General help with Maintenance for complete beginner!

[Donal2020]

Thanks for all the advice and help. My experience may be limited and unfortunately my time is limited also, thus seeking good, honest and reliable professionals to support. I did do the RYA Diesel engine course but when the engine started running really badly, I had to call in the professionals, so once they complete the injector work I will plan to do all future maintenance myself with the aid of google and YouTube!
Going up the mast scares the living daylights out of me but I will persevere once she is back in the water.
Thank you all for comments, suggestions, checklists and experiences.

 

[scottie]

If you have some time to spare try searching crinan12 for similar posts if you want to see what someone in the same place as you asked
use search function at top of page

 

[jamie N]

Every single one of us has been in your position. Also, diesels need compression, fuel & air. They don't know how not to work given those.

 

[Donal2020]

If you have some time to spare try searching crinan12 for similar posts if you want to see what someone in the same place as you asked
use search function at top of page

Many thanks, will look that up

 

[scottie]

Every single one of us has been in your position. Also, diesels need compression, fuel & air. They don't know how not to work given those.

All being at the right time!

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Hi, Thanks for replies.
Boat is a 1981 Colvic Countess 28, previous owner did seem to keep her well maintained and I don't want to undo any of that good work by applying too much Amateur DIY! Presently she is ashore in Southampton and there are several things I know need doing, some things I think need doing, and likely some things that need doing that I don't yet know about! I'm really happy to DIY, but would like some on the ground guidance for some things but other things, I really should leave to the professionals.
The engine developed a problem just before I took her out of the water and was advised that the injectors needed refurbishing so that has been done and replaced but not yet put back into service as she was ashore when refitted. I plan to get someone to fully bleed the fuel system, replace filters, raw water impeller and gearbox oil once she is back in the water. I changed the engine oil and coolant in december so think that should be ok.
Hull wise, she looks good. I have cleaned the topsides and think she could do with a proper polish and wax, and quite a bit of varnishing needs doing I think.. this is where I'd rather not tackle myself for fear of mucking it up. Also there are a few bumps and scraps that I'd like to get sorted out.
Below the waterline, I've polished off the propeller and sterntube and plan to rub down the antifouling, apply underwater primer and re-antifoul... some say not to bother with the primer but I'm unsure..
I'd also like to replace the running rigging, or the main halyard at least... again, something I'd like to get someone to do while I watch and learn!
So recommendations for general maintenance/repairs to hull and polishing/preparing, recommendations for good honest engine people... Also want to renew deck non-slip... this list is long, time is short and funds are light - same as everyone else I expect!
Thanks!

You should check/replace the impeller yourself as you may have to be able to do this job quickly under adverse conditions, likewise the fuel filter, (the primary one anyhow), plus bleeding the air. Test-running can be achieved by bringing in a water supply through a hose,but beware of flooding the exhaust and water entering the cylinders. The best way is, having detached the cooling water inwards hose from its skin fitting and placing it in a bucket, bring the water supply to the bucket and then run your engine, making sure (a) that the bucket does not get sucked dry, and (b) that the bucket does not overflow.
On re-installation of your injectors you will have to slacken them off one at a time and pump fuel (unless you are fortunate enough to have gravity feed from your tank) until no more air bubbles emerge from the threads, then re-tighten.
Normal bleeding after filter change can be achieved by slackening the bleed screw on top of the filter housing. Always keep a few primary filters as as spares. There are other essential spares to have on board at all times e.g. alternator belts, impellers, lubricants, antifreeze/coolant.