Just bought a Hunter 31. My last boat had an atomic 4 and I did my own engine work. This boat has a 21 hp diesel which I know nothing about. I would like to take a course on understanding this engine. Does anyone have any ideas? I live in the northeast. Also, the boat has solar panels on it. the previous owner has no info on the panels. There are no identifing marks on the panels either. Anyone have any ideas on getting some info on them?
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- Thread starter DanCurilla
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http://www.mackboring.com/recreationalmarine/ You did not mention engine manufacture but if it is a Yanmar (I think it is) Mack Boreing gives classes on working on these engines. However basic maintenance is not that different from any other engine. Oil and filter changes are same principle, remove and replace. Changing fuel filters (should be two) is not hard but you will need to know how to bleed the fuel system after you change the filter. Best learned by doing with someone who knows how to do it and can walk you thru it step by step. As far as "understanding" the engine you may want to purchase the Yanmar book on that model lots of information to explain how it works. As far as the solar panel sorry can''t help there but Good Luck with you new boat ! http://www.mackboring.com/recreationalmarine/SiteSearch.aspx?search=classes
I agree that taking a course from Mack Boring or any small marine diesel course would be money well spent. Most of these courses (I took the "Diesel Dork" course many years ago given in Annapolis and well worth it) have typical engines in the classroom to show you how to do various basic tasks. As to the solar panels, if they have no identification on them I would measure them and compare their dimensions to those in various catalogs as solar panel output is typically a function of the size and number of the cells exposed to the sun. That ought to get you into the ballpark...
If you could work on and understand an Atomic, it shouldn't be that much of a stretch to get used to the diesel. Maybe doing some web-based research on diesel theory in general would be helpful? That an a shop manual for that engine will go a long way.
I have rebuilt numerous two and four stroke motorcycle engines, and had to put a new head on my Yanmar 1GM the other year. I didn't think it was all bad... by the time I was done, I really thought diesels are beautiful in their simplicity. In my case, the exhaust passage in the head had rusted through, but in most cases fuel seems to be the problem.
If you are having problems, generally check the fuel first (clogged filters, water, sludge in tank, etc). Keep extra fuel filters (primary and secondary) onboard.
Also Torrenson (SP?) Marine seems to have a lot of resources online.
I have rebuilt numerous two and four stroke motorcycle engines, and had to put a new head on my Yanmar 1GM the other year. I didn't think it was all bad... by the time I was done, I really thought diesels are beautiful in their simplicity. In my case, the exhaust passage in the head had rusted through, but in most cases fuel seems to be the problem.
If you are having problems, generally check the fuel first (clogged filters, water, sludge in tank, etc). Keep extra fuel filters (primary and secondary) onboard.
Also Torrenson (SP?) Marine seems to have a lot of resources online.
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