Engine Preventive Maintenance

We can’t stress enough the importance of preventative engine maintenance. By being in tune with your engine, you can usually tell when you have a problem. The most important thing you can do is a complete visual inspection on a routine basis. You should also inspect the engines while running as you will spot problems that can only been seen at that time. To get the most out of your marine engine, it is important to follow the scheduled maintenance as outlined in your owner’s manual. Below is a list of engine systems and parts that require regular preventive maintenance: Revolution-Sensitive Items

• Water pumps
• Alternators
• Fuel transfer pumps
• Oil pumps

Load-Sensitive Items

• Cylinder liners
• Cylinder heads
• Connecting rods
• Pistons
• Piston rings
• Main and connecting rod bearings
• Valve train components

Environmental-Sensitive Items

• Salt Water Open Systems
• Air Filters
• Rusty Parts
• Deteriorated Hoses

Basic Maintenance Schedule

The schedule will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but below is a very basic outline of what you can expect for a typical maintenance schedule. DAILY: Check oil level in engine Check primary fuel filter Check cooling water level Check sea strainer AFTER FIRST 50 HOURS: Change engine oil and filter Check V-belt tension Adjust valves Check electrolyte in batteries EVERY 250 HOURS: Change engine oil and filter Check air cleaner Change primary fuel filter element Check electrolyte in batteries Check state of charge of batteries EVERY 500 HOURS: Change engine oil filter Change primary fuel filter element Change secondary fuel filter Inspect condition of exhaust elbow EVERY 1000 HOURS: Check air cleaner Check valve clearances Check injectors Check and flush cooling system Change impeller in raw water pump EVERY 2400 HOURS: Check fuel injection pump Check and clean heat exchanger Descale raw water system