8.4 START OF PROPULSION ENGINES

Commissioning
When setting a new or overhauled engine into operation pay attention to the “Technical publication.”. During the first service hours it is advisable to have new engines run not over 75% of their maximum load and at variable speeds. After this initial run-in, the engine should be brought up to full output gradually.

CAUTION

Use only approved technical fluids; otherwise the Manufacturer’s warranty will become null and void and the engines can get seriously damaged.

Daily start-up
Before daily starting the engine, check fuel level, coolant level and engine oil level and replenish, if necessary. In case of need, fill with fuel, coolant and oil mix.

CAUTION

Engines must always be started with gear boxes at idle run and throttle levers set at minimum speed.

DANGER

Before starting an engine ensure that nobody is standing the dangerous area of the engine room.

Cooling liquid

Fill the cooling system of the engine with a mixture of drink water and antifreeze or anti-corrosion agent.

• Pour in coolant slowly in the expansion tank through proper filler.
• For the proper quantity of coolant, see “Technical Data” in the Manufacturer instruction manuals delivered.
  

Engine oil

CAUTION

Do not top up oil so to exceed the MAX notch of the control rod. If the oil level is too high, damage to the engines may occur!

Pour lubricating oil into engine by means of proper filler neck.
For proper quantity of lubricating oil, see Manufacturer instruction manuals.

Sea water suction pumps

CAUTION

Do not let raw water pump run dry! Make sure that all valves of the raw water circuit are open.
Drain the pump in case of freezing danger.

Oil level check

Check engine oil level only approx. 20 minutes after the yacht has been switched OFF.

• Pull out control rod for oil level check.
• Wipe it with a clean, dry and lint-free cloth.
• Place it back up to retainer.
• Pull out control rod again.

The oil level should set between the two notches in the control rod and must never fall below the MIN notch.
Top up oil as necessary

Ensure outmost cleanliness when handling fuels, lubricants and coolants..

CAUTION

Do not top up oil so to exceed the MAX notch of the control rod. If the oil level is too high, damage to the engines may occur!

Waste oil drain
It is possible to drain the used oil from the propulsion engines by using a manual pump activated by means of the relevant lever.

Procedures for start-up

• Verify that the main electrical panel in the crews’ corridor and the electrical panels for engine electronics in the engine room are fitted with the following functional uses of the yacht: engine start, exhaust fans, navigation lights, dashboard lights, manoeuvring thrusters, mooring winch, horn, VHF, radar, autopilot, control panel, GPS/Navigator, plotter, and depth sounder.
  Move the control levers (4) and (5) to the neutral central position.
• Turn the right engine ignition key (10) to the “ON” position, the thrust levers will emit a short beep, then press the “CMD” button (7). The “COMMAND” indicator light (8) on the thrust lever block indicates that this helm position now has control. The control system is ready for operation. Then proceed by pressing the engine “START” button (9).
• Check that the oil pressure settles to the normal value within 10 seconds.
• Check the correct circulation of the cooling water.
• Start the first motor and, only after it has been established that it is running properly, start the second engine as well.
• Start the left engine as described for the right one.
• Turn the left engine ignition key (10) to the “ON” position, the thrust levers will emit a short beep, then press the “CMD” button (7). The “COMMAND” indicator light (11) on the thrust lever block indicates that this helm position now has control. The control system is ready for operation. Then proceed by pressing the “START” key (12).
• Heat the engines for about 2-3 minutes at 1000 rpm maximum.
• Check the charge of the alternators.
• Activate the manoeuvring thrusters by operating the control panel on the helm station.

Throttle operation

• Bring both throttles to the “NEUTRAL” position (4) and (5) (vertical levers).
• Press the “CMD” button (7) from the workstation you intend to use (the lights indicating successful transfer will light up).
• Press the button corresponding to the mode you want to activate:
  
  • CRS: cruising mode;
  • SCRS: Smart cruise mode;
  • TRL: Trolling mode;
  • SYNC: Synchronisation mode;
  • SCL: Single control lever.

CAUTION

If you have to connect the batteries in parallel for the start-up of the propulsion engines, it is suggested to disconnect the electric devices in order to avoid current rushes or drops.

CAUTION

In the event of the intervention of a magneto-thermal protection, do not try repeatedly to reset it, but check the relevant electric system condition.

CAUTION

We suggest avoiding slow running for periods longer than 5 minutes.
The slow run implies major wear of the engine mechanical parts and is the most harmful from the point of view of polluting exhaust.