Diesel Engine Hourly Maintenance Schedule

NOTE: These are suggested Marine Diesel Engine checks and Maintenance items that should be done at these hours.  Be sure to check your manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule for any added engine checks or variations in this schedule.

Before every engine start:

Check Oil (level, color, smell)
Check belts (tightness, cracks, etc.)
Check hoses (cracks, leaks etc.)
Check coolant level
Check fuel filter bowl
Check Raw water strainer
Engine in nuetral?

After every start:

Check water discharge (is she spitting?)
Check for smoke (amount, color)
Check raw water weep holes (should be dry after running)
Listen for unusual noise/vibration
Visual Inspection (vibration, etc.)

50 hours or 6 months:

Change oil and oil filter (always together)
Check or replace primary fuel filter
Check transmission fluid levels
Check zincs (if provided)
Clean engine (touch-up paint if needed)
Complete Visual Inspection (including exhaust system & fuel tank)
Check O-ring on fuel deck fill (a major cause of water in fuel)
Check fuel vent is clear
Check packing gland

Check valve clearances

100 hours or 12 months:

50 hours/6 month checks
Check or replace secondary fuel filter
Do full engine survey going over all systems

 
200 hours or 24 months:

50 hours/6 month checks
Drain and flush coolant
Raw water impeller (inspect or replace)
Air filter (inspect or replace)
Engine alignment check
Transmission fluid
Exhaust elbow (inspect)

500 hours:

Replace hoses and belts
Rebuild/replace raw water pump
Check head torque
Check valve clearances
Injectors