Key Boat Engine Maintenance Areas to Leave to a Specialist
If you have just bought a boat, then you should know from the onset that regular maintenance of the engine is essential to the boat's optimal functioning. The good news is that some simple engine maintenance tasks do not need special skills. For instance, checking oil and coolant levels and the sea strainer for debris are both visual checks that anyone can perform. However, due to the unique challenges that the marine environment offers, certain critical maintenance must be conducted by a boat engine mechanic. Here are areas on a diesel boat engine that require the maintenance services of a specialist.
Oil Change: Most boat owners think that just because they can correctly check the oil levels in the engine, they can as well change engine oil. There is a lot more that goes on during an engine oil change than just opening the oil reservoir, draining the content and refilling it. For example, old engine oil contains sludge which settles at the bottom of the reservoir. If you simply pour the oil when the engine is cold, then the sludge and debris will remain. Consequently, any fresh oil you put into the reservoir will be contaminated. A professional marine engineer understands this, and that is why they will first run the engine to churn up the sludge at the bottom of the sump. After that, the mechanic will drain the engine and replace the old oil. Whenever you want to change the engines oil, let a specialist handle the task.
Alternator Drive Belt: The alternator drive belt is another candidate you should consider for specialised maintenance services. This is because the belt drives the water pump and alternator from the crankshaft. Therefore, it plays a critical role in engine functioning and thus warrants maintenance service from a professional mechanic. For instance, an alternator drive belt must have the right tension to drive the pump and alternator efficiently. Therefore, you must know the correct tension values for you to recalibrate the belt correctly, and most boat owners do not have the information. Since a mechanic deals with different boat engines and brands, they are better placed to ensure the belt has adequate tension.
Exhaust: Very few boat owners, if any, know that the exhaust is part of a boat's engine. Therefore, the boat owners pay little focus to the condition of the exhaust pipe and its components. As the outlet for all the combustion byproducts from the engine, it is paramount to ensure that the exhaust system is in excellent condition. However, you need to disconnect the hose from the engine to clean any debris as well as corrosion. Notably, the task is not for the average boat owner. Not only will they clean the exhaust hose, but a professional mechanic will also spray the exhaust with an inhibitor to guard against future issues.
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