Diesel Deep Dive:When to Repair vs Replace
There are cases when replacing with a new engine may actually be…
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…
Diesel Deep Dive: The Effect of Time on an Engine
This article was originally published in the November 2021 issue of 48° North. Marine diesels endure a tough life during their time on board a vessel. Often I hear, “A diesel will last forever,” or, “That engine will get a…
Diesel Deep Dive: Quirks of the Engine Cooling System
Exploring the quirks of the marine diesel engine cooling system. This article was originally published in the October 2021 issue of 48° North. It’s a beautiful sunny day, and the water is calling. Once the diesel is started…
Diesel Deep Dive: Buying a Rebuilt Engine
This article was originally published in the August 2021 issue of 48° North. Summer is upon us, and so is boat buying season! For those of us dreaming about a new boat, there can never be enough scouring of boat ads. Hope…
Diesel Deep Dive: Is Your Engine Sending Smoke Signals?
This article originally appeared in the June 2021 issue of 48° North. In the 1890s, Rudolf Diesel created the first compression ignition oil-burning engine, and it was was large, heavy, smoky, and slow turning. While the…
Diesel Deep Dive: Shifting The Marine Repair Paradigm
From the April 2021 issue of 48° North. Editor's Note: Diesel engine maintenance and repair can be a conundrum. Can and should boaters learn the basics and be able to do much of the work ourselves? Absolutely. Still, there…