Sailboat Diesel Engine Problems...Not Really!

The sailboat diesel engine was lowered down into the engine room back in the warehouse, where we first started to build her (Magic Dragon). The bulk heads, stringers, ribs, skin were all put in place after.

We have a detroit diesel 4-53 (4 cylinder), good size engine,also user friendly. This is an industrial engine, not a car engine. Parts are available all over the world, bottom line...it is old technology that has worked for 60-70 years. It's proven to last!

This engine goes 3-4 times longer than other diesels for oil changes. Motoring to Jacksonville, Florida (from New Smyrna Beach, FL) we had miner engine problems. So we had to shut down fuel to one injector and we were still able to run it 15-20 hrs., with no damage.

Anchoring was not that easy for us around the St. Augustine, Lion bridge, there was a pretty strong current. The anchor kept slipping, a mooring close by helped out tremendously.

Tools, grease, and mid summer Florida heat were on the menu for this day, as the process started of finding out what was going on. Removing the head, inspecting all the valve springs, there was our answer, broken springs. All of them were replaced.

Keys: We like and think it is a big plus to have 4 separate dual belt drive pulleys (to drive accessories).

1- pulley to the ice box compressor,

1- pulley 90 amp alternator and water pump,

1- pulley 2nd alternator rated at 180 amps,

1- pulley extra, not being used yet on the crank shaft

This engine room is designed for complete service access. How may times have you tried to fit your body into this small, tight, can't breath of a space. Hanging upside down to boot... It's bad enough getting the knuckle cracked open by your wrench slipping.

Engine Room is 8' X 12' X 4'5" High

This diesel engine is mounted with generator engine mounts... this way you have less vibration going into the boat.

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