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Old 25-11-2010, 05:52   #1
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Daily Machinery Checks - What Do You Do ?

What do you guys do? The manuals are not really helpful because they mix in things which are actually absurd to do every day with things which are essential. Here is what we do every day before going to sea:

1. verify sea cocks open
2. check engine oil
3. check gearbox oil
4. inspect and feel belts
5. start engine, run up to 1500 rpm
6. observe sea water strainer – water flowing through? Debris?
7. observe Racors – water or debris in the bowls? Vacuum?
8. observe whether anything is leaking or smoking
9. listen for any odd sounds
10. observe temperature & oil pressure
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Old 25-11-2010, 05:59   #2
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I also walk around the deck looking for loose rigging fittings and stray rust spots. Also, I do am electronics check especially the radar.
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Old 25-11-2010, 06:02   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dockhead View Post
What do you guys do? The manuals are not really helpful because they mix in things which are actually absurd to do every day with things which are essential. Here is what we do every day before going to sea:

1. verify sea cocks open
2. check engine oil
3. check gearbox oil
4. inspect and feel belts
5. start engine, run up to 1500 rpm
6. observe sea water strainer – water flowing through? Debris?
7. observe Racors – water or debris in the bowls? Vacuum?
8. observe whether anything is leaking or smoking
9. listen for any odd sounds
10. observe temperature & oil pressure
Shift transmission into forward and reverse to verify operation
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Old 25-11-2010, 06:41   #4
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I always check the forward/reverse/neutral and that the water pump is actually pumping water overboard before untying...once under way, my wife takes the wheel and I check that the bilges are dry, the engine room is OK, and that all gauges are "normal"

then follow 8-10 on the list as you head out...

best of luck
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Old 25-11-2010, 06:52   #5
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You already have a good list and some suggestion, all of which are part of our regular checks. While under way we have a routine to do an engine room inspection at least every three hours. Included in this is to check the stuffing box, all water hoses, fuel lines and oil or hydraulic hoses. These are only visual inspections and we log these checks into the ships log. We also note fuel and water levels at any inspection. We will also check engine temperatures at the location of the thermostat, the FW tank, the exhaust manifold and exhaust riser using a infrared gun. We have a baseline for these and write down the readings, the spots are marked with paint to make them visible and to be sure we check the same spot each time. Chuck
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Old 25-11-2010, 07:00   #6
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If anyone out there does not check engine and transmission oil every day, you're not alone
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Old 25-11-2010, 08:02   #7
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I'd add the following to the list:

I check the strainer before starting the engine
check the coolant level in the radiator (if you have one)
do a visual check of hoses, making sure there's no broken clamps or chafe
make sure the dip sticks (engine, transmission) are secure, the radiator cap secure, and the oil fill cap secure
check the sump pan for any residue. Make a note if there are.
check the stuffing box (I have the old style and keep track of the drip rates)

I start the engine and let it idle:
check for water coming out of exhaust (I've got a one-way valve in the exhaust but many folks have a manually operated valve)
check the exhaust for color, smell, sheen on the water
check the raw water impeller case - it should feel cold
check the instruments
check transmission forward and reverse - make sure transmission engages fully and that the controls don't bind

run the RPMs to 1000 or so:
check the raw water strainer
check for weird noises
check that the instruments show movement
check the alternator/battery voltage making sure the alternator is working (at this low RPM, it may not be putting out much, or any voltage)

This sounds like a lot but it takes me about 2 minutes to do the checks. I'll check the Racors regularly as well as the raw water strainer and raw water pump case and shaft for leaks.
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Old 25-11-2010, 10:05   #8
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All of these checks have been done on every vessel I have been paid crew on tugs/yachts....every hour...and noted in a separate engine room log.
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Old 25-11-2010, 11:35   #9
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Good list of machinery checks. The only thing I do additionally before taking off is to turn the steering lock-to-lock and check it's progress against the rudder indicator. There can be small amounts of hydraulic oil lost over time and a full lock-to-lock run will let you know before you need the steering.
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