ABL-14d
Instructors: George Crowl

 d. i) Understand the safe and proper procedures for the use of gasoline and diesel inboard engines, including fueling, pre-start checks, ventilation, starting, running, periodic checks while running, securing, post-operative checks, and keeping an engine log.
 d. ii) Using the type of engine aboard the vessel you most frequently use, demonstrate your understanding of basic troubleshooting and the preventive maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

d. i) Understand the safe and proper procedures for the use of gasoline and diesel inboard engines, including fueling, pre-start checks, ventilation, starting, running, periodic checks while running, securing, post-operative checks, and keeping an engine log.

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May be before pre-start, or after getting underway
All flames extinguished
Engine and electronics off
Close hatches, ports, doors
Portable tanks on dock / ground
Passengers on shore

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Have absorbent material on hand to mop up fuel spills
Insure you are using fuel filler, not water or other filler pipe
Maintain contact between fuel nozzle and filler pipe to prevent sparking
Listen for sound change as tank fills. Go slowly.

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Clean up any spills. Dispose of absorbers.
Open ports, hatches, doors to ventilate
Do a sniff check at bilge level for fumes
Blower ventilate gas engine for four minutes

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Use starting checklist
Open raw water valve
Listen during starting for unusual noise
Engine should settle to smooth run
Insure cooling water being pumped overboard
Log start time in engine log

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Listen to the engine. Investigate strange sounds
Check engine instruments regularly. (We know they are hard to see, do it anyway!)
Check oil pressure (usually 40-80 PSI)
Check alternator / generator (positive output)
Check temperature (under 200 ° F)

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Follow the checklist
Most people believe it is better to close the raw water valve about 10 seconds before shutting the engine down. This blows the water out of the manifold.
May not need to close raw water valve for short shutdowns
Log shutdown time. Log total engine time for oil changes, etc.

d. ii) Using the type of engine aboard the vessel you most frequently use, demonstrate your understanding of basic troubleshooting and the preventive maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

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Engine won't start
Won't turn over – battery dead? Battery cables corroded? Disconnected? Starter motor relay failed? Ignition switch failure?
Turns over weakly – battery weak? Cables corroded?
Turns over fine, won't start – defective fuel pump? Fuel filter(s) clogged? Spark plugs? Diesel injectors clogged?

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Runs, then stops – check fuel level? Boat heeling or pitching? Needs fuel?
Runs rough – electrical harness tight? Spark plugs cleaned and gapped? Carburetor dirty?
Overheating – temperature above about 190 ° -
Faulty thermostat? Water pump failing? Water hose leaking?

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Engine oil change (interval ?)
Transmission oil change (interval?)
Fuel filter change (interval?) (how many?)
Air filter change (interval?)
Spark plugs – gas (interval?)
Diesel injectors (interval?)

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Starting difficulties
Fuel tank full
Primer bulb pumped hard
Gear shift in neutral
Kill switch set
Throttle positioned to start
Starter rope tight, pulled hard

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Engine does not start – other
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Old fuel (30 days +) – fill with new fuel
Kill switch engaged – disengage
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Kill switch clip not inserted – insert, or remove and re-insert
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Spark plugs or ignition – new plugs, check ignition system

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Overheating
Check water coming out of motor
Check water intake clear
Check water pump impeller
Excessive vibration
Check propeller attached tightly
Check isolation mounts – tighten or replace
Propeller not turning properly
Check prop or shaft for debris
Check shear pin OK

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Engine won't stay running
Check fuel system
Check fuel filter – clean
Check carburator – clean
Check air filter – clean
Make sure you are using the correct fuel
Gas / oil mix for 2-cycle
Straight gas for 4-cycle, check oil level

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Engine oil ratio (2-stroke)
Engine oil change interval (4-stroke)
Oil filter change (4-stroke) (interval?)
Transmission oil change (interval?)
Air filter change (interval?)
Spark plug change (gas)

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