summer I have ordered up the manual for this 1985 7.5HP mercury, popped the cover on it to see that it was a relatively crude thing. I was able to change everything on my old Chevy Vega years ago (and HAD to change virtually everything at one time or another), so I guess that I will give this a shot come the fall on my own! I'll be looking at this discussion for "do's and don'ts.
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George Fletcher
Couldn't if you wanted to - - -
Owning a Hunter 450 and doing your own engine maintenance is an oxymoron. Hunter placed a Yanmar engine in an engine space designed for the Volvo motor. Voila! No access to critical items such as raw water impeller and pump; no access to the starter or its' electrical connections. Hunter's position? "You bought a sailboat, not a power boat!" Now there's a statement of support. They continue to build them this way without regard to a cruising sailor's need for access to a reliable aux engine in a pinch. Think about that 450 owners, next time you are in a blow and need your aux for some steerage! Just hope the impeller doesn't decide to come apart or the starter go under theses conditions.
Owning a Hunter 450 and doing your own engine maintenance is an oxymoron. Hunter placed a Yanmar engine in an engine space designed for the Volvo motor. Voila! No access to critical items such as raw water impeller and pump; no access to the starter or its' electrical connections. Hunter's position? "You bought a sailboat, not a power boat!" Now there's a statement of support. They continue to build them this way without regard to a cruising sailor's need for access to a reliable aux engine in a pinch. Think about that 450 owners, next time you are in a blow and need your aux for some steerage! Just hope the impeller doesn't decide to come apart or the starter go under theses conditions.
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jim johnson
engine work
I do all of my own engine maintenance. If it was major diesel work I might hire someone to di it, ie: rebuild.
I do all of my own engine maintenance. If it was major diesel work I might hire someone to di it, ie: rebuild.
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