I went to Aeolus to perform the sort of maintenance that must be done but that people avoid doing. Growing up, my father would let me use his tools to tear apart lawn mowers and fix my bike and do all sorts of crazy things. Looking back on that, I see how much I learned about basic mechanical principles, and most importantly, the reciprocal relationship between machines and their owners.
I know people who treat their machines as though they are autonomous creatures, capable of their own preservation. Don't lift a finger to maintain them, and then get upset when they fail them at inopportune times. Sailing books and blogs are filled with stories of sailors having misfortune related to a routine maintenance item not being addressed.
To indoctrinate my boys, I have taken to saying to them that you must "Love your machines and they will love you back". A simple mantra, easy to understand. Really, it is just a subset of the larger truth that Auden said so well that we must "Love one another or die". But sticking to machines, they do so much and ask so little. Especially a diesel engine.
Well, I just spent about 24 hours hanging upside down in the bilge giving lots of love to my diesel on Aeolus. Changed the oil, changed the filter, and changed the Oberdorfer impeller on the water pump. Cleaned this, cleaned that, checked this, checked that. Really, I was just giving her a good rub down and making sure she is ready for another season.
1 comment:
I really enjoyed reading your blog - nice work and thanks for sharing.I have recently become the proud owner of a DE38 whose previous owner didn't love his motor much so the 5432 needs some care and attention. I am learning FAST! Your blog is helpful and I think I'll refer back to it regularly.
I have a few questions already.. any chance of direct contact with you?
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