Running engines in marinas

[Chi34]

I'd like to know why some owners come down to their boats and run their engines at idle for an hour or so. And why might someone want to run one engine, shut it down, then run the second engine?
Is it a coincidence that the exhaust is normally filthy?

 

[longjohnsilver]

Oil change? Otherwise anyone's guess.

 

[Chi34]

Yes. That's one explanation I hadn't considered.
But they seem to just shut down and go home.

 

[Trundlebug]

In my engine manual it says the engines should be run at least once a month (? I think) so they probably think they're following manufacturer's recommendations.

Helps to ensure a coating of oil on everything, and that the impellers don't get too much of a set in them.
But unless the engines are put under load and warmed up to full operating temperature it could easily be argued they're doing more harm than good.


Personally I do love the sound of a boat engine though, I generally don't mind

 

[Anders_P42]

Volvo manual says my D6-370 should be warmed up every two weeks if boat is left in water but not used. I put in forward gear at idle (600 rpm) and it takes 20-25 mins to reach circa 60C. It's far from 85C operating temp, but I'd sooner follow their guidelines than be refused a warranty claim somewhere down the line.

I'm sure forward gear helps coat gears with oil too.

Anders

 

[Momac]

Seems a shame to waste fuel, cause engine wear and add time counted bringing closer the need for engine service, without covering any distance.

 

[Sdpaddler50]

And the environmental considerations. But, I own a boat, and contribute my share. That is why I spend a lot of time on the hook, and try to be reasonable in the amount of hours I run the boat. I will often take the boat out, drive up the channel, turn off the engines, and float for an hour with the wind and current. Its quiet, and relaxing. Drive back up where I started, repeat.

 

[omega2]

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED RELEASING THE MOORING ROPES AND ACTUALLY USING THE ENGINES????

Running at tick over will knacker your precious engines by glazing the bores and building up carbon deposits. As the saying goes use it or lose it. Not only that it annoys most people in close proximity.

 

[Anders_P42]

HAVE YOU EVER TRIED RELEASING THE MOORING ROPES AND ACTUALLY USING THE ENGINES????

Running at tick over will knacker your precious engines by glazing the bores and building up carbon deposits. As the saying goes use it or lose it. Not only that it annoys most people in close proximity.

I've clocked up 116 hours in 11 months thanks and probably fired up the engine only six or seven times through the winter to follow Volvo's guidelines. My boat is no marina queen.

Ref your comments on glazing bores, I'm glad I didn't berth in Swanwick marina or I'd be glazing the bores every 20 minute trip down / up the Hamble as anything much over idle creates wash!

 

[Chi34]

Thanks for the responses.
I asked the question because I find the blue fumes annoying.
And I had wondered if this practice leads to a smokey engine

 

[omega2]

I've clocked up 116 hours in 11 months thanks and probably fired up the engine only six or seven times through the winter to follow Volvo's guidelines. My boat is no marina queen.

Ref your comments on glazing bores, I'm glad I didn't berth in Swanwick marina or I'd be glazing the bores every 20 minute trip down / up the Hamble as anything much over idle creates wash!

Looks like I have hit a nerve, also what about the boat behind you getting washed about due to you running whilst tied up creating a steady wash!! even at tick over under load is a better way and at least the exhaust fumes are not gassing your neighbors.

 

[nicho]

I was told by a Volvo engineer to either run an engine under light load to operating temperature, or just let it idle for a couple of minutes to circulate the oil. Seems like there are various opinions.

 

[Robg71]

Fwiw my engine idiot guide stipulates not to run engines unless actually using them... Ie... Tickover at mooring....
Besides, anyone with a 100 yards of cold Ford Sabres knows about it.... But the guttural throng to the eardrums is not unpleasant to some
Strangely enough.... Not ce compliant....

 

[Sdpaddler50]

My usual disclaimer: I am not a diesel engine expert, and have not torn in to an engine for many years.

I also have the D6/370, and I was not aware of Volvo recommending they be run every 2 weeks. In the fire pump world, on shore, diesel driven fire pump engines (often around 200-400HP) are required to be run monthly, for at least 30 mins. I would think that would be sufficient, in between non use periods.

I also think it is important to get these engines out, at speed, for a good run as well, as others have noted.

 

[Cruless]

i dont think there will ever be a definate answer to this one. they say its good to get the oil flowing and rotating assembly spinning at least once a month to get some lubricant up to the turbo and the heads. personally i wouldnt leave my boat idleing in the marina, the water is usally stirred up with lot of silt and mud, which ends up settling in the aftercooler and intercoolers ( not fun trying to clean it out with a metal rod at service time!). plus its abrasive for the impellers/ housing .also more engine wear occurs at start up than any other time. id rather leave my boat for 10 weeks unused than fire it up every 2 weeks for 10 minutes at idle. if it isnt going to reach opperating temperature then i wont start it up. its not particularly pleasant being sat in the sun in the cockpit with the covers off to be gassed by your neighbours for 20 minutes!