Lay-Up & Recommissioning - Westerbeke BCG4.0KW Operator's Manual

LAY-UP AND RECOMMISSIONING
General
Many owners rely on their boatyards to prepare their craft, including engines and generators, for lay-up
during the off-season or for long periods of inactivity. Others prefer to accomplish lay-up preparation them-
selves.
The procedures which follow will allow you to perform your own lay-up and recommissioning, or to use as
a check list
if others do the procedures. These procedures should afford your engine protection during a
lay-up and also help familiarize you with the maintenance needs of your engine.
If you have any questions regarding lay-up procedures, call your local servicing dealer; he will be more than
willing to provide assistance.
Fresh Water Cooling System
A 50-50 solution of antifreeze and fresh water is recommended for use in the fresh water cooling system at
all times. This solution may require a higher concentration of antifreeze, depending on the area's winter
climate. Check the solution to make sure the antifreeze protection is adequate.
Should more antifreeze be needed, drain an appropriate amount from the engine block and add a more
concentrated mixture. Operate the engine to ensure a complete circulation and mixture of the antifreeze
concentration throughout the cooling system. Now recheck the antifreeze solution's strength.
Lubrication System
With the engine warm, drain all the lubricating oil from the oil sump. Remove and replace the oil filter. (Place
some paper towels and a plastic bag around the filter to catch the oil during its removaL)
When installing the new oil filter, be sure to apply a small amount of oil on the rubber sealing gasket at the
base of the filter. Fill the sump with the correct amount of oil for your engine model. Use an oil with an API
specification of SD, SE or SF. Run the engine and check for proper oil pressure and make sure there are
no leaks.
CAUTION
DO NOT leave the engine's old lubricating oil in the sump over the lay-up period. Lubricat-
ing oil and combustion deposits combine to produce harmful chemicals which can reduce
the life of your engine's internal parts.
Fuel System
Top off your fuel tanks with regular or unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 89 or higher. Fuel addi-
tives should be added at this time to control algae and condition the fuel. Care should be taken that the ad-
ditives used are compatible with the primary filter/water separator used in the system. Change the element
in your primary fuel filter/water separator, if the fuel system contains one, and clean the separator sediment
bowl. Clean the filter screen in the fuel lift pump and in the carburetor.
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