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Our boat engines have relatively high annual usage of approx 700 hours. We are advised by the Volvo Penta service agent to maintain a log of the engine oil consumption to help in monitoring the condition of the engines on both Speedbird and Concorde.
METHOD; As you do already, check the oil level as part of your start-up checks whilst the engine is cold and add oil if it is within 25% of or below the low mark. Spareoil is stowed under the nav table seat. Note that these engines must not be over-filled. If you do add oil then please enter the details of quantity and engine hours with a sketch of the dipstick in the on-board log and an entry "for info" in the defects report on the website. If you make a final oil level check after sailing then do so at least one hour after the engine has been stopped but DO NOT add oil to a warm engine.
NOTES ON BOAT ENGINE MANAGEMENT;
- Always use the glowplug heater for ten seconds before starting the engine.
- After starting, check that the idle speed is 750 to 800 rpm and allow the engine to idle for ten seconds before warming-up at 1500rpm. These engines must not be run at idle for extended periods and should be warmed-up in-gear by motoring against a spring and operated under load. Running at idle or under light load as when motor-sailing causes the engine to run cool which will cause condensation resulting in engine damage and glazing of the bores also the creation of more soot which clogs piston rings and valve stems, all leading to low compression and increased oil consumption. So, work the engine under load and get it up to temperature before you switch off.
- On an extended run vary the speed by 100rpm every 15 minutes and when you get the opportunity occasionally take the engine up to 3000 rpm (max revs) to work it hard and burn-off carbon deposits. (Black smoke from the exhaust means that the engine is over-fuelled so reduce the revs until the smoke stops and until you start to lose boat speed. Black smoke with a max attainable speed of around 2400 rpm probably means something like a plastic bag round the prop which a burst of reverse might throw clear.)
- Try to plan your passage so that you run into port from up-tide, not just on a crossing to Cherbourg but so that you are not punching a foul tide round Calshot for an hour or so, to reduce engine hours.
- The engine lubrication is also part of its cooling system so think of the wider picture and remember that the drivebelt drives the coolant pump as well as the alternator! is it tight and in good condition? Be alert to the signs of overheating such as reduced water-flow from the exhaust, steam in the exhaust, a dry loud exhaust note, all of which may show before the overheat light and buzzer come on. If you do clean the raw water strainer after stirring the mud in Newtown river then ensure that the black o-ring is in place when you refit the lid.
Boat management is part of effective skippering and will help to keep our sailing fees down so think of the money and Good Sailing!
Jeff Nellist, SOYC Training Team. September 2007.
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