How to Keep Your Marine Diesel Oil in Tip Top Shape
Do you know the condition of the marine diesel oil in your small diesel engine? What three important steps must you take each time you change your marine diesel oil?
Some cruising sailboat small diesel engines don't seem designed with the customer in mind. That marine diesel oil dipstick might be hidden or jammed against the side of the engine compartment. But check it you must if you want your small diesel engine to stay in peak condition.
Marine diesel oil performs three vital functions for your boat diesel. It lubricates internal parts, keeps inside temperatures low and traps harmful contaminants. To be safe, check your oil condition each time before you start or shut down your small diesel engine.
Three secrets of your oil dipstick
1. Dipstick Level: Keep the oil level between the two upper marks on the dipstick
2. Water: Check for a white, milky color. This means water in the oil, which can cause serious damage to any boat diesel. Locate the source of the problem and change the oil before you start your small diesel engine.
3. Trapping: When oil gets so black you can't see the stick, it has lost its ability to trap harmful contaminants like carbon or soot. These contaminants end up as gum deposits inside your small diesel engine.
Fast, easy steps to change your oil
Most boat diesel manufacturers recommend that you change oil every 100 to 125 hours. On a cruising sailboat, change marine diesel oil at least twice a year to be on the safe side.
1. Run your small diesel engine for 15-20 minutes. This insures that harmful internal contaminants drain down into the oil sump.
2. Line the boat engine drip pan with absorbent pads or cotton rags. Place a large marine diesel oil catchment pan on top of your rags.
Smaller engines with limited space beneath will need to use an oil pump. Remove the oil fill cap and insert the intake down to the sump.
3. Remove the sump drain oil plug and set it aside. . Use an oil filter spanner wrench to remove the old oil filter. Place the filter inside a gallon sized zip-lock bag.
4. Use a lint free rag to wipe the inside of the oil filter mounting surface on the marine diesel engine.
5. Open the new oil. Smear a light coat of new oil onto the bottom of the new marine oil filter. Spin the filter onto the mounting. Hand tighten; then tighten down an additional ¾ turn. Fill with new marine diesel oil and check oil level. Dispose of the old oil.
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Marine diesel oil serves as the life blood of all marine diesel engines. Keep your small diesel engine running like a stallion with frequent oil and filter changes.