Posts by MARC ONEIL
Why Is My Boat Engine Running Hot? Causes and First Checks
Why Is My Boat Engine Running Hot? Quick Triage for Owners
A temperature gauge that creeps up is easy to ignore. A gauge that jumps in...
Marine Thermostat Problems: Signs, Causes and Fixes
Marine Thermostat Problems: Signs, Causes and What to Do
The thermostat is a small, cheap part with a big job. It decides when coolant...
Marine Heat Exchanger Problems: Signs, Causes and Fixes
Marine Heat Exchanger Problems: Signs, Causes and What to Do
The heat exchanger sits quietly on the side of many marine diesels. It do...
Signs of a Bad Marine Impeller: What to Look For
Signs of a Bad Marine Impeller: What to Look For While Running and Once It Is Out
A bad impeller can hide for a long time. The engine ...
How Often Should You Replace a Marine Impeller?
How Often Should You Replace a Marine Impeller?
Ask five boat owners how often to change the impeller and you will get five answers.
...
How to Tell If Your Marine Water Pump Is Failing (7 Signs)
How to Tell If Your Marine Water Pump Is Failing
A failing water pump rarely gives a loud warning. The engine just starts running a li...
Marine Water Pump Guide: How It Works, Parts and Care
Marine Water Pump Guide: How It Works, What Wears Out and What to Keep on Board
Your engine cannot run without cooling water. The pump...
Raw Water Cooling vs Freshwater Cooling: Which Is Better?
Raw Water Cooling vs Freshwater Cooling: Which Is Better for Your Boat?
Ask boat owners which cooling system is best, and you will get...
Marine Engine Cooling System Explained: Parts and Care
Marine Engine Cooling System Explained: Parts, Types and Care
A boat engine has a big advantage over a car engine. It floats in an end...
Marine Engine Shuts Down Under Load: Causes and Fixes
Marine Engine Shuts Down Under Load: Causes and Fixes
The engine starts well and idles smoothly. You push the throttle, the revs sag, ...
Marine Engine Knocking Noise: Causes and What to Do
Marine Engine Knocking Noise: Causes and What to Do
A knock from the engine room is one of the sounds boat owners dread. It can be a m...
High Engine Temperature: Causes and Diagnosis
High Engine Temperature: Causes and Diagnosis
The needle is climbing, or a warning light has come on. You need to know two things fast...
Low Oil Pressure on a Diesel Engine: Causes and Fixes
Low Oil Pressure on a Diesel Engine: Causes and Fixes
The oil pressure alarm sounds, or the gauge drops. Of all the warnings a diesel ...
Marine Diesel Engine Vibrating: Causes and Solutions
Marine Diesel Engine Vibrating: Causes and Solutions
Some vibration is normal on a diesel boat. A new shake, a louder hum or a shudder...
Marine Diesel Engine Running Rough at Idle: 9 Causes
Marine Diesel Engine Running Rough at Idle: Causes and Fixes
The engine starts, settles into idle and then shakes. The revs hunt up an...
Diesel Engine Hard to Start? 9 Causes and Fixes
Diesel Engine Hard to Start: Causes and Fixes
It cranks and cranks. Eventually it catches, or it does not. Either way, a diesel engine...
Blue Smoke From a Diesel Engine: Causes and Fixes
Blue Smoke From a Diesel Engine: Causes and Fixes
A bluish haze behind the engine is easy to miss. It is also one of the clearest warn...
White Smoke From a Marine Diesel: Causes and Fixes
White Smoke From a Marine Diesel: Causes and Fixes
You start the engine and a cloud of white smoke rolls out of the exhaust. Sometimes...
Black Smoke From a Diesel Engine: 8 Causes and Fixes
Black Smoke From a Diesel Engine: Causes and Fixes
You start the engine, open the throttle and a dark cloud follows you. It looks alar...
Marine Diesel Engine Overheating: Causes and Fixes
Marine Diesel Engine Overheating: Causes and Fixes
The temperature gauge is climbing. Maybe an alarm is sounding.
Maybe the exhaust l...
Marine Diesel Engine Losing Power? 10 Causes and Fixes
Marine Diesel Engine Losing Power? Causes and Fixes
The engine starts fine and idles smoothly. Then you open the throttle and it will ...
Boat Engine Won’t Start? 12 Causes and How to Fix Them
Boat Engine Won't Start? Causes, Checks and Fixes
You turn the key, and nothing happens. Or the starter clicks. Or the engine cranks a...
Marine Diesel Engine Troubleshooting: Complete Guide
Marine Diesel Engine Troubleshooting: Complete Guide
A diesel engine needs only three things to run: clean fuel, enough air and enough...
Marine Engine Preventive Maintenance Guide: Schedule by Season
Marine Engine Preventive Maintenance Guide
Most marine engine failures are not sudden. They are the end of a slow slide that started w...
Marine Engine Rebuild vs Replacement: How to Decide
Marine Engine Rebuild vs Replacement: How to Decide
Your engine is tired, and you have to choose. Do you rebuild it, or do you replace...