Maintenance Week Three
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Alongside RSAYS Marina, Outer
Harbor More maintenance ... The fore end of the coach-house and starboard side deck have been repainted and I am very pleased to say that I have made progress on the engine starting problem. After talking to a couple of sailors with good diesel knowledge, we honed the problem down to being likely related to the engine shut down system. With this hypothesis in mind, I removed the speed control plate and found that the oil surrounding the thrust lever and governor spring looked grey and gungy and that indeed the thrust lever was sticking. After cleaning the control levers and giving them a squirt of oil the engine now appears to be starting okay. I am hopeful that the problem is fixed, though I'm concerned at why the oil in this section of the engine appeared to be contaminated. For now we will wait and see whether the problem returns, though as a precaution I will inspect behind the speed control plate periodically to see whether the oil remains clean or not. And as a further precaution, while otherwise the oil looks normal, I will change the oil within the next few weeks. Tomorrow we are booked to haul out for a bottom clean and the application of some fresh anti-fouling. I will also be cutting out a bit of rust that has become evident on the port topside behind the galley area - a spot I missed during our big refit in New Zealand. The topsides in general are also looking a little patchy so I hope to give them a fresh coat of paint while on the hard as well. All is well. |