Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Josh Muckley]

When you pull the dipstip, put a single full drop on a paper towel or clean
white rag.  If that drop developers a halo then you may have a diesel in
your oil.  In the states off-road diesel is dyed red - in that case look
for the halo to be red-ish.

Smell the rag.  Burnt smell is bad, diesel fuel smell is bad.

Look at the rag in the sun.  Glittery is bad.  Chunks are bad.  White or
chocolate milkshake needs further monitoring.  It could be a coolant leak.
Look for lowering coolant level and increasing oil level.  If neither is
occurring then it could just be a small amount of condensation.  In that
case, it's not something wrong with the engine. You just need to run the
engine up to temp more often and for longer periods, or install a block
heater.

Once all the oil is absorbed into the rag, is there anything left on the
surface?  Black is likely products of combustion.  Grey could be lead from
the babbitt on the bearings.

Take an additional single drop between two fingers.  It is unlikely that
you will feel anything other than slippery oil, but if you do then you have
problems.

Check the dipstick.  In the area above the level of the oil.  Assuming it
isn't stainless - Is there rust?  This would again show signs of moisture
in the crankcase.

Must of the time you're not going to find anything out of the norm... But
if you don't look or know what to look for then you won't see it when it
happens.

There is also guidance in the manual for some of our engines which
addresses the angle at which they are mounted.  For this reason the high
and low mark on the dipstick may not be accurate to your installation.
Adjust as necessary.

Josh Muckley
S/V Sea Hawk
1989 C 37+
Solomons, MD

On Sat, Oct 17, 2020, 07:24 John and Maryann Read 
wrote:

> Agree it pays to check oil level regularly.  Another cause for oil
> increasing is mechanical fuel pump diaphragm leaking diesel into the oil.
> (Got the t shirt)  apparently is not an uncommon issue with Yanmars
>
>
>
> John and Maryann
>
> Legacy III
>
> 1982 C 34
>
> Noank, CT
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *From:* Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com]
> *Sent:* Friday, October 16, 2020 9:45 AM
> *To:* 'Stus-List'
> *Cc:* Della Barba, Joe
> *Subject:* Stus-List Re: Engine Hours
>
>
>
> Here is a very simple way to prevent early engine death – Check the oil
> frequently and especially after the boat sits. If the level starts going UP
> do not start the engine! There is water in the sump lifting the oil. I had
> a ski boat that would gain a few quarts of water sitting for a week and we
> put a pan under the engine and drained the water out before we started it.
> Running it makes an oatmeal mush that does not really lubricate and wrecks
> the engine.
>
>
>
>
>
> *Joe Della Barba Coquina C 35  MK I*
>
> *www.dellabarba.com <http://www.dellabarba.com>*
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to
> this list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use
> PayPal to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks
> - Stu
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[John and Maryann Read]

Agree it pays to check oil level regularly.  Another cause for oil increasing 
is mechanical fuel pump diaphragm leaking diesel into the oil. (Got the t 
shirt)  apparently is not an uncommon issue with Yanmars

 

John and Maryann

Legacy III

1982 C 34

Noank, CT

 

 

 

From: Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List [mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com] 
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2020 9:45 AM
To: 'Stus-List'
Cc: Della Barba, Joe
Subject: Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

 

Here is a very simple way to prevent early engine death – Check the oil 
frequently and especially after the boat sits. If the level starts going UP do 
not start the engine! There is water in the sump lifting the oil. I had a ski 
boat that would gain a few quarts of water sitting for a week and we put a pan 
under the engine and drained the water out before we started it. Running it 
makes an oatmeal mush that does not really lubricate and wrecks the engine. 

 

 

Joe Della Barba Coquina C 35  MK I

www.dellabarba.com

 

 

 

 

October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List]

Here is a very simple way to prevent early engine death – Check the oil 
frequently and especially after the boat sits. If the level starts going UP do 
not start the engine! There is water in the sump lifting the oil. I had a ski 
boat that would gain a few quarts of water sitting for a week and we put a pan 
under the engine and drained the water out before we started it. Running it 
makes an oatmeal mush that does not really lubricate and wrecks the engine.


Joe Della Barba Coquina C 35  MK I
www.dellabarba.com




October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[jarel]

Yeah I was gonna mention getting the sample from the filter as well… we had to 
do that too… sometimes they would just ask us for the entire filter, others 
pour the oil out from the filter…

 

JP

 

From: Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List  
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2020 5:40 AM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: Della Barba, Joe 
Subject: Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

 

Some airplanes have a magnetic oil drain plug with two electrical probes 
connected to a light. When the light goes on that means enough metal got stuck 
on there to complete the circuit and then you get to stare at the light until 
you land :(

Another thing we did with airplanes is cut the filters open when changing the 
oil to see what was caught in there.

Speaking of oil analysis, we always thought you needed several  - it was the 
trend you were looking for unless a number was really high.

Another oil related issue – an oil temperature gauge is a nice thing. Too hot 
is bad, but too cold is bad as well. You want to get the oil up to about 180 
degrees or it builds up water and contaminants. 

 

Joe Della Barba Coquina C 35  MK I

www.dellabarba.com <http://www.dellabarba.com> 

 

 

 

From: ja...@jpiworldwide.com <mailto:ja...@jpiworldwide.com>  
[mailto:ja...@jpiworldwide.com] 
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2020 7:55 AM
To: 'Stus-List' mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> >
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

 

Hi All,

 

In a previous life I had to do oil samples on heavy equipment and aircraft 
engines (both piston and turbine). Some of these pieces of equipment or 
aircraft would run 24/7 so oil samples were taken weekly…(every  100 hours is a 
common number for production equipment to be sampled) The oil analysis would 
come back from the lab and it would contain information on a variety of things… 
the most important thing to the owners and operators of the equipment was the 
metal content in the oil. As engines are used (and thus tend to  wea) parts of 
the engine are “ground off” and wind up in the oil. By analyzing the metallic 
content really good analysts could determine exactly  what part inside the 
engine was breaking down… but usually they were just looking for the aggregate 
amount of metal shavings/dust/chips etc. There is usually some tiny teeny-weeny 
little bit of metal in the oil (especially on high-hour engines), but over a 
certain level or amount of metal , the managers of the equipment would be 
concerned and sometimes even take a piece of equipment out of  service and tear 
the engine down and rebuild it or replace it. 

 

Another thing they did was determine if there was soot or carbon from the 
combustion process, water in the oil, fuel, coolant, dust, dirt, or silica. All 
of these were indicative of different problems in the engine. Again, most tests 
will come back with some small amount of each depending on how infinite or 
precise the sample testing is. As an example if there was “dirt” or grit, sand, 
silica etc in the oil, this may indicate bad fuel, bad fuel filler spout, bad 
fuel cap, air filter(s), or air filter housing or hosing. If the sample had 
coolant in it, then they might look at the cylinder heads, or if there was 
soot, valves or rings may be the problem… all kinds of things can be divined 
from the oil sample if read by a knowledgeable person. 

 

Me- I just took the samples, logged the results, and ate lunch  

 

JP

October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List]

Some airplanes have a magnetic oil drain plug with two electrical probes 
connected to a light. When the light goes on that means enough metal got stuck 
on there to complete the circuit and then you get to stare at the light until 
you land ☹
Another thing we did with airplanes is cut the filters open when changing the 
oil to see what was caught in there.
Speaking of oil analysis, we always thought you needed several  - it was the 
trend you were looking for unless a number was really high.
Another oil related issue – an oil temperature gauge is a nice thing. Too hot 
is bad, but too cold is bad as well. You want to get the oil up to about 180 
degrees or it builds up water and contaminants.

Joe Della Barba Coquina C 35  MK I
www.dellabarba.com



From: ja...@jpiworldwide.com [mailto:ja...@jpiworldwide.com]
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2020 7:55 AM
To: 'Stus-List' 
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

Hi All,

In a previous life I had to do oil samples on heavy equipment and aircraft 
engines (both piston and turbine). Some of these pieces of equipment or 
aircraft would run 24/7 so oil samples were taken weekly…(every  100 hours is a 
common number for production equipment to be sampled) The oil analysis would 
come back from the lab and it would contain information on a variety of things… 
the most important thing to the owners and operators of the equipment was the 
metal content in the oil. As engines are used (and thus tend to  wea) parts of 
the engine are “ground off” and wind up in the oil. By analyzing the metallic 
content really good analysts could determine exactly  what part inside the 
engine was breaking down… but usually they were just looking for the aggregate 
amount of metal shavings/dust/chips etc. There is usually some tiny teeny-weeny 
little bit of metal in the oil (especially on high-hour engines), but over a 
certain level or amount of metal , the managers of the equipment would be 
concerned and sometimes even take a piece of equipment out of  service and tear 
the engine down and rebuild it or replace it.

Another thing they did was determine if there was soot or carbon from the 
combustion process, water in the oil, fuel, coolant, dust, dirt, or silica. All 
of these were indicative of different problems in the engine. Again, most tests 
will come back with some small amount of each depending on how infinite or 
precise the sample testing is. As an example if there was “dirt” or grit, sand, 
silica etc in the oil, this may indicate bad fuel, bad fuel filler spout, bad 
fuel cap, air filter(s), or air filter housing or hosing. If the sample had 
coolant in it, then they might look at the cylinder heads, or if there was 
soot, valves or rings may be the problem… all kinds of things can be divined 
from the oil sample if read by a knowledgeable person.

Me- I just took the samples, logged the results, and ate lunch 

JP
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[jarel]

Hi All,

 

In a previous life I had to do oil samples on heavy equipment and aircraft 
engines (both piston and turbine). Some of these pieces of equipment or 
aircraft would run 24/7 so oil samples were taken weekly…(every  100 hours is a 
common number for production equipment to be sampled) The oil analysis would 
come back from the lab and it would contain information on a variety of things… 
the most important thing to the owners and operators of the equipment was the 
metal content in the oil. As engines are used (and thus tend to  wea) parts of 
the engine are “ground off” and wind up in the oil. By analyzing the metallic 
content really good analysts could determine exactly  what part inside the 
engine was breaking down… but usually they were just looking for the aggregate 
amount of metal shavings/dust/chips etc. There is usually some tiny teeny-weeny 
little bit of metal in the oil (especially on high-hour engines), but over a 
certain level or amount of metal , the managers of the equipment would be 
concerned and sometimes even take a piece of equipment out of  service and tear 
the engine down and rebuild it or replace it. 

 

Another thing they did was determine if there was soot or carbon from the 
combustion process, water in the oil, fuel, coolant, dust, dirt, or silica. All 
of these were indicative of different problems in the engine. Again, most tests 
will come back with some small amount of each depending on how infinite or 
precise the sample testing is. As an example if there was “dirt” or grit, sand, 
silica etc in the oil, this may indicate bad fuel, bad fuel filler spout, bad 
fuel cap, air filter(s), or air filter housing or hosing. If the sample had 
coolant in it, then they might look at the cylinder heads, or if there was 
soot, valves or rings may be the problem… all kinds of things can be divined 
from the oil sample if read by a knowledgeable person. 

 

Me- I just took the samples, logged the results, and ate lunch  

 

JP

 

From: Tom Buscaglia  
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2020 5:23 PM
To: Stus-List 
Subject: Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

 

I never knew about the oil testing.  Just ordered a test kit...thanks!

Tom B

At 03:26 PM 10/15/2020, you wrote:



This is an interesting, timely and informative thread/discussion. We just 
recently bought another boat with a large Diesel engine.The former owner left 
extensive and detailed documentation. In that documentation are the results 
from engine oil analysis that he performed every year, going back 6 years. 
I’m starting to try and educate myself on this and will continue to do the 
sampling which comes up this November. My initial take is that it is important 
for spotting engine wear/maintenance trends.

Thanks to listers for all the insights.

Regards,
Dave
1982 C 37 - Ronin




On Oct 15, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Josh Muckley mailto:muckl...@gmail.com> > wrote:

I sample my oil and sent for analysis.  Costs $20 but the knowledge of whether 
or not the oil is good as well as what else could be wrong with the engine is 
invaluable.  For anyone who cares about the environmental impacts, not changing 
the oil is better for the environment too.  I use an over-sized oil filter and 
the very best amsoil marine diesel engine oil.  This particular oil has a high 
TBN of 12.  IIRC, TBN stand for total base number, you know base... The 
opposite of acid.  As acids build up in the oil the TBN goes down.  If the 
person doing the analysis sees that the trend suggests the TBN (or any of the 
oil specs) will be too close to zero before the next oil change, they modify 
their recommendations.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk
 

Keeping moisture out of the oil is another key to long life.  A block heater 
keeps the oil dry, the rings from sticking, the cylinders from rusting and the 
boat warm enough to prevent the bilge from freezing.

Josh Muckley 
S/V Sea Hawk 
1989 C 37+
Solomons, MD


October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  
<https://www.paypal.me/stumurray%A0> Thanks - Stu

.¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤.
Tom & Lynn Buscaglia
SV Alera
C 37+/40
Vashon Island WA
(206) 463-9200
www.sv-alera.com <http://www.sv-alera.com/>  



October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Josh Muckley]

Tom,

Did you get a test pump?  You'll want one.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q64CFGV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aLqIFbHTXAH9X

Of course you also need the sample bottle.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CSEUQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_bMqIFbK1XG4HA

These are the cheapest I could find on Amazon but when I reorder, I will
make sure that the analysis goes through oil analyzers Inc. In order to
continue my history

Josh

On Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 20:23 Tom Buscaglia  wrote:

> I never knew about the oil testing.  Just ordered a test kit...thanks!
>
> Tom B
>
> At 03:26 PM 10/15/2020, you wrote:
>
> This is an interesting, timely and informative thread/discussion. We just
> recently bought another boat with a large Diesel engine.The former owner
> left extensive and detailed documentation. In that documentation are the
> results from engine oil analysis that he performed every year, going back 6
> years. I’m starting to try and educate myself on this and will continue
> to do the sampling which comes up this November. My initial take is that it
> is important for spotting engine wear/maintenance trends.
>
> Thanks to listers for all the insights.
>
> Regards,
> Dave
> 1982 C 37 - Ronin
>
> On Oct 15, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Josh Muckley  wrote:
>
> I sample my oil and sent for analysis.  Costs $20 but the knowledge of
> whether or not the oil is good as well as what else could be wrong with the
> engine is invaluable.  For anyone who cares about the environmental
> impacts, not changing the oil is better for the environment too.  I use an
> over-sized oil filter and the very best amsoil marine diesel engine oil.
> This particular oil has a high TBN of 12.  IIRC, TBN stand for total base
> number, you know base... The opposite of acid.  As acids build up in the
> oil the TBN goes down.  If the person doing the analysis sees that the
> trend suggests the TBN (or any of the oil specs) will be too close to zero
> before the next oil change, they modify their recommendations.
>
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk
>
> Keeping moisture out of the oil is another key to long life.  A block
> heater keeps the oil dry, the rings from sticking, the cylinders from
> rusting and the boat warm enough to prevent the bilge from freezing.
>
> Josh Muckley
> S/V Sea Hawk
> 1989 C 37+
> Solomons, MD
>
>
> October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to
> this list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use
> PayPal to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
>  Thanks - Stu
>
> .¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤.
> Tom & Lynn Buscaglia
> SV Alera
> C 37+/40
> Vashon Island WA
> (206) 463-9200
> www.sv-alera.com
>
>
> October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to
> this list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use
> PayPal to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks
> - Stu
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Tom Buscaglia]

I never knew about the oil testing.  Just ordered a test kit...thanks!

Tom B

At 03:26 PM 10/15/2020, you wrote:
This is an interesting, timely and informative 
thread/discussion. We just recently bought 
another boat with a large Diesel engine.The 
former owner left extensive and detailed 
documentation. In that documentation are the 
results from engine oil analysis that he 
performed every year, going back 6 years. I’m 
starting to try and educate myself on this and 
will continue to do the sampling which comes up 
this November. My initial take is that it is 
important for spotting engine wear/maintenance trends.


Thanks to listers for all the insights.

Regards,
Dave
1982 C 37 - Ronin

On Oct 15, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Josh Muckley 
<muckl...@gmail.com> wrote:


I sample my oil and sent for analysis.  Costs 
$20 but the knowledge of whether or not the oil 
is good as well as what else could be wrong 
with the engine is invaluable.  For anyone who 
cares about the environmental impacts, not 
changing the oil is better for the environment 
too.  I use an over-sized oil filter and the 
very best amsoil marine diesel engine 
oil.  This particular oil has a high TBN of 
12.  IIRC, TBN stand for total base number, you 
know base... The opposite of acid.  As acids 
build up in the oil the TBN goes down.  If the 
person doing the analysis sees that the trend 
suggests the TBN (or any of the oil specs) will 
be too close to zero before the next oil 
change, they modify their recommendations.


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk

Keeping moisture out of the oil is another key 
to long life.  A block heater keeps the oil 
dry, the rings from sticking, the cylinders 
from rusting and the boat warm enough to prevent the bilge from freezing.


Josh Muckley
S/V Sea Hawk
1989 C 37+
Solomons, MD


October is the time to show your appreciation 
with a small contribution to this list to help 
offset the costs. If you want to support the 
list - use PayPal to send contribution 
--   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu


.¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤.
Tom & Lynn Buscaglia
SV Alera
C 37+/40
Vashon Island WA
(206) 463-9200
www.sv-alera.com


October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Dave Godwin via CnC-List]

This is an interesting, timely and informative thread/discussion. We just 
recently bought another boat with a large Diesel engine.The former owner left 
extensive and detailed documentation. In that documentation are the results 
from engine oil analysis that he performed every year, going back 6 years. I’m 
starting to try and educate myself on this and will continue to do the sampling 
which comes up this November. My initial take is that it is important for 
spotting engine wear/maintenance trends.

Thanks to listers for all the insights.

Regards,
Dave
1982 C 37 - Ronin

> On Oct 15, 2020, at 4:18 PM, Josh Muckley  wrote:
> 
> I sample my oil and sent for analysis.  Costs $20 but the knowledge of 
> whether or not the oil is good as well as what else could be wrong with the 
> engine is invaluable.  For anyone who cares about the environmental impacts, 
> not changing the oil is better for the environment too.  I use an over-sized 
> oil filter and the very best amsoil marine diesel engine oil.  This 
> particular oil has a high TBN of 12.  IIRC, TBN stand for total base number, 
> you know base... The opposite of acid.  As acids build up in the oil the TBN 
> goes down.  If the person doing the analysis sees that the trend suggests the 
> TBN (or any of the oil specs) will be too close to zero before the next oil 
> change, they modify their recommendations.  
> 
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk
>  
> 
> 
> Keeping moisture out of the oil is another key to long life.  A block heater 
> keeps the oil dry, the rings from sticking, the cylinders from rusting and 
> the boat warm enough to prevent the bilge from freezing.
> 
> Josh Muckley 
> S/V Sea Hawk 
> 1989 C 37+
> Solomons, MD
> 

October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Bill Coleman]

On a light year like this, (less than 15 hrs) I will pass on an oil change 
until next fall.  I wonder if pool test strips would work  to give you an 
indication of acidity – if I saw something, say, under 6? It might change my 
mind, but my oil still looks as clear as when I put it in last fall, which I 
find amazing for a diesel (Yanmar), especially with 2500 hours. 

I found it interesting comparing two similar engines, both new Kubota’s from 
around 15 years ago, one in my mower and the other in the boat.  The boat did 
not actually have an air filter, but the mower did. The boat oil was always 
clear as a bell, and the mower oil looked like typical carbon black at the end 
of the season.  I suppose from such dirty air.

 

 

Bill Coleman

Entrada, Erie, PA

 

 

 

From: Josh Muckley [mailto:muckl...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2020 4:19 PM
To: Stus-List
Subject: Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

 

I sample my oil and sent for analysis.  Costs $20 but the knowledge of whether 
or not the oil is good as well as what else could be wrong with the engine is 
invaluable.  For anyone who cares about the environmental impacts, not changing 
the oil is better for the environment too.  I use an over-sized oil filter and 
the very best amsoil marine diesel engine oil.  This particular oil has a high 
TBN of 12.  IIRC, TBN stand for total base number, you know base... The 
opposite of acid.  As acids build up in the oil the TBN goes down.  If the 
person doing the analysis sees that the trend suggests the TBN (or any of the 
oil specs) will be too close to zero before the next oil change, they modify 
their recommendations.  

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk

 

Keeping moisture out of the oil is another key to long life.  A block heater 
keeps the oil dry, the rings from sticking, the cylinders from rusting and the 
boat warm enough to prevent the bilge from freezing.

 

Josh Muckley 

S/V Sea Hawk 

1989 C 37+

Solomons, MD

 

October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Josh Muckley]

Tom,

You shouldn't feel ashamed.  The problem with oil analysis is that you get
out of the habit of changing the oil once a year and then you can't
remember when the last I you did it.  I was just joking with Len that I
can't remember the last time I changed my oil!  From the analysis it was at
least sampled in January of 2018...   臘‍♂️  Now who's ashamed!?  Haha

Josh

On Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 16:45 Tom Buscaglia  wrote:

> I feel so ashamed...
>
> At 01:18 PM 10/15/2020, you wrote:
>
> I sample my oil and sent for analysis.  Costs $20 but the knowledge of
> whether or not the oil is good as well as what else could be wrong with the
> engine is invaluable.  For anyone who cares about the environmental
> impacts, not changing the oil is better for the environment too.  I use an
> over-sized oil filter and the very best amsoil marine diesel engine oil.Â
> This particular oil has a high TBN of 12.  IIRC, TBN stand for total base
> number, you know base... The opposite of acid.  As acids build up in the
> oil the TBN goes down.  If the person doing the analysis sees that the
> trend suggests the TBN (or any of the oil specs) will be too close to zero
> before the next oil change, they modify their recommendations. Â
>
>
> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk
>
> Keeping moisture out of the oil is another key to long life.  A block
> heater keeps the oil dry, the rings from sticking, the cylinders from
> rusting and the boat warm enough to prevent the bilge from freezing.
>
> Josh MuckleyÂ
> S/V Sea HawkÂ
> 1989 C 37+
> Solomons, MD
>
> On Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 15:44 Nathan Post  wrote:
>
> Regarding sitting - after winterizing the engine will sit until spring. I
> doubt that is really such a big deal although yes these things don’t like
> to sit.  The boat sat for 2 years before we bought it and the engine has
> run well without issues or leaky seals or anything since (had to replace a
> bad fuel pump and glow plug relay). So 5-6 months over the winter doesn’t
> seem like a big deal.
>
> I don’t generally put a lot of hours on the engine <50/year and this
> year I have only put about 25 hours on the Westerbeke 20B2 in Wisper.  We
> are hauling out on Monday. I have been pondering if it really makes sense
> to change the oil and oil filter at that point (per the change it every
> fall on haul out philosophy). Or is that is a waste of resources and oil
> (more from an environmental perspective then $ costs) and I should just
> wait for it to reach 100 hours to change it.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> - -
> Nathan Post
> S/V Wisper
> 1981 C 34 KCB
> Lynn MA USA
> October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to
> this list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use
> PayPal to send contribution --Â  Â https://www.paypal.me/stumurrayÂ
> Thanks - Stu
>
> October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to
> this list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use
> PayPal to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
>  Thanks - Stu
>
> .¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤.
> Tom & Lynn Buscaglia
> SV Alera
> C 37+/40
> Vashon Island WA
> (206) 463-9200
> www.sv-alera.com
>
>
> October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to
> this list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use
> PayPal to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks
> - Stu
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Tom Buscaglia]

I feel so ashamed...

At 01:18 PM 10/15/2020, you wrote:
I sample my oil and sent for analysis.  Costs 
$20 but the knowledge of whether or not the oil 
is good as well as what else could be wrong with 
the engine is invaluable.  For anyone who cares 
about the environmental impacts, not changing 
the oil is better for the environment too.  I 
use an over-sized oil filter and the very best 
amsoil marine diesel engine oil.  This 
particular oil has a high TBN of 12.  IIRC, TBN 
stand for total base number, you know base... 
The opposite of acid.  As acids build up in the 
oil the TBN goes down.  If the person doing the 
analysis sees that the trend suggests the TBN 
(or any of the oil specs) will be too close to 
zero before the next oil change, they modify their recommendations. Â


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk

Keeping moisture out of the oil is another key 
to long life.  A block heater keeps the oil 
dry, the rings from sticking, the cylinders from 
rusting and the boat warm enough to prevent the bilge from freezing.


Josh MuckleyÂ
S/V Sea HawkÂ
1989 C 37+
Solomons, MD

On Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 15:44 Nathan Post 
<nathan8...@gmail.com> wrote:
Regarding sitting - after winterizing the engine 
will sit until spring. I doubt that is really 
such a big deal although yes these things 
don’t like to sit.  The boat sat for 2 years 
before we bought it and the engine has run well 
without issues or leaky seals or anything since 
(had to replace a bad fuel pump and glow plug 
relay). So 5-6 months over the winter doesn’t seem like a big deal.


I don’t generally put a lot of hours on the 
engine <50/year and this year I have only put 
about 25 hours on the Westerbeke 20B2 in 
Wisper.  We are hauling out on Monday. I have 
been pondering if it really makes sense to 
change the oil and oil filter at that point (per 
the change it every fall on haul out 
philosophy). Or is that is a waste of resources 
and oil (more from an environmental perspective 
then $ costs) and I should just wait for it to reach 100 hours to change it.


Any thoughts?

- -
Nathan Post
S/V Wisper
1981 C 34 KCB
Lynn MA USA
October is the time to show your appreciation 
with a small contribution to this list to help 
offset the costs. If you want to support the 
list - use PayPal to send contribution --Â  Â 
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu


October is the time to show your appreciation 
with a small contribution to this list to help 
offset the costs. If you want to support the 
list - use PayPal to send contribution 
--   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu


.¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤¤º°`°º¤,¸¸,¤º°`°º¤.
Tom & Lynn Buscaglia
SV Alera
C 37+/40
Vashon Island WA
(206) 463-9200
www.sv-alera.com


October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Josh Muckley]

I sample my oil and sent for analysis.  Costs $20 but the knowledge of
whether or not the oil is good as well as what else could be wrong with the
engine is invaluable.  For anyone who cares about the environmental
impacts, not changing the oil is better for the environment too.  I use an
over-sized oil filter and the very best amsoil marine diesel engine oil.
This particular oil has a high TBN of 12.  IIRC, TBN stand for total base
number, you know base... The opposite of acid.  As acids build up in the
oil the TBN goes down.  If the person doing the analysis sees that the
trend suggests the TBN (or any of the oil specs) will be too close to zero
before the next oil change, they modify their recommendations.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MaBnvf4Fc9auz-p_Yw-yp5uh-Z7R4N__/view?usp=drivesdk

Keeping moisture out of the oil is another key to long life.  A block
heater keeps the oil dry, the rings from sticking, the cylinders from
rusting and the boat warm enough to prevent the bilge from freezing.

Josh Muckley
S/V Sea Hawk
1989 C 37+
Solomons, MD

On Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 15:44 Nathan Post  wrote:

> Regarding sitting - after winterizing the engine will sit until spring. I
> doubt that is really such a big deal although yes these things don’t like
> to sit.  The boat sat for 2 years before we bought it and the engine has
> run well without issues or leaky seals or anything since (had to replace a
> bad fuel pump and glow plug relay). So 5-6 months over the winter doesn’t
> seem like a big deal.
>
> I don’t generally put a lot of hours on the engine <50/year and this year
> I have only put about 25 hours on the Westerbeke 20B2 in Wisper.  We are
> hauling out on Monday. I have been pondering if it really makes sense to
> change the oil and oil filter at that point (per the change it every fall
> on haul out philosophy). Or is that is a waste of resources and oil (more
> from an environmental perspective then $ costs) and I should just wait for
> it to reach 100 hours to change it.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> - -
> Nathan Post
> S/V Wisper
> 1981 C 34 KCB
> Lynn MA USA
> October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to
> this list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use
> PayPal to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks
> - Stu
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Marek Dziedzic]

Theoretically, the engine oils don't last much beyond half a year (the 
impurities and combustion residues make them acidic over time).

We use about 10-15 h/year. I don't change the filter every year, but I do 
change the oil. My Perkins uses 2.2 l (about 2.5 quarts), so not that much. I 
hope that the engine likes it and will reward me back with good performance for 
a long time.

Marek

1994 C270 ”Legato”
Ottawa, ON



-Original Message-
From: Nathan Post 
Sent: 15 October, 2020 15:44
To: Stus-List 
Subject: Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

Regarding sitting - after winterizing the engine will sit until spring. I doubt 
that is really such a big deal although yes these things don’t like to sit.  
The boat sat for 2 years before we bought it and the engine has run well 
without issues or leaky seals or anything since (had to replace a bad fuel pump 
and glow plug relay). So 5-6 months over the winter doesn’t seem like a big 
deal.

I don’t generally put a lot of hours on the engine <50/year and this year I 
have only put about 25 hours on the Westerbeke 20B2 in Wisper.  We are hauling 
out on Monday. I have been pondering if it really makes sense to change the oil 
and oil filter at that point (per the change it every fall on haul out 
philosophy). Or is that is a waste of resources and oil (more from an 
environmental perspective then $ costs) and I should just wait for it to reach 
100 hours to change it.

Any thoughts?

- -
Nathan Post
S/V Wisper
1981 C 34 KCB
Lynn MA USA
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Nathan Post]

Regarding sitting - after winterizing the engine will sit until spring. I doubt 
that is really such a big deal although yes these things don’t like to sit.  
The boat sat for 2 years before we bought it and the engine has run well 
without issues or leaky seals or anything since (had to replace a bad fuel pump 
and glow plug relay). So 5-6 months over the winter doesn’t seem like a big 
deal.

I don’t generally put a lot of hours on the engine <50/year and this year I 
have only put about 25 hours on the Westerbeke 20B2 in Wisper.  We are hauling 
out on Monday. I have been pondering if it really makes sense to change the oil 
and oil filter at that point (per the change it every fall on haul out 
philosophy). Or is that is a waste of resources and oil (more from an 
environmental perspective then $ costs) and I should just wait for it to reach 
100 hours to change it.

Any thoughts?

- -
Nathan Post
S/V Wisper
1981 C 34 KCB
Lynn MA USA
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Josh Muckley]

I put between 100 and 150 hours on our engine each year.  But this year has
been almost 0.  However, I do go down and at least once a month decompress
and run the starter until the low oil pressure alarm clears.  This works
the rings, makes sure that oil gets pumped to the bearings and splashed on
the internals.

Josh Muckley
S/V Sea Hawk
1989 C 37+
Solomons, MD

On Thu, Oct 15, 2020, 12:41 Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List <
cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:

> Something to ponder:
>
> The Ford Lehman diesels used in many trawlers last 10-20 thousand hours in
> commercial service. There are plenty of trawlers for sale with engines
> having been replaced at half or a quarter of that number. Just sitting is
> not good for engines.
>
> Due to Covid issues and my wife being hurt in a car accident I don’t think
> I have put more than maybe 25 hours on my engine this year L A more
> typical year is over 100.
>
>
>
>
>
> *Joe Della Barba Coquina C 35  MK I *
>
> *www.dellabarba.com *
>
>
>
>
>
> October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to
> this list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use
> PayPal to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks
> - Stu
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List]

Something to ponder:
The Ford Lehman diesels used in many trawlers last 10-20 thousand hours in 
commercial service. There are plenty of trawlers for sale with engines having 
been replaced at half or a quarter of that number. Just sitting is not good for 
engines.
Due to Covid issues and my wife being hurt in a car accident I don’t think I 
have put more than maybe 25 hours on my engine this year ☹ A more typical year 
is over 100.


Joe Della Barba Coquina C 35  MK I
www.dellabarba.com


October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Dennis C.]

Close, Rick.  Really close.

I looked at the data from my Suburban.  150,750 miles and 4494 engine
hours.  That's 33.5 mph average.

As for Touche', I figure <5.5 nm/engine hour.  Just a guess.
  --
Dennis C.
Touche' 35-1 #83
Mandeville, LA
On Wed, Oct 14, 2020 at 10:10 PM Rick Brass  wrote:

>
>
> My M35B calls for replacing the oil filter every 100 hours of engine
> operation. I change oil and filter in my car at 3500 miles. Which would
> tend to suggest that 35miles/hour would be about equivalent.
>
>
>
> As with anything else, YMMV.
>
>
>
> Rick Brass
>
> Washington, NC
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Rick Brass]

I’m not sure about a boat engine, because marine service is generally more 
subject to problems from bad fuel,  overheating, filters that don’t get changed 
regularly, long periods of none use, being operated too cold or at too low an 
RPM (resulting in carbon buildup) and so on.

 

In the fork lift truck business, we used to figure an hour of engine operation 
was roughly equivalent to 35 miles in a car.

 

Diesel engines in fork trucks have an average life expectancy of 12-15,000 
hours. I’m told that in larger power boats you can expect something like 
6-8,000, which would seem to indicate boat engines are twice as likely to have 
problems or maybe just wear out.

 

My M35B calls for replacing the oil filter every 100 hours of engine operation. 
I change oil and filter in my car at 3500 miles. Which would tend to suggest 
that 35miles/hour would be about equivalent.

 

As with anything else, YMMV.

 

Rick Brass

Washington, NC

 

 

 

From: Bill Coleman [mailto:colt...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2020 3:18 PM
To: 'Stus-List' 
Subject: Stus-List Engine Hours

 

Rick, you seem like a good person to ask this question,

Is there a good way to estimate what the equivalent  Hours, like say 2,500 
engine hours on a boat, would translate to in Miles, (odometer reading) to 
guesstimate life span?

 

 

Bill Coleman

Entrada, Erie, PA

 

 

 

October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu

Stus-List Re: Engine Hours

[Josh Muckley]

Bill,

I've heard people quote 25,000 hours between rebuilds for engines similar
to ours in fleet service.  That's basically taxis and work skiffs.  They
start 'em at the beginning of the day and don't shut them down except for
fuel or to go home.  They also run more or less full load most of the day
since they are "tugging" or taxiing and either way time is money.

I didn't even hesitate to buy a spare engine with 6000 hours on it.  Most
of us will kill our engines through too little use.  Rust or carbon.  Or
some other neglectful act.

Josh Muckley
S/V Sea Hawk
1989 C 37+
Solomons, MD

On Wed, Oct 14, 2020, 15:18 Bill Coleman  wrote:

> Rick, you seem like a good person to ask this question,
>
> Is there a good way to estimate what the equivalent  Hours, like say 2,500
> engine hours on a boat, would translate to in Miles, (odometer reading) to
> guesstimate life span?
>
>
>
>
>
> Bill Coleman
>
> Entrada, Erie, PA
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to
> this list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use
> PayPal to send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks
> - Stu
October is the time to show your appreciation with a small contribution to this 
list to help offset the costs. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to 
send contribution --   https://www.paypal.me/stumurray  Thanks - Stu