How to Check a Diesel Engine Before Buying a Boat or a car! (Don't Skip These Tests!)
Buying a used sailboat? Before you fall in love with the boat, take a good look at its diesel engine! A clean engine room and low engine hours don't necessarily mean you have a healthy engine. After more than 8 years sailing around the world aboard Aquarius, we've learned how important proper engine maintenance and inspection really are. In this video, Ken shares practical tips on how to evaluate a diesel engine before buying a boat, using his 2002 Ford 7.3L diesel truck to demonstrate some of the tests. Although boat and truck diesel engines have differences, many of the basic principles of checking engine health are the same. Here's what we'll cover: Why engine hours don't tell the whole story Mechanical vs. electronic diesel fuel systems How to check engine blow-by What engine oil can tell you about engine health Signs of diesel fuel or coolant contamination in the oil Why you should inspect oil and fuel filters Oil analysis and what it can reveal Checking engine compression How to pressure-test the cooling system Important maintenance items and service intervals What spare parts to carry when cruising offshore Why having a diesel mechanic inspect your engine matters We also share what we learned maintaining Aquarius during more than 40,000 nautical miles of sailing around the world, including the importance of regular maintenance, keeping service records, and having the right spares onboard. Our advice: Don't rely on what the seller tells you. Do your due diligence, inspect the engine, and get a professional opinion before making a decision. Whether you're buying your first sailboat or preparing for a circumnavigation, understanding the condition of your diesel engine can save you a lot of money and headaches down the road. Fair winds! Ken & Zivile Sailing Aquarius #BoatBuying #DieselEngine #Sailing #SailboatMaintenance #BoatMaintenance #DieselEngineMaintenance #SailingAroundTheWorld #BluewaterSailing #BoatInspection #UsedBoatBuying #LiveaboardSailing #SailingAquarius