BOAT OPERATION
Engine Inspection
The main engines on “Desire” are very reliable Cummins diesels, producing 330
horsepower each. If treated correctly, they can be expected to give trouble-free,
economic cruising. The engine room is accessed through panels in the floor of the
salon. Another often used entrance to the mechanical systems is through a hatch at
the top of the companionway stairs next to the refrigerator.
Remember your “WOBBS” prior to each cruising day: Water (Coolant), Oil, Bilge,
Belts, and Sea Strainer. The inspection is best done in the morning while engines
and engine room are cool.
WATER: Check the level of COOLANT in the expansion tanks. If coolant is needed,
determine if there is any sign of a coolant leak under the engine. If there is, do not
run the engine. If there is no leak, add coolant. Coolant is a 50/50% mixture of
antifreeze and water.
OIL: Check the level of each engine’s oil with the dipsticks located on the inboard
side of each engine. The handles are marked in yellow and lock/unlock with a slight
turn (be certain to lock caps after checking so they don’t inadvertently come loose).
The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick. Use a paper towel to
wipe the stick, reinsert, and check the level. The distance between the two marks is
about 1.5 quarts. Only fill if oil levels are below the add mark. Do not overfill! The oil
fill on each engine is atop its valve cover. After refilling, be sure to retighten the cap.
Do not over tighten.
BILGE: Visually inspect the engine room. Check under and around the engines.
During your inspection, ask yourself if everything looks (and smells) right.
BELTS: Check the general condition of the hoses and belts.
SEA STRAINER: Ensure the valves on each RAW WATER THRU-HULL are OPEN!
(lever in-line with valve). Raw Water Thru-hulls are normally left in the open
position. However, if they are closed you will not note any water flow from the stern
(port/starboard) exhaust when the engines are running. This will lead to a serious
overheat condition and engine damage. Observe through the glass of each RAW
WATER SEA STRAINER for debris. A clogged strainer will cause the engine to run hot
or overheat. If necessary, close the thru-hull, open the strainer cover, clean out
debris, and reassemble. Remember to REOPEN the Thru-hull!
Start Up
Having finished your inspection, it is probably best to start your engines from the
Pilot House. Ensure that Gearshifts are in neutral or the engines will not start
(neutral lockout). Ensure the Throttles have freedom of movement and are in the
idle position. Inset both keys into the ignition and turn the keys clockwise one click.
The engine alarm sounds and the green pre-heat lights will illuminate. After 10-15
seconds, the pre-heat lights will go out signaling it is OK to turn the key fully to
engage the engine. If the engine does not turn over, move the gearshift slightly
while turning the key until the engine engages (neutral lockout may be engaged). If
the engine cranks slowly, check the condition of your batteries at the electrical panel.
If the battery is low, engage the Battery Parallel Switch located at either the
pilothouse or bridge helm to connect other batteries. The Parallel Switch must be
held in position while starting. Releasing the switch will return the electrical system
