3500rpm

We've been busy over the last couple of weeks.  The big news is that the engine is back in one piece and is much improved.  The work done on the engine since we've been in Darwin now includes:

• Oil change
• New starter motor
• New raw water pump
• New injectors
• New mixing elbow
• Cleaned exhaust pipe and exhaust manifold
• Checked heat exchanger
• Checked anodes
• Adjusted tappets
• Purchased spare oil, coolant, fuel filters; oil filters, impellers, anodes etc

Clean!

The engine test after re-assembly of the exhaust and fitting of the new injectors went very well.  Where before we could only get 2500rpm maximum, now the engine runs up to the specified 3500rpm.  We then ran the engine up in gear and reached 3500rpm there too.  We should now have a lot more power and better fuel consumption.  It's also likely we avoided major engine damage which wasn't far off based on the state of the exhaust system.  Thanks to Darwin Ship Stores for doing a great job!

In addition to the engine work we have also:

• Attended First Aid course
• Replaced the TMC electric toilet/macerator assembly with a new unit (keeping the old as spare)
• Replaced toilet switch
• Plumbed the new saloon electric bilge pump to the head drain sea-cock
• Serviced the winches
• Printed and laminated emergency stowage and procedures sheets
• Fitted 12Vdc outlets in the pedestal for charging camera/iPhone/iPad batteries
• Fitted switch for compass light
• Refitted danbouy/lifering and lifesling to pushpit
• Refitted Aries vane gear to transom
• Hoisted and furled #2 headsail and staysail
• Purchased Garmin BlueChart g2 electronic chart packages for SE Asia

We plan to escape the marina over Easter and we're ready!  A few days outside will allow us to try out all the new deck gear, test engine performance, give the outboard a run, and (hopefully) remember how to sail.  'Twill be fun!  :)