Questions....

[MarieK]

Still getting up to speed so forgive me, I have some more numpty questions...

Boring subject I know but the dipstick on my Port engine requires a good tug to get in and out whereas the dipstick on the STBD engine is very free, free to the point of being fearful it could pop up while underway, should it lock in like the port engine? They are volvo Kad300s.

In terms of the fuel system, if I open up the RACOR fuel filter to inspect it will I have to re-prime the system using the lift pump?

What spares do you guys carry, I am intending on bringing spare filters, oils and belts anything else in terms of the engines?

I have two seperate fuel tanks but currently they are set up so either engine can draw from either one. I am going to close the valve on the balancing pipe during normal running and also the valve allowing return from either engine to either tank. I am hoping that I will have more redundancy in the system this way. If one tanks has bad fuel or water gets in then I can run home on other engine. Is there any reason why this may be a bad idea? I will open the balancer every so often to level them out.

Thanks guys

Ryan

 

[RIN]

For the dipstick part of the question, you should find there is a little "O" ring on the dipstick which keeps it fitting snug in the dipstick guide. It sounds as if you have lost one. Volvo agent will supply
As far as spares go I would suggest
a spare for every belt for each engine plus the power steering if you have one. spare oil filters for each engine,several fuel filters for each engine, both primary and secondary. Spare impellers for each engine, ATF for your hydraulics, engine oil, coolant concentrate, fuses and bulbs for all devices/lights, spare thermostats (I have them only for one engine). I carry a spare set of props but only because I have some used ones available. Spare warps and definitely a collection of cable ties as these will prove to very useful for emergency repairs

The point about spares is not to get into trap of thinking I'll just pick it up from the volvo agent. When something goes wrong it will be at 16.00 on a Sunday evening and you will be cursing not cruising.

I'm sure you will get a lot of good advice on the forum.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

>>>
Spare impellers for each engine,
>>>

Spare bolts/screws or whatever you need for the impeller covers. Trust me on this...

 

[RIN]

Oh yes - and a spare Anchor. If you do a lot of boating you are going to lose on eventually You can get a danforth which folds up flat.

 

[rafiki_]

I would not carry spare engine oil filters. Either they are a service item, or you have a really serious problem needing more than an oil change. I would carry 1 engine set of spare belts for normal use, unless you are going on a serious trip over several hundred miles. Spares do deteriorate over time, especially if the environment is wet and salty, so think about what you are capable of changing, in the middle of a serious swell, and pack accordingly. For any other event take a tender or liferaft!

 

[RIN]

No - this is a real one. I was on the 2004 MBM cruise to Paris and had a low oil pressure warning about 5km before our stop at Les Andelys (not sure I've spelled that correctly) did the rest one one engine to arrive at 20.00hrsish. First thing I did was change the oil filter and straight back to 60psi at idle. Now I'm not sure how difficult it would be to find a KAD32 oil filter in Les Andelys, but I bet I could not have found one before we left at 0700 next morning. In fact may have had to work really hard to find one at all.

Also going to Holland last year, BOTH main circulation belts went within 5 hours of each other

Now I agree both were long trips but what if I was coming back from Yarmouth to Poole on a Sunday afternoon? Probably would have had to stay and get one from Hayles on Monday morning. Possibly missing work (Hmmmmmmm I can see where your'e coming from!)

You make a good point about deteriotion of spares and I have just bought some zippy freezer bags from Sainsbury to keep mine nice and fresh and correctly labelled!

 

[gjgm]

I agree with you.
Regarding spares, there are two considerations.
Spares for something that you can fix yourself at sea.
Spares because your next location doesnt have any spare parts facilities, whereas it might have a mechanic. You could add bank holiday repairs when the dealer is closed, maybe.
Still, if you arent going somewhere remote, and you are a numpty at mechanics, I wouldnt care too much about a boatfull of spares.

 

[DavidJ]

Re fuel tanks, you have done exactly the right thing, keep them separate because it limits problems but also if you do have a problem it reduces the variables and simplifies finding the causes. I wouldn't even balence them up, do this when you fill up.

 

[Sneds]

With two fuel tanks would be good to fill them up at two different locations.
Not very practical though.
Defo "fan" belts, 2 spare for every one on board (2 engines) dead easy to change but have a practice one day while safe on your mooring.

 

[hlb]

I'll give you a tipfor the balancing pipe. Add a tee into the bilge, with tap top and bottom. If you do get water or crap in the tank, open the taps up, except the last one. Any water etc will eventually end up in the bilge pipe. Close the tap above, then let the water out. Repeat as necesary.

 

[powerskipper]

Spares, if you carry a full service kit for both engines as spares, then if you are away from base when she needs a service you have the bits, also commonest things to go wrong, and when you service her use that kit and replace with a new set.