Beware! While in Annapolis, Md., (around the boat-show time) I had an oil change done by a shop near Jabins Yard (no, not Bayside Marine). I have a Universal Marine Diesel engine which holds about 8.5 quarts of oil. The mechanic, as part of the service, replaced the oil filter, and provided me with a spare for future use. While in Myrtle Beach area, I started the engine to charge the batteries and suddenly the oil pressure alarm sounded and I saw that the oil pressure was 0 (Zero). Thinking that it had to be the electrical system (the oil pressure has always been around 80 psi), I left the engine running and opened the engine compartment, only to find oil spraying all over. I turned off the engine and found the oil filter, together with the oil, in the bilges. I replaced the oil filter with the new one provided by the mechanic, topped up the oil and restarted the engine. It ran perfectly with the pressure now at around 40 psi, for about 3 minutes before the alarm again sounded and the pressure dropped to Zero. I again found the new filter, with 8.5 quarts of oil in the bilges. Long story short, the original filter, as well was the replacement, was not the correct one.....the damage was done. After travelling as far as Jacksonville FL., the engine gave its last cough and died. (I had replaced the oil filter with the correct one after the incident but I believe the initial incident cost the engine its life.) I have tried to get in touch with the shop that did the work, to at least let them know that their carelessness cost me $20,000.00 (in a new engine, shaft, new engine compartment insulation and cleanup of the engine compartment, bilges etc.), but have had no success. I sent a text to the owner and asked him to send me an email address, ...he sent me a bogus email address. I have, for obvious reasons, not indicated the name of the shop, but I am seriously thinking of taking measures to recover some of the costs, which has seriously impacted my sailing budget. Maybe some of your readers have some advice.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 01:04:04 +0000
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