December 19, 2013 - Oil change complete

Still laying here in the cold...

Hank came by today to change my engine oil and filter. The last time Hank was over, my oil transfer pump broke, Richard tried to make repairs but it is still broken. Hank borrowed another pump from Richard to complete the job.

After 15 minutes of warming me up for the oil extraction / replacement, the job was completed without any problems. I now have a complete oil and filter change good for another 50 hours... but Hank replaced my oil filter with a different brand and size. My old filter was a Kutoba now replaced with a Baldwin. The Kubota filters can only be purchased in Richmond where they sell Kuboto parts, this is about a 2 hour trip, so Hank opted for a locally purchased one, well ok... borrowed from Aaron. :)

Kubota filter on the left, Baldwin filter on the right.

You can see from the photo the difference in canister size. It should work, as Hank changes my oil every 50 hours or so, so size doesn't matter I hope.

Kubota filter is on the left, Baldwin filter on the right

Now sleeping in the cold again... it snowed today (Dec 20), great eh!

Tarka out.

December 08 2013 - Oil change...

Well, this morning Hank came out to check on me as we had a gale coming through the marina (northerly outflow). The docks were moving around like snakes in a grassy field with our stays screaming loudly. Lucky all us boats were "snug as a bug" and rode out the storm without mishap (I think).

In addition, Hank came out to do my oil change. This is usually a very simple job, as my engine has an extractor pump mounted in front of my engine, and also my oil filter is accessed from the front as well.

My diesel engine started instantly (around -1c) using my glow plugs; Hank just needs to remember to open my raw water intake valve, BEFORE he starts the engine! After 30 seconds or so he remembered to open the valve (no raw water coming out of the exhaust is a good indicator). He now places the keys by the valve.

After running my engine for 15 minutes or so, Hank is ready to change my engine oil. Rags, filter removal tool and empty oil container all set... two pumps on the extractor pump and my pump breaks!! So much for the oil change today. Hank removed the extractor pump to see what the problem is... needless to say upon taking the pump apart, a spring bonces out of the pump and is now lost somewhere in my engine compartment... so much for the oil change.

But as luck has it... my "Pump Doctor" -  Richard Grass just happened to stop by... Hank asked him if he could repair my pump, hopefully he as a spare spring for my pump.

So much for the oil change eh!

Well for now...

Tarka sleeping in the cold.. Tarka out!

December 04, 2013 - Impeller Repairs Cont'd

Well, Hank and Richard were successful in rebuilding my impeller... operation a great success! My impeller has been re-installed, filter and lines cleaned, diesel filters cleaned and lines hooked up, engine throttle lines hooked up put needs to be reset as I can now only reach 1800 rpm. Just a minor adjustment.

All hooked up... note the new bolts (recycled from my old zinc blocks) Still needs a bit of paint... no leaks!! The pump is brass, they say not to paint it, but it would look better if it was pained.

This is my exhaust / raw water connection, this was replaced a few years ago, still looks good.

My motor started up with any problems, no air in my diesel lines!! and NO leaks in my raw water system!! all works perfectly!

Just need to have a bit of paint here and there to complete the job.

Besides the painting, my oil change still needs to be done!

Now sitting in the cold, with an electric heater, waiting for Hank's return.

Tarka out!