4
Engine Inspection
Remember your
“WOBBS”
every morning:
W
ater (Coolant),
O
il,
B
ilges (Inspect and Pump-out),
B
elts and
S
ea Strainer.
Check the level of COOLANT in the expansion tanks. The coolant reservoir is located in the engine
compartment starboard side accessed from the salon hatch. The coolant level should be anywhere between
the two lines on the overflow reservoir.
While you have access to the front of the engine, check for leaking fluids.
Check the level of OIL in the engine by checking your dipstick located at the forward port side of engine.
The dipstick has a red handle and is also accessed by opening the hatchway in the salon by the door. Look at
the etch marks on the dipstick that indicates the proper oil level.
DO NOT OVERFILL THE OIL!
Overfilling is a bad thing to do to a diesel engine. The excess oil will escape somehow, perhaps by blowing a
head gasket. Oil is filled at the top of the engine. Only fill if oil levels are below the ½ way mark. Use the
onboard spare oil to add no more than a cup at a time. Then check the level again. Please use a paper towel
or oil rag, not the dish towels! Expect the oil to be blacker than that of a gasoline powered automobile
engine…this is normal for a diesel after only a few hours of operation.
Check the general condition of the BELTS, HOSES, and FUEL LINES.
Ensure the valve on each RAW WATER THRU-HULL is in the
‘open’
position (lever in-line with valve).
Observe the glass of each RAW WATER STRAINER for debris. If necessary, close the seacock, open the
strainer cover, clean the strainer, and reassemble. Remember to reopen the seacock. Check your generator
fluids as well.
In addition, ensure the valves to the A/C THRU-HULL and GENSET THRU-HULL are in the open position.
The A/C THRU-HULL and GENSET THRU-HULL are located on the port side of the engine compartment
and are labeled.
Start-Up
Before starting the engine, do your inspection. Ensure the GEARSHIFT is in ‘neutral’, or the engine cannot
be started because of the “neutral lockout”. THROTTLE should be run up and down and then brought
almost back to the idle position. Insert key into the IGNITION SWITCH.
Turn the key clockwise partially until the ENGINE ALARM sounds and pre-heat the engine. Once the beep
stops, turn the key fully clockwise to start the engine. If the starter does not engage when the key is turned,
move the gearshift lever slightly until you find neutral and try again while turning key. Be sure the
DEADMAN SWITCH SAFETY LANYARD is connected tightly. Expect the engine to start within 2
seconds. If the engine doesn’t start after 5 seconds of cranking, turn the key to the left and remove it. Wait 15
seconds and try again. Never turn key longer than 10-seconds, starter damage will result.
If the engine cranks slowly or fails to turn over, check the condition of the battery on the ELECTRICAL
PANEL. If the battery is low, try the BATTERY PARALLEL SWITCH located on the port side in the
lazarette to connect the other engine battery. Turn off after using.
No engine preheat is needed. A high load on a cold engine provides better combustion and a faster engine
warm-up than no load. Avoid idling any longer than necessary. Verify that there is raw water being expelled
in the engine exhaust.