Unit 7/312 High Street

Chatswood NSW 2067, Australia

Phone: +61 2 9882 6817

Fax: +61 2 9882 6818

  

 

 

   


 

Frequently asked questions

We take pleasure in helping our customers to know more about their engines.

Naturally, we will be pleased to negotiate a professional solution at a commercially realistic price to protect your investment and ensure the safety of you and those that depend on you. However, while we do not want to make "mechanics" out of our customers, the ability of the owner to diagnose a problem builds confidence as well as preventing unnecessary and potentially expensive service calls.

Here are just a few questions and answers addressing some common problems. Please CONTACT US if you need more help. Also, if you have a question and answer you believe will help others, please send us the details to add to this FAQ list.

A typical YANMAR customer


Whaddayamean, I should have read the instructions first?

Engine definition: Boats are equipped with a variety of engines, but all work on the internal destruction principle, in which highly machined parts are rapidly converted into low-grade scrap, while producing energy in the form of heat, which is used to boil bilge water; vibration, which improves the muscle tone of the crew; and a small amount of rotational force, which drives the average size boat at speeds approaching a furlong per fortnight. (Courtesy of www.boatjokes.com)

Definition of Starboard – Variable term meaning either the right, left or wrong side of the vessel, depending upon the direction of the wind (Courtesy of our web-content consultant)

Dad said we didn't need an engine in this one
Dad, I think you forgot something


It works, doesn't it?


Told you we should have used Yanmar engines instead


Maybe we should throttle back a bit

Q I want to install 2 X 3JH4CE with SD 40 saildrive on a catamaran. I would like to have one prop left hand and one right hand. Is this possible?

A Yes, the SD40 can run either way.

 

Q I recently installed a 3JH4E. Where are the zinc anodes located on this motor?

A They are not required on this motor, due to engine design and materials used

Q What additives should I use in the engine crankcase?

A. Use only SAE 30 or SAE 40 deisel-rated oil depending on operating conditions. Do not use multigrade oil or any additives.

 

Q Should I add anything to the diesel fuel? Add only a biocide to the diesel fuel to prevent growth of bacteria. Don't forget to inspect the water-separator filter whenever there is any evidence of water in the filter bowl.

Q I have a closed freshwater cooling system on a 4JHE. How frequently should the fresh side of the coolant be flushed?

A. The life of the coolant depends on the use and manufacturer recommendation. We would generally expect up to 2 years life.

Q The oil low pressure alarm on my 4JH2E does not sound immediately after shutdown. If the key is left on, the oil pressure alarm will eventually sound after 4-6 minutes. On start-up, the oil pressure alarm sounds normally when the key is turned on. The engine has about 950 trouble free hours. What is the problem?

A. It is likely that nothing is wrong. The buzzer does not sound at the moment when you stop the engine because oil pressure has not decayed below the actuation point. If the alarm sounds just before starting a cold engine, and stops sounding within seconds after starting, I would say all is well. As a backup, watch the oil-pressure gauge to ensure you are getting full pressure under normal running conditions.

Q My 1GM10 will not rev further than 2900-3000 on forward, with quite a lot of black smoke. No problems on reverse of in neutral. What could be causing this?

.

A. If the engine starts OK this suggests compression is reasonable. Black smoke is caused by poor combustion, a dirty hull or prop, lack of air, too much fuel, poorly atomised (sprayed) fuel or a blocked exhaust. You may also just be applying too much throttle. Run the engine at whatever revs provide sufficient propulsion without generating smoke

Q Just recently I get a lot of white smoke when idling. Once the engine is put into gear, the smoke stops. I don't burn any oil and have no soot on the transom. The motor starts and runs perfectly. The engine does not overheat. What is causing this?

A. White smoke indicates steam, black smoke diesel, and blue smoke oil, so water in the fuel is the most likely cause, so drain the water from the filter (separator).

Q I have a YSE12 and would like to check/set valve clearance. How do I do this?

A. Remove the rocker cover. Be careful not to lose the circlip that holds the securing nut that goes through the cover. Turn the engine over with the starting handle, until you feel compression. Set each tappet using a 0.2mm (.008 thou")feeler gauge. (This is the setting when the engine is cold). This applies to all YS series engines - 8 and 12 hp.
Q. How often should should I change to head gasket on my YS engine? A. Safe service life is between 2 and 3 years. If in doubt, contact us for advice.
Q. My YSM12 blows excessive black smoke justafter start-up and no longer seems to have as much power. What is the likely reason? A. A leaking head gasket may be caused by a blocked exhaust mixer elbow.If a U-bend mixer elbow is fitted, every 2 years, remove, thoroughly clean and inspect the elbow. Replace if necessary
Q. One engine mounting has collapsed, causing vibration. I am located in Fiji. What do I do? A. Call, fax or email us with details of the engine and we can have a replacement mount despatched to you within one working day. Changing the mount is a job well within the ability of anyone with basic mechanical skills and we will gladly advise you on how to do this, if necessary.