I’m convinced; Pre-Flights are a must…

[Traveler 45C]

I’m convinced; Pre-Flights are a must…

I know I should do it before I run the engines and I have been. But it sure does get old. Last Friday I dropped down in the engine room prior to starting to go through the routine and…

“Hmmm, what’s that neon green stuff under the engine?”

I was reminded of what Genesis went through a few months ago. Sure enough, coolant appeared to be leaking from a petcock. Ok, I know what to do. Install the SS fittings and ball valves like he did. But wait, upon further inspection I find that the coolant is leaking from the weep hole in the water pump. Got a new one on order.
Those Pre-Flights are necessary, even if you never find anything out of order.

I’m gonna’ flush the system with the Off-Line Cleaner. I don’t want to use the DD Power Cool (that’s the anti-freeze I think, right?). So, what exactly do I want to put in there? I can’t remember what the stuff is called, Fleetguard? And I’m gonna’ need the inhibitors and test strips. Genesis, what exactly do I ask for and are these available @ Saunders?

 

[Liquid Asset]

Re: I’m convinced; Pre-Flights are a must…

I too had doing to pre-check, but I do it. I just have this scary feeling about not doing them and missing somthing.

This brings up my thougts on what everyone checks in their pre-voyage checklist in the engine room other than a visual inspection for leaks of fluid and a check of the manual gauges in the engine room. what other items do you inspect?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Re: I’m convinced; Pre-Flights are a must…

I always check oil and water. And of course the visual for leaks(oil, water, fuel) or something coming loose. Then after start-up, I check for water coming out of the exhaust, gauge pressures, and another visual around the engines. Once up to temp, I run down and do another visual with flashlight in hand and at least every hour thereafter. Anything I'm missing?

 

[Genesis]

Re: I’m convinced; Pre-Flights are a must…

Yep - call up Saunders.

They've got a HD coolant and the inhibitors necessary for diesels.

Good stuff and concentrate - so use distilled water for the mixing part.

 

[ADaily3224]

Re: I’m convinced; Pre-Flights are a must…

I noticed at the Annapolis Power boat show a few of the new yachts that I'll never be able to afford, had commercial looking mirrors mounted in various places so that you could see the outboard workings of the engines. They were heavy duty, rubber mounted, looked like a smart idea. I think Ill do that over the winter.

Tony D

 

[Traveler 45C]

Re: I’m convinced; Pre-Flights are a must…

Will the Off-Line Cleaner for DD’s take care of silicate dropout?

 

[Genesis]

Re: I’m convinced; Pre-Flights are a must…

Kinda.

But nowhere near as well as a cleaning at the radiator shop will.