Diesel Deep Dive: DIY Fails
For many of us, self-reliance in the marine world is a critical component of being a successful boat owner. The desire to do our own work has its own organic motivations, but it can also be attributed to the often…
Diesel Deep Dive: Spares for Distance Cruising
The author can rebuild mostof an engine with what fits in a handheld tool bag, and so could you! Many of us have the dream of taking our boats off-grid or offshore. The feeling of sailing beyond the lines of civilization is…
Engine Spares for Local Cruising
Spare parts for different types of cruising adventures Organizing spare engine parts before a trip. The day has come to untie those dock lines and head out on the water. As you motor out of your slip, the last things you…
Diesel Deep Dive: Modern Emissions Tech
When Rudolf Diesel invented and patented the design for the first pressure-ignited heat engine (commonly known as the diesel engine today), I doubt he would have expected to see the changes to performance, efficiency, and…
What Else Can Your Engine Do for You?
This Perkins has a hydraulic pump for power steering. Aboard many recreational and commercial boats, the main engine may be equipped to drive more than just the boat. From pump drives to generators, the power an engine…
Diesel Deep Dive:When to Repair vs Replace
There are cases when replacing with a new engine may actually be cheaper than a rebuild. The question of whether to repair or replace an engine component, or the entire engine itself, is complicated. Answers vary greatly…
FAQs from a Diesel Mechanic
Throughout my career, I have been asked many questions about what I do and why, or for tips and tricks to keep customers’ engines happy and healthy. Here are some of the most common questions I get and how I typically…
Diesel Deep Dive: Electrical Gremlins in Your Engine Compartment?
From the June 2022 issue of 48° North. Working as a marine engineer and mechanic, I have seen and continue to see some of the worst DIY electrical jobs on boats, both recreational and commercial. Unlike residential…
A Closer Look at Diesel Fuel
This article was originally published in the April 2022 issue of 48° North. In my last column (February 2022), we talked about oil’s function and filtration in a marine diesel engine, and noted that it is one of several…
Diesel Deep Dive: Functional Oil Filtration
(Caption) Engine room of the Maritime Instructor (Seattle Maritime Academy training ship). All engines are equipped with spin-on or cartridge style filters. This article was originally published in the February 2022 issue of…