It is service time
again for Naughty-Cal. This time it is just a minor service consisting of an
oil and filter change and checking the belts and tensioners. We like to keep
her serviced on a regular basis in the hope that it will keep her running
reliably for many years to come yet.
Whilst servicing the
engine it is the ideal time to give the engine bay a good clean out as well.
That way any leaks can be spotted and located quickly and easily. The engine
bay is relatively easy to keep clean and a quick wipe around should be more
than ample to do the job.
To help extract the
oil easily it is helpful if it is warm so we usually take Naughty-Cal for a run
prior to setting about on the engine. This weekend as we plan to spend Friday
night in Lincoln after having a few drinks in Lincoln Boat Club the run back to
the marina on Saturday morning will provide the ideal trip for warming up the
oil.
Whilst extracting the
oil we will also check the fuel filters for any signs of contamination, check
the supercharger oil is at the correct level and check the tension of the four
belts. We are currently suffering with a squealing supercharger belt which is
refusing to re tension so we will change this for our spare new one and see if
it makes a difference. All of the belts were changed before our first coastal
cruise of this year however the supercharger belt has been problematic since
then.
With the engine
freshly serviced we should hopefully enjoy a trouble free cruise at the end of
August, with plenty of time between now and then to rectify any minor niggles
or problems which might occur. We should also hopefully enjoy a trouble free
end to the cruising season when we will once again change the oil so that Cal
is left with fresh oil in the engine over the quieter winter months when
cruising opportunities can be few and far between.
Treat your boat and
engine well and they will hopefully look after you in return.