Ok this is a concern to me, I had the engine service on a regular basis
now the cost is getting to high to continue to service every year
so I'm thinking how often do I need to service based on 20 hours running each year.
or do I try to service myself ? And how hard is it
That's not many hours! Biggest problem with your engine will probably condensation. One oil change every 6 months will be ample. I would suggest buying a 12v electric oil pump off eBay and sucking the oil out of the dipstick These are excellent.https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-60W-Oil-Diesel-Extractor-Suction-Pump-Transfer-Fluid-Change-Car-Boat/401164598742?_trkparms=aid%3D555017%26algo%3DPL.CASSINI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20180905084510%26meid%3D5194bad6f7a443f9b62159fdddbd9f19%26pid%3D100505%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26%26itm%3D401164598742&_trksid=p2045573.c100505.m3226
Buy quality oil Filters like Baldwin and the correct grade oil that your manufacturer suggests. Watch Youtube videos to make yourself an expert. It's dead easy!
I have always completed my own services. It's not that difficult to do.
The most complex thing would be checking and adjusting valve clearance every 500hrs. YouTube is your best friend; teachers you everything!
DIY!!! It is laughable what is being charged for servicing marine diesels. I found a previous owners receipt for $1300 and nine hours labour to do the 18hp on our boat. This didn't even include coolant flush.
Change fuel filters, oil filter and impeller. Change engine oil and gearbox oil. Flush cooling system every other year. Clean sea water filter.
Your best bet if you don't want to DIY is to have it done when the boat is hauled every 18 months. Ask in advance what the charges will be.
ed
Yacht Sea Sun san
I can give you four reasons for doing the service yourself.
1, Saving money
2. Learning how things work so if they go wrong you have a chance of fixing them
3. The satisfaction that comes with having done something useful with your hands
4. The knowledge that is has been done well (to your specifications).
I would first ask what type of engine you have.
If it is a simple engine like a Yanmar, or Bukh, basic servicing is quite easy and cheap with a few basic tools.
If you have something like a tubocharged Volvo it is a different story,
Could you tell us what your engine is?
And if possible could you scan a recent service bill/receipt (with the service company's details removed).
That way way we can see what a SERVICE has been in the past.
With that info you will get the guidance for self servicing that you need.
Gary
Do it yourself if you can. it is not that difficult to do a basic service done. I would say, have filters on everything and maintain those. Have a filter on a raw water intake too. it is easier to clean a filter than clean an impeller.
Make certain to run the engine for at least 5-10 minutes every week.
