1. Check that there is fuel in the tank and the isolator valve is open. 2.Check that the engine stop valve is open. Cable-operated valves…

1. Check that the battery connections are tight, clean and greased. The starter motor needs a high current, so it is essential that there is…

Most engines need warming up. Running them for 10 minutes or so will also charge the batteries. Then you can start your routine checks: 1.…

The optimum propeller is the one that will drive the yacht at its designed maximum hull speed. An approximate formula for this is 1.3 times…

A diesel engine with the correct propeller will burn around 0.05 gallons of fuel per hour per horsepower. But consumption is not linear: as this…

To start a diesel engine after a long lay-up or a change of lubricating oil filter you will need to follow a few simple steps.…

With the engine running at cruising revs, and taking care not to catch hair, scarf, fingers etc in any moving parts, examine the engine with…

Fan belt tension should be ±12mm (1?2in). Drive belt slippage can result in slow water pump and alternator speeds, but overtightening will reduce bearing life.…

Diesel engines normally use a little more oil than petrol engines and the colour of new oil quickly becomes black. The dipstick indicates the level…

At best these are messy, at worst they will stop your engine. If the tank is below the engine any fuel leak will result in…