Preventive Maintenance

[LADYBUG TOO]

Here is a link to an aviation blog discussion on the "dark side of maintenance" that makes a few good points for those interested:
http://blog.aopa.org/opinionleaders/201 ... intenance/

The point the author makes is that some of the things that we do put us in risk of causing unrelated failures. There are some things that just don't need to be replaced every year unless there is one heck of a lot of run time. My father-in-law fished the Gulf of Mexico for over fifty years with single engine diesels, the last being a Continental 6D427 Gray Marine conversion similar to the WWII Higgins boat engines. He never had to be towed in although he did come home in reverse once. Certainly speaks to the boat's rudder authority.

Just food for thought. I don't advocate forgetting maintenance but sometimes I wonder if things we do don't make the risks higher for failure. O.K., I am ready to be beat up!

Pat
Ladybug, Too

 

[pugtug613]

Speaking of maintenance.... I have put about 40 hours on my R27 so far this season. It has a 1800 HP Yanmar. Seems like a great engine. So far, I have checked the oil and checked the fluid levels in the batteries. When I look at the top of my engine, there is this big cover that says "Do Not Step". I have not stepped on it! There are 2 screws and 2 tapped holes. Am I missing 2 screws? What are those 2 tapped holes for? I looked in my book and it is not very clear as to how it should look. The engine runs seamlessly so far and shows no sign of any problems.

 

[knotflying]

I thought I was missing two screws also, no pun intended, but it seems like that is what others have as well. Under the metal panels on the port side is a lot of wiring and the intake manifold made of plastic. I avoid stepping there, but inevitably it will happen and the plate is there to protect what is underneath.

 

[HRowland]

I believe the two tapped holes are for temporary installation of lifting rings for engine installation/removal.

I always liked reading Mike Busch's articles when I owned an airplane. He has referenced an engineer that determined many problems were caused by scheduled routine maintenance. If I remember correctly this engineer did the analysis during WWII and developed new procedures that significantly improved aircraft dispatch availability and improved reliability.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Hhoward

 

[PhilR]

Those of us who have had to remove the engine know what those two holes are for.

 

[pugtug613]

I considered the "lifting" thing when I first noticed those holes. But, that cover is not strong enough to allow the engine to be lifted there!! NO? Anyway, I ain't changing no engine. I just wanted to be sure I didn't loose a couple of bolts.

I also am of the mind set, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Each year I do certain things. Change oil, filters, air filter, zincs and such. The impeller, I will do the 250 hour thing. Which means this year I change the impeller. I pay attention to the gauges. Temperature is important. Diesels are very good and dependable. They also will let you know when something is wrong. I have 3 years before I retire. I plan on getting to Florida via the western loop. Before I leave, I will know this boat inside and out and all proper maintenance will be done. I will investigate spare parts needed and safety equipment needed. I will have the mind set of being completely independent, but any yard will be used when necessary.

 

[bbrh842]

Pugtug.
What kind of top speed do you get on that R-27 with a 1800 hp Yanmar?

 

[knotflying]

I assume you mean 180 HP. All things considered I get 4,000 RPM at WOT and depending on wind, weight and current I have gotten as high as 19 KTS or 21.75 MPH

 

[pugtug613]

Yes it's 180 HP!! I believe 1800 HP is a bit over powered? I had mine up to 18.5 knts @ 3900 RPMs. I usually travel at 12 knts. on a normal day, slower if it's choppy. I burn 5 GPH @ 11 - 12 knts. I'm used to traveling @ 5 or 6 knts, I came from a sail boat. !2 knts., to me, is pretty fast.
Chester

 

[knotflying]

Your burn rate is not as important as your economy, miles per gallon. There is a setting to get that number on the screen for the 5212. I find my best economy is at 1,700rpm 4.2 NM per gallon. Between 2,450 to 3,600 I am down to 2NMPG and then over thT it goes up slightly.