How To Troubleshoot & Fix Common Diesel Engine Problems

with Nigel Calder | BoatHowTo.com

Learn how to unravel the mysteries of diesel engine troubleshooting.

Live 3 Hour Seminar

Hosted By Nigel Calder

Live Q&A

My diesel engine is acting up, what may be wrong, and can I fix it? The answer, most commonly, is YES! However, this requires an understanding of the operating principles of a diesel engine combined with the familiarity of core systems that keep a diesel engine functional. This seminar in Annapolis, MD dives into the world of diesel engine troubleshooting with renowned marine diesel expert Nigel Calder, founder of BoatHowTo.com and author of the best-selling manual Marine Diesel Engines. Learn essential troubleshooting and techniques that will diagnose the most common operating problems. From overheating, a failure to develop full power, exhaust smoke of various colors, rough running, vibration, and a failure to crank or to fire when cranking. This seminar will equip attendees with the essential knowledge needed to tackle maintenance challenges head-on, ensuring smooth sailing for years to come.

NO BOAT SHOW TICKET REQUIRED TO ATTEND SEMINAR

REVIEW

We think it's important to share why we’re so passionate about teaching you what we've learned about sailing. See, we teach it because we live it. It wasn’t too long ago that we were trying to figure out how to chart our journey and set sail. We did all the research, watched the YouTube videos, and read thousands of articles and blog posts. Everyone was saying something different! It was overwhelming and made the decision to start our adventure even harder. Quite frankly, we were nearly terrified... But we didn't give up on our dream life. Through trial and error we found what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t work. Over the last few years, we’ve been able to help change thousands of people’s lives by sharing our experiences.

Chris and Keith of Bluewater Cruising

Annapolis • October 10-14, 2024

This year, during the Annapolis Sailboat Show, American Sailing will be offering a lineup of live, in-person seminars led by some of the world's most esteemed and well-known sailors covering an array of topics - from mastering marine diesel engines and navigating the complexities of boat electronics to insider tips on purchasing the perfect cruising boat. Our expert-led sessions will cover essential topics for every sailor. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just setting course, these seminars will offer invaluable insights meant to enhance your sailing journey.

Choose A Seminar

How To Troubleshoot & Fix Common Diesel Engine Problems

Who is this class for?

Whether you're considering purchasing a boat, already own one, or regularly charter vessels, this seminar is invaluable for anyone seeking to enhance their ability to diagnose and address diesel engine issues independently while gaining the confidence and skills needed to keep your boat running smoothly, wherever your adventures take you. While familiarity with engine components will be beneficial, it is not a necessity to attend this comprehensive live seminar.

What Will I Learn?

If properly installed and maintained, diesel engines are remarkably reliable. Almost all problems are self-inflicted through inadequate maintenance and neglect. Gain insights into diagnosing and fixing common marine diesel issues. Discover core troubleshooting techniques that don't rely on specialized knowledge or equipment, empowering you to diagnose and address common problems with confidence. Armed with this knowledge, it is possible to determine the likely causes of most commonly experienced diesel engine problems (other than those related to electricity; requiring the ability to conduct simple multimeter tests). Over the years, Nigel has received thanks from numerous people he has enabled to get up and running in the boonies. This seminar will help you do the same.

While familiarity with engine components and participation in the morning class will be beneficial, this is not a necessity.

Photo Credit: McDonald Photography

TOPICS COVERED

PART 1 AVAILABLE ON DEMAND

(included with purchase)

Basic Operating Principles
The Significance of Smoke Colors
Diagnosing Carbon Fouling
Overheating
Missing Cylinders
Vibration
Common Transmission Issues
Solving a Failure to Start When Cranking Smartly
Identifying and Fixing the Cause of a Failure to Crank
Emergency Cranking Techniques
Identifying and Fixing the Causes of Sluggish Cranking
Testing Alternots
Troubleshooting Analog Gauge Circuits

Photo Credit: McDonald Photography

YOUR HOST

NIGEL CALDER

Founder, BoatHowTo.com

Nigel Calder and his wife, Terrie, have built or owned a succession of boats on which they have cruised extensively in the Caribbean, the U.S. and Europe with Pippin (now aged 38) and Paul (37) augmenting the crew along the way. For decades Nigel has experimented with advanced electrical and propulsion systems, with funding from the European Union, the UK government, and a large U.S. corporation. Nigel has partnered with OceanPlanet Energy in Bath, Maine, to continue development of advanced solar panels, alternators and controllers.

Nigel is a thirty-year veteran of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) which writes the standards for recreational boat electrical systems. He is best known for his Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual, now in its 4th edition, and his Marine Diesel Engines, in its 3rd edition. In addition to hundreds of magazine articles, he has also authored a Cruising Guide to the Northwest Caribbean, Cuba: A Cruising Guide, Nigel Calder’s Cruising Handbook, How to Read a Nautical Chart, and a memoir of his family’s first long cruise titled Shakedown Cruise. His most recent venture is a partnership to provide detailed and accurate online marine technical education at www.BoatHowTo.com. Currently available are courses in Basic Marine Electrics (BE 101) and Advanced Marine Electrics. Just released is a course on Diesel Engine Maintenance.