Lifehacks: Everything to do with engine maintenance - the best tricks from our readers
YACHT-Redaktion
· 30.01.2023
Motor Lifehack 1:New transparent cover: This allows the impeller to be checked without tools
In addition to fuel, air and lubrication, cooling water is crucial for the function of the engine. It is therefore important to regularly check the impeller in the cooling water pump. In most cases, however, the cover is unscrewed and the small impeller is found to be intact. Of course, the check is not free, but the effort involved is quite high for the fact that there is then no need for action.
That's why we replaced the metal pump cover with a transparent plastic cover. We opted for polycarbonate, which is sold under the brand name Makrolon. It is more resistant than acrylic glass (Plexiglas). The pane is six millimetres thick and measures ten centimetres in diameter. The protruding edge is designed to prevent cracks from forming at the screw holes. So far, our transparent pump cover has already completed 500 operating hours.
Frank Winklmeier, Krefeld
Motor Lifehack 2:Work smart, not hard-Push the motor instead of lifting it
The saildrive sleeve had to be replaced. However, instead of lifting the engine completely out of the boat, we simply pushed the jib forwards. Two 50-centimetre-long U-profiles formed the core of the construction. They stand aft on squared timbers that are notched at the top and bolted to the steel profile. These supports are also bolted to the engine foundation. At the front, the rails are located on a large, transverse squared timber. This also prevents it from tipping over to the side.
Uwe Schösser, Möhrendorf
Motor Lifehack 3:Two-way valve for frost protection
We have installed a two-way valve in the supply line to make it easier to conserve the cooling system. In the arrangement shown, the seacock does not need to be locked - it is sufficient to connect the flushing hose and flip the lever of the two-way valve. This allows the antifreeze to run through until it emerges at the exhaust. The Gardena coupling makes it very easy. Side effect: The impeller does not run dry as the liquid is continuously sucked in.
Jürgen Kruse, by e-mail
Motor Lifehack 4:Clean oil change made easy
Even if great care is taken when changing the oil and filter, something can go wrong and contaminate the bilge. We have therefore placed a boot tray from the car accessories range in the engine bilge. These are available in different sizes, they are also inexpensive and very flexible. In our case, the 100 x 70 centimetre tray had to be pushed through a gap that was only 15 centimetres wide, which worked without any problems. The five-centimetre-high rim is perfectly adequate for catching oil or fuel splashes.
Joachim Beutler, by e-mail
Do you have any advice for other sailors?
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