Re: learning to troubleshoot & repair
I have been doing the marine and high performance engine gig longer than I really care to think.<br /> while changing oil is a good thing its not really maint, I have never seen a failure related to not changing the oil. one or two by running out but never from oil with a few hundred hours on it.<br /> modern electronics and EFI systems has made incredible strides in engine reliability.<br /> I would say 80% of all my works could have been prevented with 8 hours a year of maint.<br /> between contaminated fuel and cooling system failures, all of which had the maint schedule been followed would not have occured, that makes up the bulk of my work.<br /> salt water and some high mineral content water shorthens raw water cooled castings life span to 3-4 years, after that your begging for an expensive failure.<br /> same as the water pump, replace it once a year while removing the drive to inspect that aspect is routine, its only gets difficult when it has to be done.<br /> so while your reading on those cold winter nights pay strict attention to the maint schedules, note they are by hours OR calandar cycles, then go to the pertanant section and read why they want it to be done.<br /> Ill give ya ONE examble from real life on a 1983 3.0 aplha 1.<br /> man took it out, half winterized it and changed the drive and engine oils, no drive removal was done, it sat all winter of 04/05. at the april launch everthing was hunky dory, man she ran great. for about 1 hour.<br /> then the ujoints went to pieces. took out the upper case at the retainer and took out the transome shield.<br /> I was able to have a buddy weld the lip back on and salvage the shield for only 350 dollars, the drive set the guy back 1700. the alstenator and starter and trim motor all took a salt bath and failed as well.<br /> point is had routine monthly inspections, periodic replacement of rubber parts and a yearly inspection at layup could have kept the cost in the 350 dollar range.<br />you will find folks that say they get 10 years out of various parts, others pay dearly in 3. after 3 its roll the dice and hope for 7's.<br /> do the maint at the prescribed intravels, buy towing insurance as well as collision insurance and enjoy boating.
).<br /><br />The best things you can do right now is buy towing insurance, have a working ship to shore radio, make sure your boat is ship shape as far as safety equipment is concerned, carry a tool box with some basic hand tools.<br /><br />Seasonal maintenance is the best prevention of on the water failures. You can compile that information and learn to do it here. To try and learn boat engine diagnostics and repair takes a lot of training and cannot be done overnight.
