Posts Tagged ‘Sierra’

Fuel Injector Maintenance & Why it’s Important

Wednesday, September 27th, 2017

The idea behind maintaining your fuel injection system is pretty much a no-brainer; it keeps your engine reliable and ensures proper performance. Gunk builds up in your injectors from the process of cooling your engine. As the engine runs, the injectors are kept cool by the fuel running through them. When the engine is turned off, the temperature rises and the heat soaks the fuel injectors. This breaks the fuel down into gum and varnish. Whenever your engine is shut off there is plenty of opportunity for layers of gum and varnish to harden deeply inside and outside the tip of the fuel injector. Seeing as boats are stored for long periods of time and run for shorter periods of time (not to mention the winter months when the engine is not started at all), you can see where the problem comes in.

Sure, you can add chemicals into your fuel to stabilize or clean your injectors, but they cannot clean away those layers and layers of fuel deposits. Before you know it, your fuel injector is clogged and dirty and has left your once smooth-running boat without power while you’re trying to enjoy your weekend off. Not to mention the cost associated with engine repairs for these issues.

Bottom line is: Cleaning fuel injectors ensures proper engine performance and can guard against costly repairs. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

But you know, Sierra always has you covered…

Did you know that Sierra has an all-in-one fuel injection cleaning kit? We make it super easy to maintain your fuel injection system!

The E-GO! Fuel Injection Cleaning kit (pictured below) contains: Cleaning System container, hose, small fitting, large fitting, and carrying case.

For: Mercury, Honda, and Yamaha

  • Cleans away layers of fuel deposits when the engine is running.
  • Helps maintain the injector’s cleanliness and performance throughout the life of your engine.
  • For best results, use 18-8606 E-GO! Blast Fuel Injector Cleaner.

 

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Posted in Do It Yourself, Engine and Drive Parts, Fuel, Maintenance and Upgrades, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »

How to Maintain Your Boat’s Steering Cables

Saturday, January 17th, 2015

I’ve heard steering cables should be ‘maintained.’ How exactly is this done?

By keeping your boat’s steering system in proper working order you can ensure that you have reliable and proper control of your boat at all times. Lack of maintenance is the major contributor to stiff steering and in some extreme cases, cable seizure. We suggest the following periodic maintenance at least twice a year:
  1. Be certain the helm(s), cable(s), steering wheel and connection hardware are correctly assembled and in proper working order. Check for signs of stiffness, binding, excessive free play and/or wear. These items cannot be repaired; if any components are not in good working order, replace them. Disassembly of these items will void the warranty and can lead to steering failure. Always replace steering cables that are stiff in operation or have damage to the plastic jacket (outer casing).
  2. Clean and lubricate the engine tilt tube or cable support tube and the steering cable telescopic output ram as follows:
    1. Remove the steering cable(s) telescoping ram from the tilt tube.
    2. Clean the tilt tube inside diameter thoroughly.
    3. Remove corrosion in the tilt tube with a wire brush. Wipe until all loose material is removed.
    4. Lubricate the tilt tube with a good water resistant marine grease.
    5. Scour the steering cable telescopic ram with a brass wire brush and wipe until clean.
    6. Lubricate the sliding parts of the telescopic ram with a high-quality, water resistant marine grease.
    7. Reassemble, making sure all (correct) fasteners are tight and there is no binding or excessive free play in moving parts.

Please note where locking fasteners are used. Do not use non-locking fasteners; vibration can loosen them, causing steering failure.

Steering cables cannot be repaired. If the steering cable is deteriorated, does not move or operates in any manner other than correctly, replace it with the correct one for the helm. If the cable for your helm is no longer available, replace the helm, bezel and cable with an appropriate SeaStar Solutions steering kit.

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Posted in Do It Yourself, Maintenance and Upgrades, Safety, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »

Why does Lloyd’s Type Approval matter when it comes to Shield’s Hose?

Tuesday, December 30th, 2014

Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register (LR) proves that a product conforms to recognized industry quality standards and/or the LR Rules, through a process of independent design review, testing and verification of production controls.

There are two main steps to Type Approval. The first is Type Examination. Design data is submitted and reviewed to ensure it complies with the requirements of the specified standard(s) and/or LR rules. Then, samples of the product are tested to verify they meet the testing requirements of the relevant standards and any performance requirements associated with the product.

The second main step in the Type Approval process is Production Quality Assurance. This is performed to ensure the product (when mass produced) will be of an acceptable quality and will conform to the version that was prototype tested. Production controls are inspected to confirm that the product can be manufactured in accordance with the design data.

Once Type Approval is achieved, a Certificate is issued and is typically valid for 5 years. The product is then entered in the relevant part of the Lloyd’s Register List of Type Approval Products.

Why does this matter to you? It matters because this certification ensures you that our vendors and suppliers are capable of providing the highest quality product possible. You can trust your boat with Sierra.

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Posted in International | 1 Comment »

Marine Starter VS. Automotive Starter… And the Winner Is…

Monday, November 24th, 2014

You pull the starter off of your Mercruiser (GM manufactured 5.7L) I/O and take it to the nearest auto parts supplier for a replacement. The starter for a car looks exactly the same as the one you just removed from your marine engine. You think to yourself, “I wonder how much difference there REALLY is between the marine and the automotive starter.”

Don’t be fooled by the fact that an automotive starter will bolt on to your marine engine. A marine approved starter has better seals and gaskets to keep water out. It also contains more corrosive resistant materials.

However, the primary consideration is safety, as there are deliberate design differences to contain sparks that could ignite fuel vapor in the bilge.  In an enclosed engine compartment, where volatile fumes exist, any stray spark could cause a catastrophic explosion, resulting in severe injury or possible death.  In order to prevent this, a marine starter is constructed with internal shielding to contain any sparks or stray electricity that could travel into the bell housing or bilge where gasoline fumes may be present. Another benefit from this shielding is that it protects the back half of the starter motor from moisture and contaminants which WILL decrease the life of the starter.

If the replacement starter you are buying does not have a tag or sticker on it that states it has been manufactured to SAE J1171 standards, you should ask if the product really is an approved marine grade product. You should always make every attempt to be sure that you are not being sold an automotive starter for your boat. In order to receive this certification, the manufacturer of this starter must submit a sample to pass three separate tests, each of which is performed fifty times. The tests include operation in an enclosed explosive atmosphere, high temperature tests and induced ignition tests.

Please remember the following:

  • Using anything electrical that is not marine rated is BOTH illegal and dangerous
  • The Coast Guard WILL ticket you for noncompliance
  • The risk of injury or death is incrementally higher when you elect to use automotive electrical parts on your marine engine

Stay safe out on the water and if you have any questions as to which start is best for your marine engine, call our Technical Support Line at 1-877-663-8396.

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Posted in Do It Yourself, Engine and Drive Parts, Maintenance and Upgrades, Safety, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »

Tips to making the most of your STATS Diagnostic Tool

Friday, October 3rd, 2014

For some time, marine technicians needed an easier way to diagnose engine problems without the added expense of a laptop or having to maneuver a boat trailer or motor on a stand to the computer bay.  STATS™ (Sierra Touch and Test System) is that solution.  STATS is an innovative new handheld engine diagnostic tool from Sierra that allows technicians to plug into a marine engine’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) and diagnose engine problems without the need for a laptop or PC. Engine diagnostics can even be performed on boats while they’re still in the water.

Since Sierra launched STATS, our technical services representatives have come across some very good questions. We thought these questions and answers would be useful in order to get the most out of your experience with the STATS Diagnostic Tool.

  • Does STATS have the ability to change the oil ratio on Evinrude E-Tec Engines?

YES. STATS has the ability to change the oil ratio on Evinrude E-Tec engines from XD30, XD settings to XD settings.

  • Can STATS configure vessel management systems such as SmartCraft?

NO. Currently, STATS does not offer vessel management configuration features. Sierra is now researching vessel management opportunities.

  • Does STATS display engine run histories?

YES. STATS has the capabilities to display engine run histories. Most engine histories are broken down via engine RPM or by temperature. This feature is very useful when determining the habits of the boat owners and advising the customer when periodic maintenance is due.

  • What is the warranty on STATS?

STATS is equipped with the same industry leading warranty as ALL other Sierra Products which is a Limited Lifetime Warranty against defects and workmanship!

  • What happens if I enter in the wrong passcode 3 consecutive times on my STATS?

Entering the wrong passcode 3 times consecutively will result in software deletion from the STATS unit and lock the console for security purposes. Once locked, you will need to contact Sierra Technical Support to unlock the STATS unit and you’ll then have the ability to reinstall software from the STATS loader page. Passwords will be kept on record along with serial number information at Sierra. You’ll need to supply the serial number and registration information to unlock the console.

  • Can I purchase software upgrades online?

NO. Currently software is not available online for purchase. At this time you will need to contact your distributor for purchase of software and corresponding cables.

  • How do I start using my STATS unit?

Before use, STATS must be activated by connecting to a PC. You will also need to download the STATS Loader Program from www.sierrastats.com. This will enable you to download new software and updates for your STATS unit. The STATS Loader Page is also where you will view, save and print information from the STATS unit.

  • Can I use STATS with my MAC?

NO. STATS is not compatible with MAC Operating Systems unless you utilize the Windows Parallel Program.

  • Does STATS program injectors on Evinrude E-Tec Engines?

NO. STATS does not currently program the injectors on E-Tec Engines.

  • Does STATS have the ability to tune engines?

NO. Currently, STATS only performs diagnostics. It is not equipped with a tuner to reformat an ECM.

  • Does STATS work with Ficht Engines?

YES. STATS does work with all Ficht Engines.

  • Can STATS record live data to capture an intermittent concern?

YES. STATS is able to record live data for up to 30 seconds at a time.

  • Can I create diagnostic reports with STATS?

YES. You can create diagnostic reports via uploading the saved information on the console to a PC. Your report can then be created on the STATS Loader Page.

  • How often do I have to charge my STATS unit?

STATS is not equipped with an internal battery. STATS operates from engine battery voltage either through the Diagnostic Link Connector or via a DC Power cable that connects to the battery. While connected to a PC, the STATS unit is powered by an AC adapter.

  • What if I have questions about how to use the STATS unit?

Your STATS purchase includes a printed copy of the STATS user manual which can answer most questions before and during use. If you still need assistance, our Sierra Technical Support Team is here to help. Our toll-free number is 1-800-648-3976 Extension 3.

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Posted in Accessories, Engine and Drive Parts, Maintenance and Upgrades, Tips and Tricks, Tools | No Comments »

How to Tell if a Starter is Bad on your Marine Engine

Saturday, August 30th, 2014

When the starter on your marine engine refuses to crank, the engine’s starter may have gone bad.

First, you need to make sure the starter is really the source of the problem.  Several other things: including a blown main fuse, not moving the throttle/shift lever into “neutral” before attempting to crank the motor, electrical connections that are not clean and tightly connected and wiring in poor condition can cause symptoms similar to those of a bad starter. So, go grab your multimeter and let’s do some testing! (NOTE: This is a good time to remove the lanyard from the emergency cut off switch to prevent the engine from accidentally starting)

Step 1: Turn the dial of a digital multimeter to the DC voltage setting. Place the red probe on the positive battery post and then the black probe on the negative battery post. If the multimeter indicates the battery is producing less than 11.3 volts, recharge or replace the battery before testing the starter.

Step 2: Set the multimeter to the DC voltage setting. Place the red lead of the multimeter on the positive terminal of the starter motor and then the black lead on the engine ground.

Step 3: Turn the ignition switch to the “Start” position. Read the voltage indicated on the multimeter.

Step 4: If the reading on the digital multimeter is greater than 9.5 volts, attempt to start the motor. If the motor fails to start when the reading on the digital multimeter is more than 9.5 volts, the starter requires replacement or rebuilding. A reading of less than 9.5 volts indicates a voltage loss between the battery and the starter; this should be corrected and then start the testing procedure again. (NOTE: This test is for a 12V operating system)

TIP: Before you crank the motor, shift it into “neutral.” The neutral lockout will prevent the motor from starting. Check the main fuse and inspect the wiring for broken or frayed wires.

Do you need help selecting the new starter for your marine engine? Give our technical support a call at 1-877-663-8396 or you can visit our website for a complete listing of our Rotating Electric Products here.

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Posted in Do It Yourself, Engine and Drive Parts, Maintenance and Upgrades, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »

Usage, Inspection and Maintenance of Hose Systems

Thursday, August 7th, 2014

INSTALLATION, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF HOSE SYSTEMS

Don’t Neglect This Critically Important System On Your Boat

Shields Marine manufactures a wide variety of hoses for applications onboard pleasure craft.  Serving as conduits for fluids, air or exhaust, each Shields hose is designed for a specific application and meets strict standards set by the USCG, ABYC and other regulatory agencies. Hoses also serve as vibration absorbers, isolating components such as exhaust manifolds from the hull of the vessel.

Installers should be mindful of using the right hose for the job. Correct hose and coupling methods should be carried out as outlined by EPA, ABYC, USCG, SAE and the NMMA. Any questions regarding application, replacement or installation should be referred to the Shields technical service department at 217-324-9400.

Inspection
Hose applications aboard any vessel are likely to be mission-critical. Therefore, failure to inspect and replace worn or aged hose can result in the loss of property or possibly, the loss of life.  All mission-critical hose – fuel, wet exhaust, bilge pump, bilge vent and hoses connected below the water line – should be inspected prior to each use of the vessel. All fittings and clamps should be secure and properly attached.  All hoses and connections should be inspected annually by a qualified marine mechanic.

Maintenance and Replacement 
If inspection reveals hose damage, those hoses should be replaced consistent with industry standards.
Replace hose that exhibits any of the following signs:
• Cuts, gouges, cracks
• Exposed fabric or wire reinforcement
• Soft spots or bulges
• Loose covers or kinks
• Stiffness or inflexibility

Installation
Hoses shall be secured by corrosion resistant clamps equal to or greater that 300 grade stainless steel. Clamps shall not depend solely on spring tension. Clamps should not be over-tightened, as this may damage the hose or fitting. Fittings must be the proper size for the hose. Forcing a hose over an oversized fitting or clamping down the hose on an undersized fitting may damage the hose and cause failure.

Click here for a complete Shields Hose Product Application Guide.

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Posted in Do It Yourself, Fuel, Maintenance and Upgrades, Tips and Tricks | No Comments »

Sierra’s Oil is NMMA Certified, but why is that important?

Monday, April 14th, 2014

Marine gasoline engines have evolved through the years. Both two and four-stroke engines have a higher power output that places tough demands on an engines’ oil and lubricants. In order to assist boaters in choosing the best quality lubricants for their engine, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) developed a program for the certification of these premium quality lubricants. The following is some information about the certifications that Sierra’s Oil has earned.

TC-W3 TWO-STROKE CERTIFICATION

The TC-W3® standard is based on performance. The various requirements include bench tests for fluidity, miscibility, rust, compatibility and so on. Engine tests are also performed to test the prevention of ring sticking and carbon buildup on pistons and other engine parts. The engine tests include one Johnson 40 HP, one Johnson 70 HP and two consecutive Mercury 15 HP tests. These engine tests are all run under severe conditions for 100 hours each.*

FC-W FOUR-STROKE CERTIFICATION

In conjunction with the NMMA, industry leaders in lubrication technology developed testing guidelines for marine four-stroke oil. These guidelines include bench tests for viscosity, corrosion, filter plugging, foaming and aeration. The oil must also pass a 100-hour general performance engine test.

So, why IS this important? NMMA certification proves that Sierra’s oil and lubricants provide the necessary performance and quality needed for today’s marine engines. You don’t need to sacrifice quality for a better cost any longer.

For additional details on NMMA’s certification process, you can visit www.nmma.org

*www.nmma.org/certification/oil

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Posted in Oil and Lubricants | No Comments »