Spring Engine Reminder !!

[Maine Sail]

I thought this quote would be appropriate with spring right around the corner!Quote:"so...there I was ... starting my engine for the 1st time in 2 years!...thought I would make sure it was going to cool well and hooked up the garden hose to the water pump....Filled the engine right up...."I'm going to be blunt and to the point here so that it may prevent the above incident from happening this spring!NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER CONNECT PRESSURIZED WATER OF ANY TYPE TO YOUR RAW WATER INTAKE ON THE ENGINE!!!Connecting street pressure or well water pressure directly to your raw water pump can cause severe engine damage on inboard powered engines! If you don't fill the muffler and back feed the engine that way, the pressurized water will, in many if not most cases, blow by the internal seals in the water pump thus forcing water directly into the engines oil supply! This problem has NOTHING to do with the condition of your impeller and everything to do with how not to flush or run a motor on the hard.THE RAW WATER PUMP IS A PUMP AND IS NOT DESIGNED TO BE FORCE FED BY HIGH PRESSURE SUPPLIES!!!I've know of many a motor that have been totaled due to hydro-locking especially ones that were running when this happened. Also, If you engine won't start, for some strange reason, ALWAYS close the raw water intake while cranking the engine over then open it once it starts. This will prevent flooding of the water-lift muffler and hydro-locking the engine.Just thought this would be a good reminder with spring right around the corner and many new boat owners anxious to fire up the iron genny on the hard..

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

other neat hints

I'm not sure how much this helps given it's almost spring but to prevent problems in spring commissioning, these hints can't hurt if done judiciously -periodically check to ensure the batteries, if kept aboard, are fully charged;periodically, crank the engine for no more than a few seconds, with the stop cable engaged, just to turn the crank and impeller to preclude "freezing" ( this is a debatable suggestion as it does cause some wear but may be less problemmatic than not doing so);run all compressors (A/C, refrigerator, etc.) for a short time to lube the seals to preclude drying.if you use them, check the poppets as they can shift.

 

[Maine Sail]

Good advice Don..

But...Quote:"periodically, crank the engine for no more than a few seconds, with the stop cable engaged, just to turn the crank and impeller to preclude "freezing""I actually remove the impeller, over the winter, so it is not in contact with any antifreeze. I save this a my new spare and install a fresh impeller each spring. it takes all of about 5 minutes to remove the impeller..I also fogg my engine during winterizing to help prevent seizing..

 

[Warren Milberg]

Here's my 2 cents re spring maintenance:

- If you didn't change your oil and filter in the fall, do it when the season starts- Don't forget to change your trans oil/fluid too- Check or change your antifreeze solution on the fresh water side of the engine- Check or change your raw water impeller (and don't forget a new gasket)- Check, adjust, or change your water pump belt and alternator belt (I really like Gates belts!)- Clean your air filter/silencer if you have one- Check and grease all the connections on your throttle and trans linkage- Check all your hose clamps- Make sure your raw water strainer is cleanI'm sure there is more....butIt was over 70-deg here today and I just back from the boat. Just thinking about all this makes me wanna go sailing!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

fogging a diesel?

hope you don't mind me changing the subject a little Mainesail -Even with the stop control pulled out, the engine can start on the fogging oil.Can you somehow hand-crank your (diesel) engine?

 

[Maine Sail]

Don I usually

It's the last thing I do before she goes to bed and yes it's easy to turn the engine with a large breaker bar. Although I have sprayed it in just before I shut her down, and never had a problem with run on, but I do feel hand cranking does not burn it of the cyl walls as badly and leaves a better coating..

 

[Capt. Ed]

two things I do

First many engines have a decompression leaver that lets you turn over the engine without compression . I use this to lube the engine for the winter . I also have used pressure water to winterise the engine ,and I am aware of the problem it causes . My solution ,put a hose restriction in line . You can then control the amount of water . It is still safer to use a hose and bucket. On my Catalina 30 I simply fill the bilge and suck the water from there .