When you are out on the water, you depend heavily on the marine engine that you have. Without it, you don't have the means to move, which can prove to be extremely complicated. A Caterpillar commercial marine engine has a great reputation for being reliable. Following tips on how to maintain an engine so that it is always in working condition will make it easier for you to spend time out on the water without having to worry about whether your engine will operate properly or not.
Replacing Parts
It's important to get your marine engine on a maintenance schedule so that you don't have to deal with various issues. On your schedule, you should know when it's time to replace such things as:
- Hoses
- Belts
- Seals
These will be disclosed within the owner's manual of your engine. Every model is going to vary – and if you go beyond the suggested schedule, you could end up with problems, such as a belt breaking while you're out on the water or a head gasket leaking into the cooling system.
Completing Oil Changes
Just as you would complete an oil change on a car, the same needs to be done on a marine engine. It is particularly important to change the oil frequently because diesel engines operate at such high temperatures. There is a lot of carbon and acid produced, and the oil becomes sooty even after just a few hours of operating.
Further, when you complete the oil change, you will want to examine the oil. If there is a lot of oil under the cap, it can be the sign of a cracked cylinder head or even a blown head gasket. If you have a significant amount of black goop, it shows that the oil hasn't been changed with enough frequency, which may be why fuel efficiency has dropped considerably.
Checking the Integrity of Systems
Every system needs to be checked periodically. If you are not a diesel engine mechanic, then you will want to work with one who can look at the integrity of your engine. They will be able to look at the air filter and replace it, examine the turbocharger to ensure that it is working properly, if one exists, and be able to look at the transmission and cooling system.
Determining When You Need a New Engine
Unfortunately, marine engines have a finite lifespan. They are only going to work for so many hours, though performing maintenance will help them to work for longer.
When you have replaced various parts, conducted oil changes, and you still experience problems with your engine, it may be time that you replace the engine. You may experience a cracked turbo blanket, rusted engine components, and more. While you may be able to get repairs, even these are only going to last so long.
Once you have decided that it's time to get a new engine, you can get another Caterpillar commercial marine engine, or replace another manufacturer's engine with a Caterpillar one. This will allow you to take advantage of all the technology that Caterpillar have incorporated within their engines, and have a reputable manufacturer on board your marine vessel.
When you take the time to maintain your engine, it's going to last longer. You can also identify various problems early on before they become detrimental and expensive. You depend on your engine to get you everywhere around the water, and therefore knowing more about maintenance requirements will make it easier for you to have dependable transportation.
To learn more about a Caterpillar commercial marine engine, contact Depco Power System for details today.
