Most Common Marine Engine Problems
Certain types of marine engine problems are more common than others. If you notice any problems with your boat or engine, this can be one of the experiences of many boat owners. Some of the most common marine engine problems are:
- blown fuse
- Corroded electrical connections
- loose alternator
- loose belt
- clogged fuel filter
- clogged seawater filter
- old antifreeze
- water or other substances in fuel
- damaged impeller
- clogged muffler
While some of these are easy to fix, you may have something more complicated on your hands. Depending on the problem or combination of problems, you may need new parts or expert help, including an engine rebuild. However, some repairs and maintenance are easy to do yourself.
Follow the Manual
Sometimes the answer to questions like “Do I need to change my boat oil every year?” Or, “How do I clean my marine engine?” is easy to find. Your boat’s manual may give you step-by-step instructions or otherwise guide you through the process of changing your boat’s oil or cleaning your engine.
You do not want to rely on general instructions or advice when it comes to repairing your specific boat type. Maintenance and repair procedures are usually different for different models and engines. When in doubt, read the manual.
Some of the information you might find in the manual includes:
- Changing the oil filter: Your manual should tell you what type of oil filter to use in your marine diesel engine. If you use the wrong one, you risk restricting oil flow throughout the engine.
- Putting the raw-water pump back in: Your manual may advise you to take your impeller out in the fall and replace it in the spring, which is an essential part of engine maintenance. You’ll also want to check your manual when putting the pump in place again. You should find a tightening sequence and torque specs for hose clamps. Follow the steps when reinstalling your raw-water pump to avoid issues with the mechanism.
- Re-torquing cylinder heads:You should leave the process of re-torquing cylinder heads to the pros. Your manual should tell you how often you should have someone perform this maintenance. The frequency is based on hours of operation for your engine, so be sure to keep track of how much use the boat gets.
Think of your manual as the ultimate guide to boat maintenance. If you have any questions, please read the manual as you may find useful answers there.
