Members Only – Extended Video. Here’s what Simon does to check our engine before every start. These key steps are in place to reduce the likelihood of engine failure. Additionally, for our members only, Simon goes through his thoughts about taking a week-long Diesel Marine Engine course – should you do the same or is there a better way to spend your time and money? Finally, Simon offers the four main reasons that we’ve experienced engine failure on Britican over the last four years so that you learn from our mistakes and are better prepared!
Engine Checks & Engine Failure Prevention
Engine Checks & Engine Failure Prevention Tips
- If you have not purchased a boat yet, but have found one that you want to purchase, consider asking a Diesel Marine Mechanic to come on board to look it over with you. An engine is the heart of the boat – you want to make sure it’s strong and healthy. Ask to see the engine service log too (but don’t be surprised if one doesn’t exist).
- If you already have your boat, make sure to get the service guide for the particular engine you have. Most of them can be found online. Within the service guide there will be an outline or checklist as to when particular parts need to be serviced and/or changed. There are certain things that will need to be done every 300 miles (or so) and then there are other things that need to be done once a year, once every five years and so on. Get this list and find out what has and hasn’t been done.
- Also considering getting a Diesel Marine Mechanic to walk you through a standard service – learn how to change the oil, fuel filters, etc. You’ll also want to know how to change the coolant, impeller, air filters, oil filters, anodes, hoses, etc.
- Create a checklist according to your engines manual as to when you’re going to service the engine. See our ‘Checklists For Sailors’ for the engine checklists we use.
Engine Overheats – What Do We Do?
This is what Simon and I do. We’re obviously a product of our experiences and yours might be different, but when you’re engine stops running it’s nice to at least have some sort of emergency plan. Here’s what we do…
- Engine temperature is rising, alarms are going off, smell of overheating is apparent.
- Quickly look around and if safe to do so immediately turn the engine off.
- If possible, get sails out and head away from land, obstacles, etc. Put someone in charge of keeping the boat out of harms way and keeping a look-out.
- If there’s a buddy boat in the area, notify them immediately that you’re having issues and for them to standby (or if you’re in danger of hitting something, get them to come to your assistance immediately).
- Carefully open the engine compartments and visually inspect. You’re looking for anything obvious – water, coolant, oil or fuel anywhere around the engine bay. You might also be able to find a hose that blew off or cracked.
- If there’s no obvious signs of anything wrong in the engine bay, check the sea strainer(s). Getting a bag or a lot of seaweed in through the intake can clog the water from being able to cool the engine.
- Next, check the impeller. Impeller’s can break apart and stop working causing water to fail to enter the system.
- If you can quickly discover the issue, do your best to solve the problem (as noted in Simon’s video) – change the fuel filter, clear the sea strainer, change the impeller, fix the hose.
- While fixing the issue, consider how you can sail to a safe haven – either get close enough to call for a tow or the ability to anchor.
- If you can’t get the engine started or are ever in apparent and immediate danger make sure to do a MAYDAY. Use the our VHF template guide for assistance to make the call.
Final Thoughts About Engine Servicing
Your boat engine keeps you out of harms way. It’s one of the most important parts of a boat. If you’re going to be a liveaboard cruiser, it’s imperative that you learn how to service the engine and know how to change things if the engines fails. There are not too many things that can go wrong so it’s not an overwhelming amount to learn. Our advice is to really make sure you know what state your engines are in before you leave AND also know how to fix the common issues that may arise.
This is a good book to have in your boat library: Marine Diesel Engines: Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Repair, by Calder.
