8.3 START OF PROPULSION ENGINES

Commissioning
Before starting a new or overhauled engine, carefully read the relevant Manufacturer’s Documentation. During the first service hours it is advisable to have new engines run below 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 of 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 must be set at minimum speed.

DANGER

Before starting an engine, ensure that nobody is standing in 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 quantity of coolant, see the relevant manufacturer’s documentation.

Engine oil

CAUTION

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

Pour lubricating oil into engine by means of proper filler neck.

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

The oil level should be between the two notches in the dipstick 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 exceeding the MAX notch of the dipstick. 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

• Check that the following yacht functions are included on the main electrical panel and on the engine electrical power supply panels in the engine room: engine starter, air extractors, navigation lights, dashboard lights, thrusters, mooring gear, winch, horn, power steering, VHF, radar, autopilot, control panel, GPS/Navigator, plotter fly, depth sounders.
• Place the throttles (1) and (2) to central idle position.
• Turn starboard engine start key (9) to “ON”, a short acoustic signal will be released by the throttles, then press key (3) “COM”. The coming on of warning light (5) “COMMAND” on the throttle indicates that the control is now taken from this manoeuvre station. The control system is ready for operation.
• Then proceed by pressing the engine “START” button (7).
  Check if oil pressure reaches the normal value within 10 seconds.
• Check if cooling water circulation is correct.
• Once the first engine is running and only when its operation has proved to be regular, start the second engine too.
• Start the port engine in the same way as described for the starboard one.
• Turn the left engine ignition key (6) to the “ON” position, the thrust levers will emit a short beep, then press the button (3) “COM”. The “COMMAND” indicator light (4) “on the thrust lever block indicates that this helm position now has control. The control system is ready for operation.
  Then proceed by pressing key “START” (7).
• Warm up the engine up for about 2-3 minutes at 1000 rpm max.
• Check the alternator charge.
• Activate the bow thrusters by means of the control panel installed in the helm station.

Throttle operation

• Bring both throttles (1), (2) to “NEUTRAL” position (vertical single levers).
• Push button (3) “COM” in the station you intend to use (the lights confirming the station transfer will illuminate).
• Press the button corresponding to the mode you want to activate:
  
  • SYN: Synchronization;
  • S&G: Slip and Grip;
  • TRL: Trolling.
    

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

Should a magneto-thermal switch trip, do not try repeatedly to reset it, but check the relevant electric system condition.

CAUTION

We suggest avoiding slow running for more 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.