Salty Podcast #85 ⛵ How Long Do Marine Diesel Engines Really Last? How to Make Yours Last Longer

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What if your diesel’s lifespan is mostly in your control? We sit down with sailor and mechanic Vanessa Lindsley—who has hand‑cranked everything from classic Yanmars to race‑ready engines—to unpack the habits that keep a marine diesel reliable for thousands of hours. No fluff, just the precise routines that prevent glazing, carbon buildup, overheating, and charging headaches.

We compare diesel and gas under real cruising loads, then map out a practical RPM strategy: run low and steady, bump to max rated RPM briefly to clear the exhaust and injectors, and always warm up and cool down to protect bearings and seals. Vanessa explains how alternator sizing, belt profiles, and pulley alignment affect lithium charging, why a simple zap‑stop can save your diodes, and how a mismatched cog by a millimeter can shred belts at the worst moment. We dive deep on fuel: Racor bowl truth‑telling, algae control, when additives help, and how inline polishing keeps long‑range tanks clean. You’ll also hear how to read oil with a white paper towel to catch fuel dilution early and when to pop‑test injectors for spray pattern and pressure.

Cooling and hardware get the same treatment. Use the coolant your manufacturer specifies—color signals chemistry—and service heat exchangers before they clog. Choose pre‑formed hoses, carry vacuum‑sealed impellers that match your pump, and consider Johnson raw‑water pumps for easier service. On the drivetrain, we cover transmission checks, motor mount torque ratings, alignment with a feeler gauge, and the cheap orange drive saver that can protect your gearbox from pot lines and dock ropes. Planning a passage or a purchase? Pull oil and transmission samples; the three‑day lab report is inexpensive insurance.

If you want a diesel that starts when it matters, this conversation gives you a clear checklist: correct coolant, clean fuel, balanced charging, proper RPM under load, and the right spares on board. Subscribe for more hands‑on cruising advice, share with a sailor who loves their engine, and leave a review telling us your smartest maintenance habit.

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SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb-Oct 2015 - 1982 Catalina 25

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