When to service inboard diesel?

[KenMcCulloch]

Border Maid is still afloat and will be in (occasional) use for a couple of months yet, then coming out for about 3 months. Does it make more sense to service the engine (oil & filter change, fuel fliters and engine anode) just before she comes out of the water, or when she goes back in? Opinions and justifications for same please.

 

[Col]

Before winter layup.
You don't want all the acids that accumulate in the oil left in over winter surely?

 

[gandy]

I've done mine ashore in the past. Oil and filter change and winterise soon after she's ashore, then change fuel filters and bleed Diesel just before launch.

I was thinking of doing the oil and filter just before lift out, when its easier to properly warm the engine. Only problem is if something goes wrong during the service.

 

[johnalison]

Certainly better done before the winter, in the water after a warm-up. Only problem for me is that I then need a yard-tow to the hoist if the engine is out of commission.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Get that engine in the best possible shape before the winter layup. Get rid of that crudded up oil filter and residue-infested oil. Offload those tired fuel filters. Give your engine an early Crimbo present - you know its the sailorly thing to do. Then you can beat the bejazus out of it next year, knowing you gave it your best shot this year...

Come the spring you can spend the time saved now in putting a lustrous gloss on the hull - at least another knot as she slides through the water like a cetacean and not a flogged old yoghurt pot! Boy will you be proud!

How else could you better uphold the Nelson tradition....?

PWG

 

[KenMcCulloch]

[ QUOTE ]
Get that engine in the best possible shape before the winter layup. Get rid of that crudded up oil filter and residue-infested oil. Offload those tired fuel filters. Give your engine an early Crimbo present - you know its the sailorly thing to do. Then you can beat the bejazus out of it next year, knowing you gave it your best shot this year...

Come the spring you can spend the time saved now in putting a lustrous gloss on the hull - at least another knot as she slides through the water like a cetacean and not a flogged old yoghurt pot! Boy will you be proud!

How else could you better uphold the Nelson tradition....?

PWG

[/ QUOTE ]
Thank you everyone, I will indeed hold up the Nelson tradition though I fear the Yanmar is a little un-Nelsonian. Frames are oak though.

 

[neil_s]

Change the oil before she comes out and give the engine a run to circulate the new oil. I connect the fresh water tank to the engine's water pump so it washes out the salt and empties the tank at the same time.

Neil