Engine down
10 August 2015 | 8 05.87'S:157 00.63'E, Kolombangara Island
A few weeks ago we noticed that the amount of exhaust water coming out of the engine was 'not normal.' We usually have a pretty good gush when the engine is idling and the flow increases from there based on the rpms. Until we could figure out why, the engine was used in very short bursts and only when absolutely necessary. Ok, that's doable since we have another form of propulsion.
After discovering this issue, Jim and Colton spent a several days chasing down all the usual possible causes and none of them were the culprit. Well, except the very last one which was the raw sea water pump itself. As soon as Jim removed the pump, it was obvious that the internal components were not as they should be. At some point the water seal had failed, and over time had allowed salt water in. This then caused the grease to break down and the bearings went bye-bye.
Since it was going take a few weeks to get the parts, Jim came up with a creative workaround. Using another onboard pump (that originally had been used for the abandoned air conditioner) he re-plumbed the available pump as a stand-in to pump sea water through the engine. This workaround method requires the generator to be on when using the engine. Definitely a short term solution!
The next step was to dissect the old pump, clean it, and figure out which parts are broken and order replacement parts if the housing was not damaged. Luckily we have some (slow) internet access that allowed Jim to complete the research and begin the order process.
So, the good news is - we know what is wrong and parts are soon to be on the way thanks to my onboard fixit men. The bad news is that we are delayed here in the Solomons until the parts arrive, which is expected to be around the 23rd of August.
Time to catch up on school work, sewing projects and miscellaneous maintenance. Oh Joy!