Dad's been busy doing an engine service. Last year, before we sailed off on our blissful holidays, we had a bit of a mad rush getting the boat and everything ready to go. So this year we're making sure that everything is done well in advance. This means not only can we enjoy giving Nocturne some TLC but also that dad can teach mum and I all about it. I, being male, am naturally gifted with all things mechanical. Dad's really proud of me! Mum, however has a long way to go...
Every year or every 500 operating hours the oil needs to be changed and the oil filter should be replaced. As well as the fuel filter. Dad did all of this explaining it all as he went. It's quite a messy job! Luckily, the humans picked up some mats from West Marine that are especially designed to soak up any spills and keep the floor clean.
Once a year the impeller also needs to be checked to ensure it hasn't got any cracks or defects. The impeller is the part of the water pump which turns and sucks water. It pushes the water through the heat exchanger to cool the coolant water in the engine. This is very important, obviously, so that the engine doesn't overheat.
This is what dad found!
As you can see, it had really worn away with a huge crack in it, when dad took it out one of the impeller's paddle wheels came right off in his hand. That could've really caused a lot of problems if it had happened while the engine was running. The rubber could have caused a blockage which is never good. I was really happy because when dad asked us what was wrong with it mum had no clue and I diagnosed the cracks straight away! There's no fleas on me!
And here's the old impeller next to a new one... You can really see the difference.
Every two years or 500 operating hours the Air Filter (or Air Cleaner) needs to be replaced too, so dad has also done that in this service. The engines only got 450 hours at the moment so looking after it now can extend the engines life. Since they cost around €15000 we are going to keep up good practice and look after ours as best we can. Now the service has been done our engine is super shiny and revamped ready to go! I've learnt lots and am even more excited about getting out in the boat.
Bisous Bailey
Glad to know the boat will be all ready to go when the time comes, Bailey. You just can’t wait, can you???
Purrs, Sundae
How smart it is that your Dad’s doing that well ahead of your cruising this year – and just look what he found with that nasty old impeller! Good for all of you keeping tabs on Nocturne so she sails and runs smooth as silk……now that you and your Mum are educated on all of this stuff you’re even MORE valuable crew members!!!!
I know you can’t wait to sail………………we can’t wait to HEAR about it!
Kitty Hugs, Sammy
Great news dad caught the bad impeller before it crumbled! Way to go captain!
Good to have a guy like your dad on board!
Bailey, We don’t care anything about that technical engine stuff, but you sure look adorable in you little life jacket. Purrs and hugs from the kitties at http://www.thecatonmyhead.com, Lily Olivia, Misty May Mauricio, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette
Yes, you do look so spiffy in your life jacket, and then there was that scarf at Christmas. I think I’d better not let MaChatte see the blog any more or she’ll be talking about wanting to go to France. She’ll have some silly excuse, like having a French name, but I’ll know…she wants to go see Bailey!
You will be the ship’s engineer in no time, Bailey.
oh wow, Bailey, this is very impressive and interesting!
Purrs
When are you sailing away???