Specifications

WPOperatingManual Page - 11 - Revised: August 12, 2009
III.System Operations
A. Auxiliary Engine
1. Maintenance Checks
(a) Fresh Water Level in Engine
Manually check the water level in engine by removing the heat exchanger filler cap located on the top,
port side of the engine. DO NOT REMOVE THE CAP IF THE ENGINE IS HOT. This cap is metal
and similar to the radiator cap found on any automobile. Water frequently needs topping up in the
tropics and neglecting to do so is the most common cause of the engine overheating. The small plastic
overflow tank for the radiator should have water in it at the bottom mark when the engine is cold and at
the top mark when the engine is at operating speed. When adding water be sure that you are adding it
to the heat exchanger and not into the oil filler location on the top, center of the engine.
(b) Engine Oil Level
Access to the dipstick is possible by removing the companionway steps or the engine room panel in the
aft starboard cabin. The dipstick is on the starboard side of the engine. To check the level, remove the
dipstick, wipe it clean, put it back in and remove it. The oil level on the dipstick should be between
MIN. and MAX. Only add oil if the level is at MIN. If you do have to add oil, do so through the oil
filler on top of the engine. Be sure to differentiate between the oil and water filler. Do not overfill with
oil as this can cause damage to the engine. The engine oil and the oil filter should be changed every
100 engine operating hours. When they are changed the date and engine hours should be recorded in
the ship’s log and in the maintenance log (an Excel file on the ship’s computer).
(c) Belt Tension
Make sure the belts have not become loose or the engine may overheat. There should be about 5-10mm
( ¼ - ½ inch) play in the belts if they are properly tensioned.
(d) Transmission Fluid Level
The transmission fluid level is checked using a dip stick that is on top of the transmission. The stick
has a hex head and must be removed with a wrench. There is a metal washer between the stick hex
head and the transmission. Be careful not to lose it when you remove the stick. There are two lines
scribed on the dip stick. The transmission level must be between these two levels. To check the level,
remove the dip stick and wipe it clean. Then insert it but do not screw it in. Remove it again and read
the level. If transmission fluid is required to bring the level up to the lower mark, be careful not to
overfill as this may cause the seals in the transmission to blow out resulting in an expensive repair or
replacement of the transmission. The transmission fluid should be changed every 200 engine operating
hours. When they are changed the date and engine hours should be recorded in the ship’s log and in the
maintenance log (an Excel file on the ship’s computer).