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Engine Inspection
REDTAIL has twin Caterpillar 3208TA 375HP Turbocharged/Aftercooled E-Rated Engines with counter-
rotating screws.
Remember your "WOBBS" every morning: Water (Coolant), Oil, Bilges (Inspect and Pump-out), Belts and
Sea Strainer.
WATER Check the COOLANT level in the expansion tanks; you should see the green coolant in the
expansion tank just below the top of the coolant fill cap.
OIL
Check the oil level on both engines. REDTAIL's engines do not burn much oil so these levels should
remain fairly constant. The level should be in the middle but not over the top of the tic marks on
each dipstick. Please use a paper towel or oil rag, not the dish towels to wipe-off the dipstick!
NOT OVERFILL OIL!
dipstick. Conversely, only add oil (DELO 400LE 30wt) to bring the oil to the top tic mark on the
dipstick.
BILGES REDTAIL's bilges should always be clean and dry.
BELTS Check the general condition of all BELTS (missing teeth or cracks) and HOSES (checked, cracked,
bulging, or kinked).
SEA STRAINER These are located at the forward end of each engine. Check the SEA STRAINER for debris
(use a flashlight to shine through the bowl). To clean them, close the THRU-HULL, spin the tops of
the sea strainer off, pull and clean the basket, clean out the glass, put the basket back in, screw the
top back on, and OPEN THE THRU-HULL (lever in line with the valve body). After start-up, confirm
that water is exiting exhausts.
And notice any leaks; leaks (water, diesel, oil, hydraulic fluid) are not good!
Engine Start-Up
1. Before starting the engines, do your WOBBS inspection.
2. The engines should be started from the lower helm station.
3. Ensure GEARSHIFTS are in 'neutral', or the engines cannot be started because of the "neutral
lockout".
4. THROTTLES should be run up and down and then brought almost back to the idle position.
5. Insert both keys into the IGNITION SWITCHES.
6. START one engine, let idle for 30 seconds and then start the other.
7. Turn the key clockwise partially until the ENGINE ALARM sounds and pre-heat the engine for at
least 2 seconds.
8. Then turn the key fully clockwise to engage the engine. If the starter does not engage when the
key is turned, move the gearshift lever slightly until you find neutral and try again while turning key.
Note: REDTAIL's big CAT engines should start easily on the first try. If the engine cranks slowly or fails to
turn over, check the condition of the battery on the ELECTRICAL PANEL.
REDTAIL - Version 2015 - May
BOAT OPERATION
Don't add oil unless the oil level is at or below the bottom tic-mark on the
DO
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