NW Explorations
AQUILA OPERATING MANUAL
|
39
4J:
Engine & Transmissions
4J1: General Discussion
The main engines on the boat are John Deere 6068 TFM Turbocharged Diesels each producing a maximum of
225 horsepower. These extraordinarily-reliable, rugged machines are the top-of-the-line, and can be expected
to give you trouble-free, economical cruising.
The engines are controlled at the lower helm with a key and start button; at the upper helm there are stop and
start buttons for emergencies.
On engine start, no long warm-up is required! Simply start the engines just before you leave
the dock to begin in-harbor maneuvering.
Do not run the engines over 1400 RPM until the temperature gauge reads at least 140 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Do not run the engines for long periods with the transmission in neutral, with no load.
Engine gauges are in two clusters of four (one cluster for each engine, port and starboard) at each helm. Each
cluster has engine oil pressure; engine temperature; tachometer; and battery current in amps. In the center of
the panel is a rudder position indicator.
Engine Hours are shown in the LCD readouts in the center of each engine’s tachometer when the engine
power switch is “On”.
4J2: Checking the Engines
The engines require a regular, daily check, since once underway, you
will probably not check them while in use, tucked away as they are in
the engine room. Please perform this check each morning (when the
engine room is cool!):
Check the Oil
The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick located
on the inboard side of each engine; the stick “pulls out” upward. Use
a paper towel from the roll provided, wipe the stick, reinsert, and
take reading. The distance between the two marks is about 1.5
quarts. Add only enough oil to bring it up above the “add” mark, say
a quart, using the oil provided on the boat. The oil fill on the engine
is the lower cap on the top front of the engine’s valve cover (NOT the
highest-point
water fill cap [see below]).
After reinserting, be sure to tighten the cap, but do not over-tighten.
DO NOT OVERFILL the crankcase (above the “full” mark), as the
engine will quickly waste excessive lubricant. If oil is required often,
check under the engine carefully to be sure there is no oil leak, and if
there is, have it corrected promptly.
Check the Coolant Level
The heat exchanger coolant tank is located above the exhaust
manifold on the forward port side of each engine. The cap on the heat exchanger on the engine should NOT
be opened when the engne is running, and if the engine seem to be running at normal temperatures (180-200
Dipsticks:The (above) starboard engine
(below) the port engine.
In this view of the forward end of the starboard
engine, you see both fill caps. RED is the Oil Fill
(low), BLUE is the Water Fill(high)!
