{"id":512,"date":"2019-10-29T04:46:05","date_gmt":"2019-10-29T04:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thompsonmarine.com\/?p=512"},"modified":"2022-01-31T02:50:28","modified_gmt":"2022-01-31T02:50:28","slug":"marine-engine-maintenance-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thompsonmarine.com\/blog\/marine-engine-maintenance-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Marine Engine Maintenance Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
When you\u2019re\u00a0yachting<\/a>,\u00a0fishing<\/a>, orrunning commercial boating<\/a>, you need to know how to maintain your marine engine. A clean and cared for diesel engine keeps every passenger on your boat safe, so it is critical that you conduct proper boat maintenance.<\/p>\n From how to take care of your engine cooling system to basic marine diesel engine maintenance, you want to understand everything involved in owning and taking care of a marine engine. First, you may want to know the typical costs of boat service, repair, and maintenance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A variety of factors affect the cost of boat and marine\u00a0engine maintenance and repairs<\/a>. What you pay to maintain your engine and boat depends on the following:<\/p>\n Your location may also have an impact on the marine engine repair cost, but in general, the problem with the engine is the most significant factor along with who repairs it.<\/p>\n If you want to know how much boat maintenance costs if you hire an expert to do the work, contact them beforehand to get an estimate. It\u2019s a good idea to interview several repair companies, to get an idea of the typical price of the work you want to be performed. While you do want a good deal, you don\u2019t want to choose the cheapest option.<\/p>\n Your boat needs maintenance and repair. Working with an inexperienced company or trying to do the job yourself can mean it needs more extensive repairs, at a higher cost, down the line.<\/p>\n Know what you need to maintain gives you an understanding of how much you can expect to pay.<\/p>\n Some types of marine engine problems are more common than others. If you notice any issues with your boat or engine, it may be one a lot of boat owners experience. Some of\u00a0the most common marine engine problems<\/a>\u00a0are:<\/p>\n While some of these are an easy fix, you may have something more complicated on your hands. Depending on the problem or combination of problems, you could need new parts or help from an expert, including\u00a0an engine rebuild<\/a>. Some repairs and maintenance are simple to conduct on your own, though.<\/p>\n Sometimes, the answer to questions like \u201cDo I need to change my boat oil every year?\u201d or, \u201cHow do I clean my marine engine?\u201d are easy to find. The boat\u2019s manual might give you step-by-step instructions or otherwise guide you through the process of changing the boat\u2019s oil or cleaning the engine.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t want to rely on general directions or advice when it comes to making repairs to your specific boat model. The maintenance and repair processes are often different for different models and engines. When in doubt, read the manual.<\/p>\n Some of the information you\u2019re likely to find in the manual includes:<\/p>\n Consider your manual your ultimate guide to boat maintenance. If you have any questions, read the manual, as you\u2019ll likely find a helpful answer there.<\/p>\n Whenever you perform any maintenance tasks, be sure to keep records. Taking notes on repair and maintenance is good practice for any mechanical system, especially marine diesel engines. It lets you see when a task was performed and can help you determine what an issue might be.<\/p>\n A few things to document when it comes to repairs include:<\/p>\n Keep the maintenance log somewhere safe and remember to update it whenever you conduct anything from basic marine diesel engine maintenance to complex repairs. You can take notes on engine hours of operation and create a calendar or schedule for repair in another section of the log. Recording how much use your marine engine has gotten will help you know when it\u2019s time to re-torque cylinder heads or change the oil.<\/p>\n Your maintenance and repair notes will be useful to anyone who uses your commercial boat or performs repairs. If a driver notices an issue with the engine, they can consult the notes to see if it\u2019s an ongoing problem. A repair person can review your notes to see if similar problems have happened before or if past maintenance work could have contributed to the current issue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While prior knowledge and a manual will help with certain fixes and upkeep, some systems require\u00a0the help of a professional<\/a>. When it comes to engine maintenance, rely on someone with experience and the right tools to take care of:<\/p>\n If you ever feel unsure about what to do, your safest option is to connect with someone who knows what they\u2019re doing. You don\u2019t want to risk damage to any part of your boat, especially when you use it for commercial purposes.<\/p>\n One maintenance task that\u2019s easy enough for most people to handle on their own is changing the oil in a boat engine. Oil does a lot for a marine engine, such as:<\/p>\n How often you need to change the oil depends partly on how frequently you use your boat. Usually, you\u2019ll want to change the oil after a certain number of hours of use or in the fall, before you put the boat away for the winter. When you change the oil, also replace the filter, gaskets, and seals at the same time.<\/p>\n Check your oil before every trip to make sure there\u2019s enough in the tank. You don\u2019t want to risk running low.<\/p>\n The\u00a0cooling system is one of the four critical aspects<\/a>\u00a0of a marine diesel engine \u2014 along with fuel, lubrication, and electricity. A malfunctioning cooling system can damage the entire engine.<\/p>\n A cooling system has two main components:<\/p>\n The raw-water and freshwater systems contain other components that keep them functioning, just as the engine as a whole does. Clogged sea strainers are not just one of the most common marine engine problems, but they are\u00a0the number one cause of failed boat engines<\/a>. Along with that issue comes raw-water impeller failure.<\/p>\n A properly functioning impeller should look like a gear with rubbery veins. Over time, the part absorbs seawater. As a result, the impeller and its veins harden, bend, or break. If that happens, your engine can\u2019t pump seawater in to cool down freshwater and other systems.<\/p>\n Removing the impeller in the fall keeps its veins from hardening. You can reinstall it in the spring or get a new one to replace it. You\u2019ll need a socket wrench and a tool to remove the impeller, but they are worthwhile purchases since this is a maintenance task that you need to do yearly.<\/p>\n When caring for your freshwater system, focus on the pressure cap. Without a proper seal, your engine could overheat, so choose a quality seal and install it according to specifications. Another simple maintenance fix is changing antifreeze every two years. Use extended-life varieties and only mix with distilled water to keep your marine engine running right.<\/p>\n Some maintenance jobs should be performed by a professional. For example, every three years, you must remove the heat exchanger for cleaning. You should send this device to a professional, but with most engines, you can remove it yourself. Remember, though, that if you have an ECM or common-rail engine, an expert should take care of the entire process.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What\u2019s the simplest way to take care of a diesel engine? Keep your fuel tank full. A full tank helps prevent microbial growth in the tank, which can harm the engine system. Other things to do to take care of your fuel system:<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re looking for new parts or reliable experts to service your engine,\u00a0Thompson Marine<\/a>\u00a0can help. We can meet your needs for\u00a0marine parts<\/a>\u00a0and can perform\u00a0certified engine rebuilds<\/a>\u00a0to give your system a second life.<\/p>\nHow Much Does Boat and Marine Engine Maintenance Cost?<\/h2>\n
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Most Common Marine Engine Problems<\/h2>\n
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Follow the Manual<\/h2>\n
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Take Notes<\/h2>\n
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When You Need a Professional<\/h2>\n
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How Often to Change Your Boat\u2019s Oil<\/h2>\n
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Know Your Cooling System<\/h2>\n
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Maintain Your Fuel<\/h2>\n
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Get Parts and Service With Thompson Marine<\/h2>\n