A Boater’s Guide to Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance
Summer is the outdoor enthusiast’s best friend. It’s the best time to enjoy being outdoors and has all the best activities. You can hike, swim, play volleyball, and go sailing.
Sailing is its own adventure and you can do multiple summer activities on your boat. You can host parties aboard your boat, water ski, and go swimming. But to get the most out of your boat, you need to make sure that it’s in good shape.
One of the most important parts of boat maintenance is maintaining your marine diesel engine. Below are some of the best ways to keep your engine at optimal standards.
Check the Oil in Your Marine Diesel Engine
Oil is one of the most important parts of the engine. Before you go out, ensure that the oil level is more than halfway but not above the fill line.
You’ll also want to make sure that the color of your oil is black. Brown oil means contamination. If the oil is milky or has streaks, that means water has gotten into the oil. You will need to change the oil immediately.
Check the Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid helps the gears in a boat’s transmission run as they should. You should clean the transmission dipstick periodically and check the transmission fluid when you do so.
Wipe the transmission dipstick clean and then reinsert it so the threads touch the housing. Next, pull it back out and check the level of the fluid. You should also smell the fluid.
If you detect a burning smell, it’s time to change the transmission fluid. Other indicators can determine transmission issues.
Service Your Belts and Hoses
The belts and hoses on marine diesel generators help the engine to run. Wear and tear on any of these components can cripple the engine or stop it from working entirely.
Check the drive belts for proper adjustment. You can do this by pushing in the middle on the longest part of the belt. The flex on the belt should be a half-inch.
You should always carry spare belts and hoses on your boat.
Check the Coolant
Coolant prevents your boat’s engine from overheating. When your engine overheats, it causes stress and damage to the engine. Left alone for too long and it can cause your engine to die.
You should only check the coolant when the engine is cool.
Check the header tank cap gasket by removing the cap and turning it over. If there is wear and tear, replace it. Without a tight seal, you will lose coolant.
As for the coolant level, make sure it stays close to the top of the fill line.
Helpful Tips for Everyday Life
To get the most out of your boat this summer, you need to perform regular maintenance on your marine diesel engine. You should be aware of your transmission fluid and oil levels and verify their health.
You should also make sure the internal components of your engine are in pristine condition.
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