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29-10-2022, 17:21
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Blaine, Washington
Boat: 1991 Caliber 33
Posts: 117
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NOT running diesel under load anxiety
I have anxiety of starting my diesel, without putting it under load. I recently acquired my Caliber 33 and hope to keep its Yanmar 3GM30F diesel running strong for many years. Having read about the ramifications of running a diesel without any load, I’m reluctant to start it up without taking it out of its slip to motor around to put a load on it. What is worse, not running the diesel at all, or running it without some sort of load? I know one reason to run it under load is to get it up to temperature so that carbon deposits and raw water condensation don’t muck up the cooling system. I currently don’t need to run it to charge the batteries as I’m in a marina on shore power. The boat does have an engine driven refrigeration compressor, is that enough load? Although I’m down on the boat every few days, I can’t always take it out. I suspect the answer is somewhere in the middle. Start it every few days but run it under load every few weeks? Thoughts?
DD
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29-10-2022, 17:40
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#2
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Moderator
Join Date: May 2008
Location: cruising SW Pacific
Boat: Jon Sayer 1-off 46 ft fract rig sloop strip plank in W Red Cedar
Posts: 21,559
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
You can always put it in gear in your marina berth and run it at a moderate load setting. This should get it up to temp in a reasonable time and won't hurt anything... just be sure that your spring lines are secure!
Jim
__________________
Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II, lying Port Cygnet Tasmania once again.
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29-10-2022, 17:40
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2018
Boat: 50ft Custom Fast Catamaran
Posts: 12,229
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
You’re definitely worrying a bit too much.
I would say running it every few weeks is just fine.
If you really want to put a load on it while you are running it, and your marina is OK with it, just put it in gear at the dock. of course don’t run it wide open, but you can get up a few RPMs at the dock.
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29-10-2022, 17:45
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Boat: KH 49x, Custom
Posts: 1,765
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
There's no need to run it often, if you have no use for it. Let it sit for years, and there'll not be an issue.
Running it at idle isn't the bugbear everyone says it is. If you want to hear it run, just do so.
When you run the engine, it's best to get it up to operating temperature.
The easiest way to do that at a dock is to run it in gear. The second best way is to just raise the rpm's up to say 1500 (after it's been at idle for at least a couple of minutes) and just let it sit until it reaches operating temps. It wouldn't hurt to run it up to full rpms for about a minute before shutting it down. Run it up to max for a minute, then let it sit a minute at idle before shutting it down.
Really, the only reason to run the engine once in a while, is to make yourself feel good. If you want it to last, don't use it. That's not snarky, it's truth.
I've been working on diesels for 35 years now, and have worked in the construction, and over the road industries. We don't run trucks once in a while when they're in storage, we shut them down until we need them again.
Cheers.
Paul.
__________________
If you can dream it; with grit, you can do it.
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29-10-2022, 18:18
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Blaine, Washington
Boat: 1991 Caliber 33
Posts: 117
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
Thank you for the prompt replies. My anxiety has been mitigated. I do suffer from analysis paralysis and tend to over think things. Marina rules are “Engines shall not be operated in gear while the vessel is secured to the dock”, which is understandable. Question though: What is more stressful on the dock; running in forward at 1500 RPMs while tied to the dock on a calm day, or the force of 30kt winds from astern with gusts above 40kts we had the other night? I can attest my spring lines could carry a tune.
DD
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29-10-2022, 18:44
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2018
Boat: 50ft Custom Fast Catamaran
Posts: 12,229
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
Quote:
Originally Posted by DoubleD
Thank you for the prompt replies. My anxiety has been mitigated. I do suffer from analysis paralysis and tend to over think things. Marina rules are “Engines shall not be operated in gear while the vessel is secured to the dock”, which is understandable. Question though: What is more stressful on the dock; running in forward at 1500 RPMs while tied to the dock on a calm day, or the force of 30kt winds from astern with gusts above 40kts we had the other night? I can attest my spring lines could carry a tune.
DD
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Plus every boat on the entire dock is pushing on it in the storm.
Silly rule. I’ve ignored it. Lol.
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29-10-2022, 20:01
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: edmonton alberta
Boat: 1992 lagoon 42 tpi
Posts: 1,745
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
We have the same engine, actually 2 of them. 9000 hours on them and just had them partially rebuilt.
I quizzed the mechanic,( who's been doing marine diesels for 50ish years) on best practices. He said not to worry too much about high or low rpms. Use them as you need them. Don't run wide open for extended periods, but otherwise just use them when you need them.
He also said the 3gm30f is the best engine yanmar ever built. I hope he's right[emoji1696]
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29-10-2022, 20:33
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Blaine, Washington
Boat: 1991 Caliber 33
Posts: 117
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
Chris Mac, are your 3gm30f's original? Mine is 1991 so possibly similar in age. I've yet to dismantle the cooling system, but plan to this winter. Water flow overboard appears sufficient, but I'd like to get a look inside just to be sure there aren't any obstructions brewing. I haven't run it up to full throttle yet and couldn't during sea trials as there were issues with the shaft coupling, which the seller fixed prior to sale. When starting, do you apply full throttle? I'll continue to use as needed.
DD
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29-10-2022, 23:35
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Pacific Northwest
Boat: Boatless in Seattle. Ex- Alberg 30, 30’ Gillnetter, 63’ Wm. Hand Ketch, 36’ Lapwor
Posts: 296
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
Older diesels (circa 1950’s) had this proviso attached- don’t operate at idle for extended periods. I think it had something to do with maintaining adequate oil pressure, hence lubrication. These were mostly the old school, cast iron, slow speed motors of yesteryear.
Nowadays it doesn’t matter. Read your owners manual to be sure…
One thing you should do, every season, is pull your heat exchanger apart and look for corrosion, blockage, sacrificial zinc status. Clean out any crud in the heat exchanger, particularily if it is an older piece of equipment. Usually there are two zincs, one up high, the other buried low in the system, at the rear. Important to check both. This doesn’t have anything to do with slow speed operation, but will protect your motor from overheating and possible damage…
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30-10-2022, 03:47
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: Ontario Canada
Boat: Jeanneau SO 389
Posts: 1,969
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
Just turning the alternator water pumps and hydraulics consume a happy Yanmar putting. It’s also spinning a heavy gear in the transmission. Folks put alternators on little Yanmar’s just about consume the full range of horsepower.
Now visiting your boat often is normal and if the load is your excuse carry on.
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30-10-2022, 05:46
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#11
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Moderator
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Minnesota
Boat: Tartan 3800
Posts: 5,414
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
Quote:
Originally Posted by DoubleD
What is worse, not running the diesel at all, or running it without some sort of load?
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Just leave it. Or run it if that's fun. It doesn't matter. Your engine will be fine either way. My boat is on the hard for the winter and the diesel won't be run until spring and it will be fine. Running the engine at idle won't hurt anything. If you ran it overnight at idle often that might be a bad idea. Worry about something else.
Be aware of your neighbors in the marina and the effect the noise and exhaust have on them. I avoid running the engine in the slip any more than necessary for that reason.
Running the engine with the prop engaged in the slip can cause erosion of the bottom especially if done for extended periods and is a greater concern for the marina than ordinary use of spring lines for docking.
__________________
The best part of an adventure is the people you meet.
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30-10-2022, 07:20
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2015
Location: edmonton alberta
Boat: 1992 lagoon 42 tpi
Posts: 1,745
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
Yes, mine are original from 93. I would recommend making sure the cooling system is good. It doesn't hurt, and helps you become familiar with the engine.
In my opinion, it's a good idea to Allow them to warm up a few minutes before throttling up. Keep an eye on temp and oil pressure. Throttling up in neutral will increase alternator output and hot water production, but won't tell you much about alignment or shaft movement. Your best bet is to to go out motoring for a bit. Run them , use them, see how everything functions, and get a feel for how the boat operates.
Watch for any big vibrations as you increase throttle. And watch for increased water in the bilge.
Have fun with your new boat!
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30-10-2022, 08:27
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#13
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CLOD
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: being planted in Jacksonville Fl
Boat: none
Posts: 20,813
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
common engine question that gets the common answers (2 different ones normally)
To ease you mind check your engine manual for what the manufacturer says.
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
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30-10-2022, 08:33
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 3,743
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
In colder areas diesels are left unattended six months every winter while the boat is hauled. Does no damage.
What is not good for diesels is to run for many hours below operating temperature. This causes carbon buildup over the years.
So when you do take it out, run most of the time between 60%-80% max RPM with a few minutes at 100% RPM.
I think a bigger concern is that your fuel doesn’t degrade and that the engine doesn’t start to rust in the moist air of the engine room. Replace the fuel every couple of years and attend to any rust with fresh paint promptly. And change the oil once a year.
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30-10-2022, 08:36
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#15
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Nearly an old salt
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Lefkas Marina ,Greece
Boat: Bavaria 36
Posts: 22,801
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Re: NOT running diesel under load anxiety
Just start it and run it.
__________________
Interested in smart boat technology, networking and all things tech
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