5/13/10
15 May 2010
We decided to move to a more protected spot because the wind had shifted during the night, also had a large amount of rain and some thunder. We tied the dingy to the side of the Gem, started the dingy motor, pulled the anchor and we were on our way doing about 2 or 3 kts. Moved about a mile to the other side of the river in a creek, found a place for Pep and started to work on the engine again. I was about to replace electronic control module when I decided to disconnect the oil pressure sender. On alot of outboards there is a circuit that if you have oil pressure failure it detunes the motor so it will limit the RPMs and damage. When I did this the engine ran OK which is not necessarily a good outcome. I replaced the oil pressure switch but this did not change the symptoms. Next I added some 90 weight gear oil to the oil to increase the viscosity and cleaned the oil filter, after this it ran OK. The oil level was a little low but I don't think this was the source, we'll wait and see how it runs. This engine is a 1998 and has alot of hours on it so maybe it's time to replace it. I would like a little more horsepower but there is a problem finding a extra long shaft, high thrust motor in the 20- 30 HP range and I would not want to replace it away from home.
About 1:00 we decided to try to make some Northerly progress so we got under way, we towed the dingy in case we needed it if the gem motor started acting up again and had a good motor sail to ICW marker 61 where we turned East to get out of the channel. I had spied a sandy beach there I wanted to check out, Pep hadn't had a good spot in days. Turned out to be a state park with camp sites and cabins, looked like the sand may have been trucked in. Pep enjoyed it. A peaceful quiet night.
Pic is military vehicle used for practice at Camp Legune firing range.
Bob, Alice and Pep