Maintenance

Workboat

The modem marine diesel is reasonably simple to operate, and, like most machinery, requires normal care and attention.

THE main thing to watch carefully is the fuel supply—this being the chief cause of engine stoppage. Dirty fuel and water content will cause slowing down, erratic running and even complete stoppage.

It is therefore recommended that a primary filter be fitted between the fuel tank and the feed pump or final filter.

Check to make certain there are no air leaks in the fuel lines. Air bubbles, even a few, will cause miss ing and ragged running.

Do not turn the fuel supply off at any time, unless in an emergency, as emptied pressure lines mean “bleed ing” the lines and system.

Slowing down may be due to poor cooling water circulation and is often slower to detect than on a petrol engine. Check the pump and sea cock regularly. Restriction on the air in take will cause very inefficient run ning.

Air ducts

Poor performance and overheating on air-cooled diesels will result if the correct and adequate inlet and outlet air ducts are not fitted. Some manu facturers waive their warranties if these conditions are not rigidly com plied with.

If the engine misses intermittently, check, and, if necessary, change an injector. If no spare is available, dis mantle, wash and free in clean dis tillate and reassemble. Have the in jector set immediately on return to port.

Change lubricating oil and filter elements regularly—usually each 100 hours or as manufacturers recom mend. Oil darkens and discolours more rapidly on diesel engines.

Do not attempt to dismantle the fuel injection pump unless in dire emergency. This should be carried out where correct facilities are avail able. Never use kerosene as a fuel, but if unavoidable in an emergency, add lubricating oil just to discolour the kerosene. Kerosene will damage the injection pump.