If you own a boat, you're probably aware that maintaining your diesel engine is essential for avoiding unnecessary breakdowns in the water. As part of preventative boat maintenance, you need to check and change your engine oil regularly. You should also change the oil filters at this time. If you don't change the oil regularly, you're going to start damaging your car. It's just a matter of time before engine problems crop up and lead to expensive repairs.
Here are some reasons to stick to the manufacturer-recommended oil change schedule for your marine diesel engine.
It ensures proper lubrication of your engine
Like automotive engines, marine engines are comprised of several moving parts that require adequate lubrication to run smoothly. The oil flowing through your boat's engine serves as the engine's primary lubricating agent.
Over time, the oil disintegrates and loses its lubricating properties, resulting in increased friction within the engine. Wear and tear of engine components increases with the increased internal friction, increasing the risk of costly engine damage.
Timely oil changes help keep your marine engine running smoothly, minimising the wear and tear associated with lubrication system failure.
It maintains safe engine operating temperatures
When your boat's diesel engine is due for an oil change, heat can build up inside it with increasing internal friction. When this happens, your engine may overheat, causing the check engine light on your dashboard to come on. If not addressed immediately, the problem can cause permanent engine damage.
Along with maintaining your engine's cooling system, changing your engine oil regularly helps keep the engine operating within a safe temperature range.
It prevents corrosion of internal engine components
Marine-grade engine oil contains rust-inhibiting additives to keep your diesel engine from rusting. As the oil breaks down over time, it not only loses its lubricating properties but also its anti-corrosion properties, increasing the risk of rust damage to the engine.
Regular oil changes help ensure the effectiveness of the rust and corrosion inhibitors in the oil flowing through your engine, keeping rust and corrosion at bay.
It keeps your engine clean
Your engine oil collects the dirt and tiny metallic particles that build up inside your engine over time and deposits them at the filter to keep them from sticking to the internal components of the engine. Changing your engine oil helps rid your engine of accumulated dirt and contaminants, keeping it clean and healthy.
Understanding the importance of regular boat engine oil and filter changes can encourage you to stay on top of your boat maintenance needs, minimising the frequency and cost of repairs. Bring your boat to a marine diesel services shop near you for professional diesel diagnostics, maintenance and repairs.
