The engine is the heart of every ship, using the engine properly and always performing maintenance will help the engine operate effectively, bringing economic benefits to the ship owner. Below are 07 important tips to help maintain a steady heartbeat for every ship:
1- Start properly
• Check the engine oil, coolant, and air filter before starting the engine.
• Wait for the engine to idle for 2-3 minutes so that the oil can pump evenly into the engine.
2- Always control the cooling temperature
• Marine engines often run for a long time, heat will cause pistons to seize and damage the gasket.
• Use a radiator or an effective circulating cooling system.
3- Clean or replace the air filter to ensure easy air circulation.
• Air needs to flow into the engine continuously, without restriction and without interruption. After a long period of use, this filter may become clogged due to too much dirt and needs to be cleaned or replaced.
4- Use quality & clean fuel
• Dirty fuel causes uneven combustion and damage to the injector.
• A water separator should be installed in the fuel system.
5- Ship's load suitable for engine capacity
• Overloading the ship causes the engine to consume fuel, overheat, and reduce its lifespan.
• Choose an engine capacity suitable for the load and operating distance.
6- Periodic cleaning and inspection
• Check the belt, pipes, and tightening screws after each long trip.
• Clean the radiator, water tap, and air filter monthly.
7- Keep an operating log
Recording the running hours, fuel consumption, oil changes, maintenance, etc. helps you monitor the engine's operating status more effectively and promptly detect damage that affects engine operation.