All systems are go now on Sirocco due to the diligent work of our 2 master mechanics, Lee and Bob. This morning they installed a new impeller. The impeller is a critical component of a boat's cooling system. It is a rubber gearlike looking piece that allows water to go through to the heat exchanger. If it's not working right, the boat overheats. Lee had discovered 2 "blades" of the impeller in the heat exchanger, not good. What's strange is that Sirocco never exhibited any symptoms of a damaged impeller. Maybe the impeller was damaged recently.

Replacing the impeller is very difficult on Sirocco as it requires removal of a lot of parts including the starter to get to it. For that reason, we replaced the impeller last year when we replaced the starter as a preventive maintenance measure It took Lee and Bob 4 hours to do it but they got'er done. Bob has been a huge help to Lee with getting all the maintenance items done which includes: new belts, new oil and oil filter, new fuel and Racor filter, new impeller, re-seated heat exchanger bolts, redesigned compressor bracket, repaired mainsail, and topped off transmission fluid and coolant,. Sirocco is ready to do the bash! Now I hope the guys can relax for a couple of days.