Do you run your engines?

[a64pilot]

Altima, what's that, is that a car?
If it's a car, do you think they expect it to be driven regularly? I'm talking relatively long term storage, entirely different thing. Yes, if it's cold and your going to drive your car tomorrow, plug in the block heater.
But if your not going to run an engine for weeks, possibly months, do not keep the block heater plugged in, it can cause condensation. As a licensed, professional mechanic, I've seen it, I'm not lieing.

[a64pilot]

Ranger,
No offense taken, I know enough about "Yamaha's" to basically avoid them, especially the racks.
Do you have oil seps on yours?

[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Do you have oil seps on yours?

I have Walker AIRSEPs; that what you mean?

-Chris

[sy_gilana]

GG, do you have the manuals for your Detroits?

I have the manuals for my Detroit 53 series, and they are explicit about winter procedures. I am Sure the 71's are the same.

Take a look, we bought manuals and found them expensive but worth the effort.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

I have Walker AIRSEPs; that what you mean?

-Chris

Yes that is exactly what I mean, separate the oil from the air in the crankcase
blow by, keeps things cleaner.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

But if your not going to run an engine for weeks, possibly months, do not keep the block heater plugged in, it can cause condensation. As a licensed, professional mechanic, I've seen it, I'm not lieing.

I would like to know how an item heated above the dew point and maintained there can ever accumulate condensation. I know of lots of standby generators that are maintained with block and winding heaters!!



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[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Altima, what's that, is that a car?
If it's a car, do you think they expect it to be driven regularly? I'm talking relatively long term storage, entirely different thing. Yes, if it's cold and your going to drive your car tomorrow, plug in the block heater.
But if your not going to run an engine for weeks, possibly months, do not keep the block heater plugged in, it can cause condensation. As a licensed, professional mechanic, I've seen it, I'm not lieing.

Ok, I certainly believe you. They are installing my Webasto right now and there will be a heat unit mounted to the wall of each of my engine rooms . As soon as it's done in a couple of weeks I can discontinue the block heaters.


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[Cheechako]

Run your engines in gear at least twice a month, make sure they warm up some. If nothing else it will keep your shafts from corroding inside the cutlass bearing. This can happen in one season if your shafts are stainless. I assume they are not cheap on a powerboat of any size.... You can run tied to the dock on many boats.

[Sailmonkey]

Fwiw I've never been in a marina that had docks that would withstand running big Detroits under enough load to make it worthwhile.


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[Spleen]

How did you make out this winter? Any updates?