Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers!)
Below are some of the most frequent questions we hear from our customers
Powertrain—Transmissions, Shafts & Props
Q: What is engine alignment?
A: Engine alignment is the calibrating of engine height (front and rear & side to side) to assure that the transmission coupling flange and the shaft flange have equal measurable spacing--when loosely separated--to within three thousandths of an inch, at equal four 90° spacing to the flange. Attention must be given that the propeller shaft is centered in the log during engine alignment to prevent binding of the shaft as it goes through the cutlass bearing.
Q: Should the propeller shaft have movement in the cutlass bearing?
A: Yes. The propeller shaft should have equal side to side, as well as up/down movement at the cutlass bearing. The movement will only be a few thousands of an inch. If there is no movement, the strut may be bent or the engine may be out of alignment producing binding within the cutlass bearing.Q: Why does my boat vibrate when I put the transmission in gear?
A: Usually engine alignment is the cause of vibration. Other causes may be "sagging" engine mounts or bent blade(s) on the propeller from running aground.
Q: Will vibration in the drive train do other harm?
A: Vibration will quickly shorten the life of the transmission. Vibration can cause the propeller shaft to "wring off", usually just behind the shaft coupler.
Maintenance
Q: Should I change oil and filters when I winterize or wait until spring commissioning?
A: Engine oil contains acids from blow by of engine piston rings. For the 5 to 6 months that the boat is winterized, it is better for the engine, filter housings (both fuel and oil) to have clean fuel and lubricants on the bearings.
Q: Why use 30 micron primary fuel filters for diesel fuel?
A: Using other than 30 micron puts stress on the engine lift pump, causing failure of the pump. The main function of the primary fuel filter is to remove large trash particles and water. The secondary fuel filter is on the pressure side of the pump and it removes fine particles down to 2 microns in size.
Odor Control
Q: What are the causes of foul odors in my boat?
A: Permeation of head discharge hoses is the #1 cause. The white sanitation hoses go from white to brown to moldy looking—"P-U"!
The next most frequent cause of foul odors is raw water trapped within the boat and not making it to the bilge sump to be pumped overboard. Eliminating drips which occur when the the shaft stuffing box is at rest is often a great fix. We install Packless Shaft Seals for this reason. Read more about this product here.
Minor leaks from toilet hoses are another source.
Clogged shower sump strainers can also prevent proper discharge and cause foul odors.
Q: Ok, so I have permeation. What do I do?
A: Replace the hose. There's really no other alternative, and this is a very effective solution when odors have permeated the hose. Its also a good time to consider fittings and valves. Anything to avoid having to replace them later when they've been used!
Because permeation is such a major cause of sanitation related odors we recommend that you read our material on the VacuFlush© system. It significantly reduces, arguably eliminates this problem because it 1) uses fresh water, thus eliminating odor growing sea water and 2) uses vigorous water and air flow to keep plumbing lines open. We're so enthusiastic about this product that we built a demo in our lobby entrance! Come by and check it out or read about it on our VaculFlush® page.
Do You Have More Questions?
Conlyn Marine Services Has the Answers!
