The most common marine engine room repairs include pump impeller and sea strainer failure. However, not all of these maintenance tasks in marine engine room parts require a professional marine engineer. In some cases, they can be done by a crew member. In the following sections, we’ll examine some common repairs and their causes. This way, you’ll know what to look for when assessing your ship’s marine engine room.
Sea strainer failure
If you’re looking for a quick, easy repair for your marine engine room, consider replacing the seawater filter. This part of the hydraulic stabilizing system generates heat, so it’s important to ensure it runs efficiently. Generally, this heat needs to be removed through a heat exchanger near the fluid reservoir. The procedure is similar to a car’s, though the details will vary. For instance, the most effective way to replace a filter is to install a t-bolt marine grade hose clamp, which applies more uniform pressure than the slotted worm-gear style. The t-bolt style is easy to replace, though.
Before looking for a replacement filter, take a photo of the old one. The parts are often labeled and easily identifiable, so it’s helpful to take a photo to identify the exact replacement parts. Then, take the offending parts to a marine supply store for repair if possible. Most strainer replacement parts, such as O-ring seals and gaskets, are available off the shelf. However, baskets can be hard to find and require a special order.
Pump impeller failure
One of the most common problems to encounter in the marine engine room is pump impeller failure. Pump impellers can fail for two reasons: accelerated wear and tear due to age and corrosion or sudden catastrophic failure due to lack of fluid. Fluid is a vital component of the pump because it lubricates and cools it. When a pump fails due to a lack of fluid, the water inlet is often clogged or has broken.
To remove an impeller, start by locating its shaft. The impeller shaft is made of soft bronze material; improperly repairing one can cause air leaks or air intrusion. If this happens, the pump could overheat or develop overheating problems. To avoid this, make sure that the impeller is free of debris and that it’s well lubricated. Next, remove the impeller’s old oil and grease it.
Clogged sea strainer
There are several ways to diagnose a clogged sea strainer. For example, the filter can be clogged due to kelp sucking up through the hull or clusters of baby mussels in the pump tubing. The best way to troubleshoot the problem is to take a photo of the offending part and bring it to a marine supply shop. Seals, gaskets, and baskets are often available in kits, while smaller ones may need to be ordered.
The sea filter is vital to the marine engine room and must be kept clean. The sea chest connects to the raw water pump and back-flushes the filter after the engine is shut off. Using a high-quality hose and good planning is important to avoid clogging this system. The sea chest also supplies the main engine and anchor wash pump in the bow machinery compartment.
Impeller warping
One of the most common marine engine room repairs is an impeller warp. Fortunately, replacing an impeller is a relatively simple process and can be done the same way you replace your car’s tires. You can find out whether your impeller is warping by running a wire down it, and you can replace it if necessary. Some boaters choose to replace the impeller as part of their annual inspection. In addition, replacing it is inexpensive insurance. If you’re an amateur mechanic, the cost of a replacement impeller is negligible. Likewise, impellers can be kept as spares in case they are needed.
The impeller can warp as a result of excessive seawater. While a straight impeller will pump water more effectively, one with curved fins may break. A new impeller with straight fins allows water to flow more effectively through the cooling system. Typically, an impeller should be replaced every three years or 300 hours. It may take a professional to replace the impeller, but there are some signs that can be detected without disassembling the engine.
