Cleaning Engine Uptake Question

[Emcourt]

Okay, Emcourt is the first inboard-powered boat we have owned. The dealer gave us a very perfunctory shakedown and description of all the switches, etc. He did NOT talk at all about the following topic, which I have seen discussed in several postings here of late:

"I cleaned the screen of the engine uptake...then forgot to open the apporpriate seacock."

So, I admit it, I'm totally puzzled by this. Would someone please explain the process and point out where the seacock, screen, etc, are located?

Thanks for you patience with a rank beginner.

Norm Saunders

 

[dloop]

Hi Norm,

I'm no expert, but I did stay at a holiday inn last night 🙂

The access port for the seacock is through the deck plate that is just outside the cabin door. It looks like this:

Remove the plate, reach/look inside and you will see the seacock valve handle. The handle rotates 90 degrees. When the end of the handle is pointing to the bow it is 'open'. When it is pointing to starboard it is 'closed'.
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Raw water is used to cool the engine through a heat exchanger. The strainer prevents seaweed and other solids from reaching the pump. The raw-water strainer is located in the R21 engine compartment.

Open the engine compartment cover and survey the engine. On the starboard side, near the deck level you will see a clear plastic thing that looks like this:

The clear plastic thing unscews by hand. You should clean this regularly. Be careful not to lose the big o-ring. If your boat is in the water, you will want to close the seacock valve before you unscew this.

Always be sure your seacock is back open again before running the engine.

dave

 

[Texas Steve]

Norm:

Dave has given an excellent lesson above. I wouldn't feel bad asking questions as this is precisely the reason we have this website. I've learned so much in three years by watching this information. One day you'll be the wise one dispensing knowledge to the new guy!

Texas Steve

 

[Stella Maris]

One of the things that we do to prevent starting the engine with the seacock closed is, first we remove the key from the ignition, second, we place a small placard over the ignition that say's "Stop" (big bold red letters), seacock closed.

Doing this alerts anyone that is not aware, that the seacock is closed.

 

[ron cowan]

Norm,
If this is your first experience with an inboard and if Ranger still uses a stuffing box shaft seal you should learn a little about them and how to inspect and adjust them. The only (close to ) real problem with my '06 21' tug was a bad leaking stuffing box seal along with a dead bilge pump that almost sunk the tug. Being out of town and no one checking the boat for three weeks was almost disaster. I found a great write-up on the seals and how to adjust when I goggled stuffing box shaft seal. Remember it should drip a little leak to cool the shaft. Too tight will heat up and groove the shaft. (Not bad but just needs to be aware that it can be an issue on inboards)
Ron

 

[Emcourt]

God I love this group!

Dave: that's an incredible tutorial you provided...thanks so much. Have you thought of writing an R21 manual? I'd certainly pay big bucks for it!

Texas Steve: a long time ago I learned the only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked. Thanks for your support!

David & Maureen: great tip! I'll make my sign today and keep it on the boat!

Ron: luckily I keep my boat on a lift, which is a good thing since I have had nothing but trouble with the bilge pump since I bought the boat. It has been stuck on, stuck off, burned out, and otherwise a royal pain in the butt. Right now something is keeping the float switch stuck in the on position so I removed the fuse to the float switch and just make sure I run the pump manually after every rainstorm. I am going to ask Dave for another tutorial, this one on bilge pumps, as soon as he recovers from his Holiday Inn stay...grin.

Thanks to all of you for your replies!

Norm in MD

 

[captain's cat]

Norm, you don't have to pay anything for a manual. It's in the TECHNICAL SECTION of this website and it answers your current question and probably lots more!! :idea:

Charlie