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I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT YANMAR ENGINES ARE VERY SENSITIVE TO HEELING WHILE MOTORSAILING. IS THIS TRUE , AND WHAT IS THE MAX ANGLE OF HEEL RECOMMENDED FOR MOTORSAILING, TO AVOID OVERHEATING?
When you think about it, as long as the engine is getting water and oil, angle of heel should not matter. It would seem that the question on Yanmars would depend on how much oil is in the pan and where the oil pump is located. I would think if one''s oil pressure is ok that would indicate the pump is pumping oil and therefore not a problem. If temp readings are ok, then it would seem the engine is getting cooled - again ok.
None of my boating friends, some of whom have Yanmars, have ever indicated anything like this to me.
Rethinking this, I would not motor at a severe angle of heel, but then again, if you have a lot of heel going, why not turn off the engine and use the wind. Usually, when we motor sail it is because there isn''t a lot of wind and therefore we aren''t heeling alot. Working upwind, and trying to pinch under power, I would be sure to keep heel angles moderate. I would watch my guages.
FYI Yanmar tests their engines at a 30 degrees angle.This more than you are likely to heel. Most of these desiel engins end up in equipment that can work at extreme angles. They will even run upside down as anyone who has dumped a backhoe into a hole can attest to.
I would agree wholeheartedly with a post up above, in that, if indeed you are heeling to the point of concern...there probably is no need for the motor in the first place! Just shut it off...after all, that''s sailing!! Enjoy...
MOTORSAILING - Thank you...I was motorsailing into the wind, in order to take a direct rte home. Heel angle was about 5 degrees. I had only the main up, took down the jib since it was luffing. The engine has less than 3 hours after a rebuild ($5,000). The same mechanic hooked up my controls such that when I put the boat in reverse it goes forward - and when put into forward, the boat goes backwards. Also worked on my steering, when the wheel is turned left, the boat goes right, you got it, turn right and the boat goes left. Certainly is a trend of incompetence - Now he says I blew the engine by motorsailing, less than 3 hours of use after his rebuilding effort - $5,000. You are all right - if I am heeling at 10-15 degrees, I am sailing and the engine is off. I am now in court and just looking for opinions - as he claimed Yanmars are sensitive to heeling - Thanks, and I welcome any additional input / comments
The hack you hired as a mechanic connected the transmission cables from the wrong side thereby reversing their operation. This can be corrected. It also seems as if the steering cables need to be crossed, this should not be a big deal as long as the original cables are available unless he/she shortened them or modified them in some other way. Yanmars are probably the most popular new sailboat auxiliary on the market today. They are designed with an oil sump that allows them to be operated at an angle so as not to starve the engine of oil. I don''t know exactly what that angle is but it is most certainty more than 5 degrees. Visit the Yanmar web sight to get their input on the maximum operating angle. Contact your attorney about the mechanic and don''t let him correct the problems, he''ll probably create new ones.
MOTORSAILING - THANKS AGAIN - I did correct most of the problems, exactly as you mentioned. They were indeed easy fixes, and should not have been made in the first place - even by the most basic mechanic. He insisted the heeling angle was the reason for the blown engine - I just needed additional views to confirm that he was wrong. I am trying to build enough support such that the case is a no brainer. My main goal is to put him out of business, such that he does not do any more damage. I was required to purchase a new engine ($10,000). A report by an authorized dealer has listed a number of issues, including that he usedthe wrong head gasket (too small). What I am looking for is a reference which I can bring to court, which clearly defines the ability of Yanmar engines to operate while motorsailing. I have been in contact with Yanmar and am awaiting thier response. Any additional references are greatly appreciated.
By the way the hack, has damaged at least 4 other boats - that I know of.....(this year on Cape Cod
Sorry to hear about the trials of incompetence, and you having to pay so much for someone else''s lack of knowledge. Scary. I mean, hell, if it was a double ender, you could just stand on the other side of the pedestal and all would be fine, eh? Just kidding, of course.
I will say, that I have had no problems, sailing close to the wind, heeled a good 15º- 20º or more on occasion then starting my engine (Yanmar 18hp 2GM20F) to prepare to drop sails and such. Sometimes it will run for a while before getting around to the task, and I have never heard a peep from it in disagreement...much less blowing the darn thing up! Best of luck in your quest. This guy should definitely be nowhere near boats acting as a mechanic. Does he realize the potential harm in what he''s doing? This kind of incompetence can actually be life threatening to his poor clients. Very scary.
He put in the wrong Head Gasket???!!! THAT''s what made the engine blow. The seal breaks, the oil all gets blown out, (and maybe mixes with the fuel and cooling water) and voila. Sounds like he has no idea.
Examination of the headgasket, which was too small showed that the piston actually came in contact with the Gasket and ripped it apart, breaking the seal - and as you said Viola engine gone.. It took about 3 hours of very light use for this to occur. We also noticed that he did not replace the studs which are generally in place to hold the gasket in its proper position. I have had Mac Boring confirm in writting that the Gasket was too small.
Thanks for your response - my first day in court is Wednesday - I will let you know how I make out.
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