Is my engine toast?
 

I had the raw water cooled, 20 hp, Yanmar diesel in my boat run for
tests last Monday. The surveyor had recommended that it be immediately
rewinterized afterwards. I asked the diesel outfit in Detroit that was
testing the engine about that and they said, "Are you kidding, it's 80
degrees here right now." I told them that, since I am 1000 miles away,
I was counting on them to be sure the engine was put away properly for
the truck trip to Maine.

When I saw the news on the weather channel, I called up Saturday
morning and asked if they had drained the engine. The person who
answered didn't know and none of the mechanics were in. I pointed out
again that, since the boatyard can't be depended on to do anything, I
was relying on them to take care of the engine. She said that she
couldn't imagine it freezing.

I see now that temperatures there were just below freezing yesterday
and overnight. If they didn't drain the engine, should I insist that
it be checked for freeze cracks before being loaded on the truck? The
boat is on shore so I can't count on the thermal mass of the water
moderating the temperatures.

--

Roger Long

At this time, in Maine the nights may get a little below zero. However,
when they tested the engine the water was flushed out only leaving minimal
water inside? Its a good practice to flush all the water out before
stopping the engine. The temperature on the ground is cooler then inside
your boat. The probabilities are that the engine is not cracked??
However, It is not uncommon to learned about an hairline crack when you less
expect it. At time, the crack will not materialized right after. It may
take half of the summer to shown up. One time my friend came back home in
heavy current with no wind and his engine stop. At the time, no one knew
what caused the engine to stop. If you are residing a 1000 miles away and
you do not know when you are going to use your boat its best to spent a few
dollars in Antifreeze and winterized your boat until you use it. With the
right Antifreeze (even during the summer) it will minimize the rusting
process and you will not have to worry about it.
"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
I had the raw water cooled, 20 hp, Yanmar diesel in my boat run for
tests last Monday. The surveyor had recommended that it be immediately
rewinterized afterwards. I asked the diesel outfit in Detroit that was
testing the engine about that and they said, "Are you kidding, it's 80
degrees here right now." I told them that, since I am 1000 miles away,
I was counting on them to be sure the engine was put away properly for
the truck trip to Maine.

When I saw the news on the weather channel, I called up Saturday
morning and asked if they had drained the engine. The person who
answered didn't know and none of the mechanics were in. I pointed out
again that, since the boatyard can't be depended on to do anything, I
was relying on them to take care of the engine. She said that she
couldn't imagine it freezing.

I see now that temperatures there were just below freezing yesterday
and overnight. If they didn't drain the engine, should I insist that
it be checked for freeze cracks before being loaded on the truck? The
boat is on shore so I can't count on the thermal mass of the water
moderating the temperatures.

--

Roger Long

Roger,

The surveyor was correct, and file the claim just as PYA. It migth get
cooler tonight, but weather all says hover at 31~32 - you should be OK.

There is snow all over around here today, but it is not doing much as it
has been so warm recently.

It has actually not gotten below frezing here yet. There is snow on the
daffodils and forsythia, but it is barely accumulating.

I hope ex-Research is OK.

Matt Colie


Roger Long wrote:
I had the raw water cooled, 20 hp, Yanmar diesel in my boat run for
tests last Monday. The surveyor had recommended that it be immediately
rewinterized afterwards. I asked the diesel outfit in Detroit that was
testing the engine about that and they said, "Are you kidding, it's 80
degrees here right now." I told them that, since I am 1000 miles away,
I was counting on them to be sure the engine was put away properly for
the truck trip to Maine.

When I saw the news on the weather channel, I called up Saturday
morning and asked if they had drained the engine. The person who
answered didn't know and none of the mechanics were in. I pointed out
again that, since the boatyard can't be depended on to do anything, I
was relying on them to take care of the engine. She said that she
couldn't imagine it freezing.

I see now that temperatures there were just below freezing yesterday
and overnight. If they didn't drain the engine, should I insist that
it be checked for freeze cracks before being loaded on the truck? The
boat is on shore so I can't count on the thermal mass of the water
moderating the temperatures.