The operation and troubleshooting of a lifeboat engine

The lifeboat engine is used for propelling the lifeboat. The lifeboat engine is usually a single or twin-cylinder engine that uses diesel as fuel for operation.

Here, you are shown a single-cylinder engine.

In the case of an open lifeboat, the engine is started by manual cranking. Before starting the lifeboat engine, pre-checks have to be carried out.

• Check the lube oil level in the crankcase by means of a dipstick.
• Check the clutch case oil level and place the clutch lever in the neutral position.
• Check the diesel oil in the diesel oil level tank.
• Drain the diesel oil through the drain valve provided and open the fuel outlet valve from the tank.
• Remove the cover for the air inlet filter, if provided.
• Put the decompression lever in the open position.
• Prime the fuel lines with diesel oil and keep the fuel setting lever initially to quarter of a notch.
• Engage the cranking lever and crank the engine manually.
• Once sufficient momentum is gained, engage the decompression lever.
• When the engine starts, the crank lever slips out due to it's shape decreases the fuel setting to minimum notch.
• The engine is in idling RPM. Engage the clutch in both positions, ahead and astern and check for the free running of the propeller.
• Once satisfied, bring the fuel lever to stop and stop the engine.
• Open the decompression lever.
• Turn the crankshaft of the engine manually by manual cranking lever for at least five revolutions. Restore the system and cover the engine.

The engine may fail to start 

• The fuel lines may not have been primed or the fuel filter may be choked. To resolve the problem, prime the system or clean the filter.
• The manual cranking speed could be insufficient. To resolve the problem, increase the manual cranking speed.
• The air intake filter could be choked. Resolve the problem by cleaning it.
• The exhaust pipeline could be choked with debris. Resolve the problem by clearing the choke.
• Water could be in the fuel line. Resolve the problem by draining the water.

The engine picks up a fuel but runs intermittently. 

• The fuel filter may be partially choked and may allow a lesser quantity fuel. This problem may be resolved by cleaning the filter.
• The fuel may be insufficient due to a low fuel setting. This problem may be resolved by correcting the setting.

The engine may start violently 

• When the fuel setting is high. This problem may be resolved by correcting the setting.