We left our slip this morning at 6:37 am, hoping that the engine was truly fixed. Less than ten minutes from Homer Smith Docks and Marina, though, the engine overheating alarm sounded. We were motoring at 1000 rpm. George checked the engine temperature using the infrared thermometer and found that it was lower than 181°, the temperature at which the thermostat opens and allows coolant to flow. We increased the rpms, the temperature went up, but the alarm still sounded. We were confident that the new thermostat was functioning and should have opened so we turned around. Breeze On was back in her slip within a half hour.
The full moon as seen through the dew-covered dodger window before we left the first time this morning. The yellow light below and to the left is the light on the dock pedestal.
Extra high tide flooded the Homer Smith property.
Last night we ate dinner at the lovely restaurant, Aqua. The service and food were outstanding.
With a new water pump, new thermostat, new sensor, and new hose reducer, we both wondered if the problem could be due to a poor electrical connection. The sensor connects to an engine computer—called an MDI, Marine Diesel Interface. The primary function of the MDI is to collect information from sensors and send it out to the engine display. We have been carrying a spare MDI for ten years. After we returned to the slip this morning George got right to work replacing the old MDI. He also cleaned electrical connection to the temperature sensor. The job took about an hour. Within two hours we were ready to try again.
After leaving Homer Smith the third time we motored for an hour and a half. The alarm has not sounded. Wouldn’t it be something if the only problem was the electrical connection?!? We were both trained as scientists. George especially prefers to solve problems using the scientific method. Out of desperation, though, we have resorted to the shotgun method—try everything—and may never know what was wrong with the engine (assuming it is fixed this time.)
We have enough wind for sailing so we have turned the engine off for the time being. We will lose our wind within the next 24 hours and will have to turn the engine in again. Fingers crossed we won’t hear the alarm.
The full moon as seen through the dew-covered dodger window before we left the first time this morning. The yellow light below and to the left is the light on the dock pedestal.
Extra high tide flooded the Homer Smith property.
Last night we ate dinner at the lovely restaurant, Aqua. The service and food were outstanding.
Hooray!! You must be so happy to finally be back on your way! Safe passage!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement, Doreen. You will see in the next post that we have a new engine problem. Sigh. Otherwise, it was a good passage. Not sure what comes next.
DeleteSuch good news Bev! You two have really had to work for this one. Smooth sailing from here on! 🤞 Jan
ReplyDeleteYes, we have had to work hard and, unfortunately, are still at it with a new problem. Maybe smooth sailing after that, we hope!
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