Spares list for a new Engine

At this time have just commissioned a Company to supply a new Engine with transmission to replace an old faithful servant - reason it was too big (no space in the engine room !)

Now before taking delivery, I'm being nudged to fill the cart with appropriate spares - no list yet - just a hint.

What would a minimum list look like ? Would it be best to buy from the supplier? Best to buy spares from local non-specialist spares shops that fit, but not from the manufacturer ?

On the premise that the engine and transmission are brand new, would this list fit the bill to go cruising with :-

Water Pump Impellers
Water Pump seal
Water pump
Fuel Pump
Injector
Alternator
Fan Belts
Oil Filters
Diesel Filters

That is to say the usables .

Any additions - subtractions - ideas appreciated.

 

I dont know if there is any standard.

I have seen profesional fishing trawlers that went offshore for week / 10 days. They had a single caterpillar 225 hp. The only spare onboard, beyond consumables (oil, filters, belts, impellers) was a sealed battery and a starter. The idea was if you can crank the engine and have fuel, it should start. If it does not, there is no knowledge on board to repair it.

For instance, in your list you name injectors and injection pump. Do you have the knowledge and specialized tooling on board to correctly set the timing on such items ?

More, you also name alternator. What typically fail on this are bearing, brushes and regulator. The frame and windings rarely fails. Do you need a full alternator as spare, or just easier to store bearings and brushes. Does your engine need an immediate repair if the alt fail, or can it be done in the next 24, 48 hours, or even more.

If you take an engine from a known industrial base, there is a very low risk that industrial base items fails. What may fail in the long term are marinising parts like alternator support (marine typically have bigger alternators than industrials) or more likely the exhaust manifold/exchanger. Hot sea water is something rather corrosive.

 

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Hello FcFc.

I am intrigued how you were to determine that these professional fishing
trawlers all had the very same gear,spares and expertise on board.

Yes I named injector - singular : Yes I could replace.
The Fuel pump I was referring to was the initial fuel pump between the tank
and filters, This I could easily replace. Not the Pump feeding the injectors
( here I agree that one requires specialized equipment - eg calibration).

The list I hope people could contribute to - is essentially a list of consumables plus a few spares to repair relative common breakdowns one encounters on long sea voyages - away from easily accessible marine suppliers

 

They were owned by the same company, and it was the company policy. Fishermen do fish. They are not diesel specialists. And trawlers were too small to have an engineer on board. The (sole) company engineer was at the dock, doing all preventive maintenance on the fleet.

There are very very few parts of the world DHL, FedEx or similar cannot reach within 3 days. Now, the problem would be more a balance between part price/ freight charge.

 

In addition to your list, I always carry the fuel pipes that go to and from the injectors & injector pump, as they seem susceptible to physical damage. I have been thrown against the engine in rough weather and ended up badly bending these little pipes. Then there is a case for including alternators and starter motors in 'expendables'.

I also take things that might mechanically break, like the alternator brackets, and even engine mounts. I know they should last ages but its amazing how many times I have had them fail, especially on other people's boats. And even the drive pulleys.

Ah - and a full factory workshop manual. Even if it's no use to you, a mechanic in some foreign port may appreciate looking at it.

I was once told to actually fit all your spare parts before departure to make sure they are correct, and then carry the originals as the spares. I can see the logic in this, but have never done so, although have consequently had belts, (in particular) be wrong even if apparently having the right part numbers.

I hate engines and always carry a large enough hammer to be able to threaten the engine with a meaningful degree of physical violence if it misbehaves. This is obviously effective as I have never been let down by an engine in all these years. Or perhaps it's because my hatred makes me prepare and look after them properly. Because I'm convinced that if I ever left port with a single tool or spare part missing, the engine would sense my weakness and strike back.

On reflection, I may not be the best person to give advice on this.

 

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With great respect, I believe your contribution has not helped the discussion - If you read the thread, It involved cruising on long sea voyages - ie many weeks, sometimes months without arriving at a port where the DHL's and others do not have offices.
Not a few days, many cruising areas of our oceans require the cruising yachtsman to be self sufficient and often multi-skilled. The average modern cruising yacht has an extraordinary array of technology - not including all the sailing gear.

 

One consumable is engine Lube oil.

On ocean trips I'm sure to carry 5 or 6 oil changes worth.

There are many ways the lube oil can be contaminated , and the ability to change the oil and filter may be all thats required.

FF

 

Thanks F >>>> Fred - I had forgotten this additional consumable. I will also Hydraulic Oil to the list.

 

Of course fuel filters should be on your list, but the number of spare fuel filters necessary might surprise you. On any offshore passage we always carry at least 6 to 10 spare primary filters. The reason is that if you have taken on dirty fuel, you will have to replace the primary filter several times to just get back to shore. Several secondary filters is also suggested.

It is wise to carry a spare lift pump, though a lift pump rebuild kit that includes a diaphram may be all that is necessary.

Fresh water cooling hoses and belts are necessary. The suggestion to verify belt size before leaving is good advise.

Many heat exchangers require pencil zincs to be replaced routinely. Spares should be included on your list.

A starter or at least starter brushes and solenoid parts are a good idea.

Include gaskets for your heat exchanger if you plan to remove the covers and clean it.

Know how to bleed the injectors if necessary and rig a starter switch in the engine room so that you can crank the engine and bleed the injectors without someone else pushing the starter switch.

There must be more, but these things come to mind immediately.

Mike

 

contrary to popular belief;fisherman do quit a job of repairing diesles off shore ,I have used cerial boxes for gaskets,and kinked off injectors ,just to get in ,,and most of the time fisherman do thier own repairs at the dock,it would be impossible to have a spare for everything that may fail,,,,,example is starter failier,,,answer ,,2 big guys and a rope around crank,,,,,,,depends on how bad you wanna go home ,,, improvising is the way of a fisherman,,,,,,been there done that,,,,longliner