finally getting some engine understanding...

ChattingLil

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Just to let you know that I am very proud of oursleves having just done some basic engine maintenance.

We managed to :

replace a worn out hose
do an oil change
change oil filters
change fuel filters
change fan belt
change impeller.

Not much I know, but I think this is a great improvement - considering that a year ago I had to pay someone to do this as I wouldn't have been able to point out one end from another ! More shockingly, I didn't even know where the fuel shut off was...

Actually, it was much easier than I thought it would be (when we finally figured out that we were putting the fuel filter on upside down, which is why it kept leaking) :-)

I know i've got a long way to go, but I really feel like I've taken the first step in getting a better understanding of what's going on in there.
 
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Just to let you know that I am very proud of oursleves having just done some basic engine maintenance.

We managed to :

replace a worn out hose
do an oil change
change oil filters
change fuel filters
change fan belt
change impeller.

Not much I know, but I think this is a great improvement - considering that a year ago I had to pay someone to do this as I wouldn't have been able to point out one end from another ! More shockingly, I didn't even know where the fuel shut off was...

Actually, it was much easier than I thought it would be

Well done.

Shsss don't tell everybody. Some of us make a living at this stuff. :)

p.s. Don't tell everybody or you will never have another free moment without dissappointing someone (Whoops, too late :) )

Have fun, electrical systems next?


Enjoy

Dave.
 
Another well done from a former engine numptie, first time I had to change a fuel filter it was a petrol engined inboard mobo, lost about a gallon into the bilges before I got it right. Boat stunk for weeks after, but at least I could then do it in a hurry if needed. Which was more often than I expected. Just make sure any sea cocks that were closed when you started work, are open again before you set off. Don't ask.
 
I'm a great fan of watching and learning from the pros. Simple tricks like always carrying an ice-cream container (empty of course) when changing filters so you catch all the drippings - I learned from watching blokes I'd paid to service the engine.

Whilst I can change oil and filters and impeller etc. I still pay someone to have a look at it every now and again as, not being an engineer, I don't trust myself to notice the small beginnings of failure somewhere.

What price peace of mind?
 
It really isn't that bad :) Lots of minor problems can be traced to loose connections or corrosion. You will pick it up.

Reminds me of my grandmothers knitting patterns when I was a kid. :)


Dave.

well, not the best analogy for me as - despite being forced to attend knitting club (I kid you knot) as a youth and despite two grandmothers trying to teach me - I STILL can't knit. I seem to pick up random stiches so that everything I try to knot is triangular shaped.
 
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