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I like the older mechanical 5.9’s. Several Sport Fishing operations in Baja used the 250 HP variants in the 90’s and they liked them a lot. They were pretty fuel efficient and they got good life out of the engines. IIRC, they ran them pretty conservatively about 1800 - 2000 RPM. Parts are...

So far I’m seeing 7.5 to 7.7 knots at 1500 RPM with Lehman 120’s. I can get a bit over 8 knots at 1800 RPM but the engines seem happiest at 1500.

Mine is a 42 but I’m not sure the extra six feet matters. Next summer it’s going from Long Beach CA up the coast to Anacortes WA or nearby. The next summer to Alaska and back to the Puget Sound. I plan to allow lots of time headed north to Washington to find good weather windows.

I believe you are saying the that the engine will not do a complete cycle with a wrench on the crankshaft nut? If that’s the case I believe you are looking for the mechanical cause of an engine that will not turn.

Oil analysis is generally a long term view of engine health. It takes a number of samples to determine what is “normal” for your engine. If you got a slug of water in there the high iron could be from some corrosion that may have taken place. Anyway, one high iron reading isn’t very...

I’m sure this will draw the ire of some purists but the teak on my GB42 was in poor condition and was torn out by the previous owner. Holes were patched and the surface was primed with Awlgrip. Thankfully the Fiberglass on my boat deck is pretty stout and no underlying damage was noted by the...

Coming. Just finished the teak today. Will take pics tomorrow.

I’ve been out of big boats for about 35 years. In between my passion has been flying small aircraft. Talk about two ends of the spectrum. I’ve gone from 200 knots to 8 knots. The similarity is they both are holes that you fill with money. I got the idea that I wanted to do the Inside...

Let me preface by saying the newer emission control engines have issues and I would avoid all of them. For older pre emissions engines it would depend on the application. For high horsepower planning hulls it would be a pair of Caterpillar 3406 mechanical injection engines. For a displacement...

That’s why I like my old Lehman diesels. No computer to get in the way. They only do what I ask except go fast!

The best option for replacement is to have the old tanks cut out in pieces. Then replace with fuel tank(s) that will fit into the current opening. There are several options for replacement material ranging from stainless (expensive) to Aluminum and even fiberglass. There are pros and cons for...

I have Ford Lehman 120’s in my 42’ G.B.. When I turn the engine switch to the “on” position prior to start my starboard engine alarm fails to sound. The alarm on the port engine works fine. The problem just recently occurred. Any suggestions on diagnosing the system? It appears that there...

Years ago on a really calm day we went into Painted Cave on a 65’ dive vessel, the Truth out of Santa Barbara. The skipper, Mark, took us in pretty far. There is a wide spot a ways in. It was enough room to spin the vessel around and we went out forwards. I wouldn’t take my Trawler (42’ GB)...

Someone questioned my credentials to comment on oil additives. I graduated from the school of hard knocks. That said I have a small fleet of 50 OTR trucks as well as a pilot and operator of many piston engine powered aircraft. I also supplied Ed Kolen oil analysis to see what effect the use...

The best thing you can do for your engine is to run it often. ZDDP is primarily for wear protection while Camguard is designed to help retard the formation of corrosion. If you run your boat a lot, say weekly trips of one hour or more then corrosion shouldn't be a problem. Just starting the...

I don't know. I'm pretty sure it won't hurt but adding ZDDP to the oil is a very good thing.

I agree with you. I've also discusses Camguard with Ed Kollen. He's a sharp guy. My experience with Camguard has also been in aircraft engines and I believe that it works well. Marine engines share some of the same operating issues as aircraft engines. They are generally run infrequently...

MMO is comprised of mostly mineral spirits and perfume. I can see where is may help keep the fuel system clean but it does nothing to improve the lubricity of the oil. There are a few additives designed to improve certain characteristics of the oil. A product called CamGuard is very effective...