Engine service

[russ]

Today I've had a go at doing my own service on the engine. Not a job I would like for a living. Its so awkward to get in and do anything.
All filters were low down and so bloody tightly fitted. I ended up hammering a screwdriver through the oil filter in order to undo the thread.

One lesson learnt, I did not heat the engine up enough to make the oil a bit thinner for the extractor to work fast enough.
Also chickened out on changing the plugs as my back was starting to ache and its just too low down. Job for Ross i think

 

[dash300]

I can't believe how much the mechanics are now charging for a simple service.
Perhaps it is because they call themseves marine engineers and ramp up the prices.
If your engine does not need to be plugged into a laptop do it yourself.
I have twin engines and save myself a fortune,I know exactly what has been done and consider it all part of boating.
My son is going to kill me if he reads this - he is one of the aforesaid marine grease monkies.

 

[russ]

I agree although there is one forumite engineer that has very reasonable rates and there is no VAT added.

 

[rafiki_]

Careful Russ, some of us are Engineers, but not very good at fixing things. You need a mechanic or technician for this (sorry for the pedantry, but you wouldn't get a doctor to turn over your sheets in a hospital bed).

I use a really good guy for the bits that I can't or haven't time to do. He charges £35 per hour. He is based at Tewkesbury but will do work on the Thames if it makes sense for him to travel.

 

[dash300]

Careful Russ, some of us are Engineers, but not very good at fixing things. You need a mechanic or technician for this (sorry for the pedantry, but you wouldn't get a doctor to turn over your sheets in a hospital bed).

I use a really good guy for the bits that I can't or haven't time to do. He charges £35 per hour. He is based at Tewkesbury but will do work on the Thames if it makes sense for him to travel.

Thats a good rate for the Thames.

 

[Sulley]

Use Ross, he has great rates, is a really nice guy and he's little to get into all the small spaces

Sorry Ross!

 

[boatone]

Use Ross, he has great rates, is a really nice guy and he's little to get into all the small spaces

Sorry Ross!

Shhhhhh..... if he gets too busy he'll not be available when we want him !

He certainly gets my vote though.

 

[russ]

Shhhhhh..... if he gets too busy he'll not be available when we want him !

He certainly gets my vote though.

Here here!

 

[dash300]

Take care, if this chap Ross gets too many accolades his prices will go up. I can't even afford my own son's rates as he's fully booked all year round

 

[sailorman]

Today I've had a go at doing my own service on the engine. Not a job I would like for a living. Its so awkward to get in and do anything.
All filters were low down and so bloody tightly fitted. I ended up hammering a screwdriver through the oil filter in order to undo the thread.

One lesson learnt, I did not heat the engine up enough to make the oil a bit thinner for the extractor to work fast enough.
Also chickened out on changing the plugs as my back was starting to ache and its just too low down. Job for Ross i think

get a filter wrench of a type that will give best operation position

 

[russ]

get a filter wrench of a type that will give best operation position

I used the scissor grips type of wrench but it just started to crush and slip off the filter.
I'm not sure which type is best. Suggestions?

 

[Deefor]

I used the scissor grips type of wrench but it just started to crush and slip off the filter.
I'm not sure which type is best. Suggestions?

I've used one of these for many years on cars and boats http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oil-Fuel-...t=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item27c3d5f7a5 and works great if you've got the room.

If your filter's a cannister type and you know the size, then something like this will work http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STOCK-CLE...t=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2a1b3538f6

 

[TrueBlue]

If space is restricted then the type that fits a socket set works for me:-
here

Or this type with a strap instead of a chain This one is a bit overpriced to my mind.

 

[oldgit]

The strap design is very useful when you have a system similar to mine
ie.with 2 x filters so close toegether a chain will not fit between the canisters..

 

[dash300]

View attachment 16926

This one works for my set up. Uses a socket wrench.

 

[russ]

They all look like they can do the job a whole lot better than mine.
Thanks.

Can anyone suggest which type of grease I need for the engine spline on Mercruiser?
I have heard of their own make of grease but its not easy to get hold of, so any substitute?

 

[rosssavage]

Careful Russ, some of us are Engineers, but not very good at fixing things. You need a mechanic or technician for this (sorry for the pedantry, but you wouldn't get a doctor to turn over your sheets in a hospital bed).

I use a really good guy for the bits that I can't or haven't time to do. He charges £35 per hour. He is based at Tewkesbury but will do work on the Thames if it makes sense for him to travel.

Actually, Russ' use of terminology is perfectly correct. I am an engineer in the true sense of the word (last professional job: Senior Development Engineer, Flight Data Recording B737 / A320) who happens to have started working as a Technician on boats. I have a design signatory authority from the CAA and everything

My services on boats are as a fitter / technician, but I am a qualified Engineer. Sorry, it's the pedant in me!!

PS £35 ph is considered good?? Hmm, interesting...

 

[russ]

Thats done it! £35 ph

Should have kept quiet.

 

[No Regrets]

£35 per hour can be good or bad.

Depends on the quality of work ;-)

Sometimes, it's good to watch a really skilled and gifted person charge you £150 per hour.....