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3 Common Diesel Engine Myths Debunked

3 Common Diesel Engine Myths Debunked

December 26, 2019

At Diesel Pro Power, we love to see everyone get the most out of their maritime activities. If you're a boater, you may have certain beliefs about your diesel engine that are false or misunderstood and that may actually be harmful. Here are three common marine diesel engine myths along with the reality on each topic. 1. I Can Let My Diesel Engine Idle as Long as I Want Do you let your diesel engine idle or turn off the engine whenever possible? Diesel engine idle myths are some of the most pervasive ones out there, likely because the idea…
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4 Ways to Keep Your Engine Healthy During Winter

Four Ways to Keep Your Engine Healthy During Winter

December 19, 2019

When you store your boat for winter, you're already looking forward to spring. But before you roll on a tarp and close the door, it pays to know how to winterize your boat engine. It only takes one cold snap to leave an unprotected boat with a cracked block and its owner with a hefty bill. In the U.S., the more temperate southern states have the highest number of insurance claims due to freezing damage, as boat owners in these mild climates are more likely to gamble on the weather rather than undertake winterization. However, since you can accomplish essential…
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What Is the Life Expectancy of a Marine Diesel Engine?

What Is the Life Expectancy of a Marine Diesel Engine?

December 16, 2019

Marine operations can be brutal on engines. Between the inconsistent environments and the constant presence of water, a motor operating in this scenario needs incredible resilience. Fortunately, resilience is one of the defining features of a diesel engine. Even in this challenging environment, the life expectancy of a marine diesel engine is an impressive 5,000 hours on average. With attentive maintenance, that lifespan can reach 8,000 hours. By comparison, a gasoline-powered marine engine will begin needing attention after a mere 1,000 hours in a marine application, and it will be lucky to reach 1,500. A well-maintained diesel marine engine could…
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How Much Horsepower Do You Need for Your Boat

How Much Horsepower Do You Need for Your Boat?

December 12, 2019

When you're deciding how much power you want driving your boat, the obvious answer may be "as much as possible." However, raw power doesn't necessarily translate to capability. While a boat's manual or capacity plate will state the maximum horsepower that can be safely harnessed to that vessel, jumping straight to that upper limit will yield diminishing returns. When calculating boat horsepower needs, it's best to consider your boat's size, weight and intended use to inform your engine selection. A well-chosen motor setup will offer an optimal combination of handling, stability and performance.   Key Factors for Calculating Boat Horsepower Once…
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The History of the Diesel Engine

The History of the Diesel Engine

December 9, 2019

The diesel engine has a rich and storied history. While you may or may not know the name Rudolf Diesel, you're likely familiar with his namesake invention. From the 1900s to the current day, diesel engines have been essential in many industries and have provided increased fuel efficiency in various applications. What began as a passion turned into one of the most important engineering developments of the Industrial Revolution.   Rudolf Diesel and the Invention of the Diesel Engine Rudolph Diesel is the German engineer best known for being the inventor of the diesel engine. He was born in Paris, France in 1858,…
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How to Bleed Your Diesel Engine

How to Bleed Your Diesel Engine

December 5, 2019

A solid maintenance routine will keep a diesel engine serving faithfully, and that maintenance doesn't have to be intimidating. For optimal performance, a diesel engine's primary need is a continuous supply of clean fuel. A symptom known as "airlock" occurs when this flow is interrupted by an air bubble, causing the engine to shut down and refuse to start. By bleeding trapped air from the fuel system, you can restore the flow of fuel and get your marine diesel engine running again. This skill is crucial for anyone who intends to be on the water for any considerable length of…
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