Engines

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==Engines==
==Engines==
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There has probably been more written about sailboat engines than any other topic -- entire books have been dedicated to certain types of engine or just a few parts of the engine (see [[#References_.26_Publications|References]] below).
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===Engine Types===
===Engine Types===
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The main engine types seen on board a yacht today are:
* Diesel
* Diesel
** Common Rail
** Common Rail
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** Turbo Injected
** Turbo Injected
* Petrol (Gasoline)
* Petrol (Gasoline)
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* Electric
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Each have their advantages and disadvantages and you will find advocates for each.
==Diesel Engines==
==Diesel Engines==
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[[Image:Yanmar_diesel.jpg|thumb|right|250px|'''Yanmar Diesel Engine''' -- ''click for larger view'']]
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Diesel engines are by far the most common type.  A diesel engine differs from a petrol engine in that it uses compression to ignite the fuel, and not a spark. This makes a diesel engine one of the more simple types of engine on board a yacht -- as long as fuel comes in and compression happens, the engine '''must''' run, there are no spark plugs to worry about.
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Diesel fuel is also very much safer than petrol (gasoline) because the vapours are not explosive.
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See the books in the [[#References_.26_Publications|References]] section below for more information about diesel engines, and read the [[#Forum_Discussions|Forum Discussions]] for some discussions and opinions (which may be biased).
==Petrol Engines==
==Petrol Engines==

Revision as of 01:27, 7 November 2014

Engines

There has probably been more written about sailboat engines than any other topic -- entire books have been dedicated to certain types of engine or just a few parts of the engine (see References below).

Engine Types

The main engine types seen on board a yacht today are:

  • Diesel
    • Common Rail
    • Non-Turbo
    • Turbo Injected
  • Petrol (Gasoline)
  • Electric

Each have their advantages and disadvantages and you will find advocates for each.

Diesel Engines

Yanmar Diesel Engine -- click for larger view

Diesel engines are by far the most common type. A diesel engine differs from a petrol engine in that it uses compression to ignite the fuel, and not a spark. This makes a diesel engine one of the more simple types of engine on board a yacht -- as long as fuel comes in and compression happens, the engine must run, there are no spark plugs to worry about.

Diesel fuel is also very much safer than petrol (gasoline) because the vapours are not explosive.

See the books in the References section below for more information about diesel engines, and read the Forum Discussions for some discussions and opinions (which may be biased).

Petrol Engines

Engine Maintenance

Regular Servicing

Troubleshooting

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

References & Publications

  • Nigel Calder, Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual: How To Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat's Essential Systems, International Marine/McGraw Hill, ISBN 0071432388
    • The book that should come as standard equipment on every boat. If you're not sure how to do something, it's probably covered in this book.
  • Nigel Calder, Marine Diesel Engines: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair, International Marine/McGraw Hill, ISBN 0071475354
  • Jean-Luc Pallas, Marine Diesel Engines Maintenance and Repair Manual, Sheridan House, ISBN 1574092367
    • I find this a useful reference and step-by-step guide for general engine maintenance tasks in a format that is sometimes easier to follow than Calder's book, although it's not as comprehensive.
  • The manufacturer's manual for your engine, whatever type, make or model that should happen to be.
  • A parts catalogue for the engine you are servicing. Note that many of the parts that are regularly replaced on most diesel engines, such as oil and fuel filters, morse cables, etc, often have after-market parts that are equivalent. It's important to have a good list of these and find some local suppliers, as well as carry sufficient spares for parts that are likely to need replacing on an ocean voyage (especially in the fuel filtering area).

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Delatbabel



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