Hello everyone, I own a 2000 Hunter 340 in the San Diego area, and I have been looking to try to find a good mechanic to do some basic engine work with very little luck. Does anyone around here know one they can suggest in the area? I need to have the engine oil changed and a few other minor items taken care of. Any help would be very appreciated. Thanks, -Levin
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mechanic
Levin; I would suggest you learn to do it yourself. It would familiarize you with your engine. Also learn to change fuel filters, bleed the system, etc. There are many classes in the SD area.
Levin; I would suggest you learn to do it yourself. It would familiarize you with your engine. Also learn to change fuel filters, bleed the system, etc. There are many classes in the SD area.
Nothing to add to that Levin,
except to point out that breakdowns on the water have to be dealt with by YOU. Sometimes no one will hear your call for help. And if they do, you won't want to pay the bill a second time.
except to point out that breakdowns on the water have to be dealt with by YOU. Sometimes no one will hear your call for help. And if they do, you won't want to pay the bill a second time.
That's all well and good...
...but before I take the trip out to Catalina in November I would like to have a qualified mechanic look at the engine, make sure it's up to stuff and unlikely to break down. I intend on asking a lot of questions and watching what he is doing... but for the first time I would rather pay and make sure it's done right. So again anyone live in San Diego and know of a good mechanic? Thanks, -Levin
...but before I take the trip out to Catalina in November I would like to have a qualified mechanic look at the engine, make sure it's up to stuff and unlikely to break down. I intend on asking a lot of questions and watching what he is doing... but for the first time I would rather pay and make sure it's done right. So again anyone live in San Diego and know of a good mechanic? Thanks, -Levin
Levin
I used to be a diesel mechanic in the army 15 years ago. The engines were a little different but I can tell you a few things that will help you realize yourself. Diesels don't have many of the problems that gas engines have so what can be discovered without extensive work isn't much and is easy to do. a) check belts for cracks...or just replace them anyway. b) replace fuel filters (usually more then one). May need to bleed the fuel system afterwards. c) get a multimeter and check the output volts from the alternator...should be at least 14. d) listen during startup and during running for any noises. Diesels run loud, but if there is a noise coming from inside the engine, then you will want to take an oil sample to a machine shop and have them run a test on it. They should be able to tell you what's wrong on the inside. Water pumps is a good place to listen for metal on metal sounds. e) look for water leaks while it runs, especially around the water pumps. f) replace your impeler. g) change your oil and oil filter. h) check your Transmition oil and engine oil after changing. i) check coolant levels. j) clean raw water filters...if you have a raw water engine. Most things on engines give warning signs before they go and these warning signs are usually some kind of sound. If your engine isn't making any unusual sounds then you should be fine. Some things though just don't give warnings and can't be noticed until it happens. If you don't know how to do any of the above things, look for a book about your engine and that should be enough. Worse case, make friends with somebody in the motor-pool. When I was in the army, all it took was a case of beer. As the other posters said...things don't break in the marina...and usually break at the worse times with the worse weather conditions so your going to have to learn how to do it yourself unless you got a couple grand to throw at a tow.
I used to be a diesel mechanic in the army 15 years ago. The engines were a little different but I can tell you a few things that will help you realize yourself. Diesels don't have many of the problems that gas engines have so what can be discovered without extensive work isn't much and is easy to do. a) check belts for cracks...or just replace them anyway. b) replace fuel filters (usually more then one). May need to bleed the fuel system afterwards. c) get a multimeter and check the output volts from the alternator...should be at least 14. d) listen during startup and during running for any noises. Diesels run loud, but if there is a noise coming from inside the engine, then you will want to take an oil sample to a machine shop and have them run a test on it. They should be able to tell you what's wrong on the inside. Water pumps is a good place to listen for metal on metal sounds. e) look for water leaks while it runs, especially around the water pumps. f) replace your impeler. g) change your oil and oil filter. h) check your Transmition oil and engine oil after changing. i) check coolant levels. j) clean raw water filters...if you have a raw water engine. Most things on engines give warning signs before they go and these warning signs are usually some kind of sound. If your engine isn't making any unusual sounds then you should be fine. Some things though just don't give warnings and can't be noticed until it happens. If you don't know how to do any of the above things, look for a book about your engine and that should be enough. Worse case, make friends with somebody in the motor-pool. When I was in the army, all it took was a case of beer. As the other posters said...things don't break in the marina...and usually break at the worse times with the worse weather conditions so your going to have to learn how to do it yourself unless you got a couple grand to throw at a tow.
Try the Yellow Pages
Nah, I don't think that's a good idea. Would you look for a doctor or lawyer in the Yellow Pages, I think NOT! Best way is by recommendation and credentials. You are certainly going to have to learn how to do the basic stuff yourself for the reasons stated. If you break down in your car, you can call your dealership. If you break down out on the big blue, there is no one but you. You need to know how to deal with mechanical issues BEFORE you go. The more you know the better your chances of survival and success
Nah, I don't think that's a good idea. Would you look for a doctor or lawyer in the Yellow Pages, I think NOT! Best way is by recommendation and credentials. You are certainly going to have to learn how to do the basic stuff yourself for the reasons stated. If you break down in your car, you can call your dealership. If you break down out on the big blue, there is no one but you. You need to know how to deal with mechanical issues BEFORE you go. The more you know the better your chances of survival and success
mechanic needed
I don't know if the is a mack boring dealership near you but you may want to try them (based in new jersey) and check into there "hands on" training course for yanmar diesel it is a great way to learn about working on yanmar engines. If you get into a real bind any john deere dealership should also be able to help with a mechanic as the small john deere engines are made by yanmar. good luck
I don't know if the is a mack boring dealership near you but you may want to try them (based in new jersey) and check into there "hands on" training course for yanmar diesel it is a great way to learn about working on yanmar engines. If you get into a real bind any john deere dealership should also be able to help with a mechanic as the small john deere engines are made by yanmar. good luck
Mechanic in San Diego
Levin, I totally agree with the other sailors here. You should be in range of Sea Tow all the way to Avalon and back, however, tis pretty easy to work on your boat. Then mechanic is simply going to do the stuff Franklin said and pronounce your iron genny healthy or terminal. But if you want to watch try this guy. Alfredo, 858-483-7715. He is one of the more highly regarded in San. He loves to teach the basics and since he is a very busy guy, once he shows you, it leaves him time for bigger and better projects. Super nice guy. He taught me alot. Rick s/v Whiskey Chaser
Levin, I totally agree with the other sailors here. You should be in range of Sea Tow all the way to Avalon and back, however, tis pretty easy to work on your boat. Then mechanic is simply going to do the stuff Franklin said and pronounce your iron genny healthy or terminal. But if you want to watch try this guy. Alfredo, 858-483-7715. He is one of the more highly regarded in San. He loves to teach the basics and since he is a very busy guy, once he shows you, it leaves him time for bigger and better projects. Super nice guy. He taught me alot. Rick s/v Whiskey Chaser
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