Posted on

Volvo Penta IPS

  Volvo Penta IPS Diesel Services of America is an authorized Volvo Penta IPS service center. Does your Volvo Penta IPS need a repair or just some routine maintenance? You should consider a Volvo Penta IPS if you are thinking about repowering your boat or vessel. Since the Volvo Penta IPS (Inboard Performance System) was introduced to the market in 2005 it has steadily been revolutionizing the marine industry. Countless uses of the unique forward facing twin counter rotating propellers have changed the perception of inboard power plants. Reputable boat manufacturers worldwide have turned to the Volvo Penta IPS for many different reasons. Reliability, Fuel…

Read more

Posted on

Switch from Generator to Shore Power Part 2

Diesel Services of America has some additional tips for your ship to shore power cord. These three plug tips will also extend the life of your marine generator and the cord itself. Burnt plugs and melted connectors can easily be avoided by using some simple precautions. Plug Tip One: Always keep the ship to shore power cables stowed in an assigned area. A locker type compartment is best used for this integral piece of your power supply. Do not put in an area subject to moisture of near cleaning agents. Disconnect the plug if you do leave it hanging and dangling from the dockside hanger.…

Read more

Posted on

Switch from Generator to Shore Power Part 1

  One of the most common questions I get from boat owners when upgrading to a larger boat from a smaller vessel. How to properly switch from shore power to genset and back to shore power safely. It’s not that it is an overly complicated procedure but docking a boat is where most mishaps come into play. Whether you are rushing to get back to the dock and then home. Or the other way around being the first out of the marina to beat other boats to prime fishing grounds. Mistakes can and will happen at and around the dock. Diesel Services of America would…

Read more

Posted on

Marine Diesel Maintenance Tips Part 4

Burn, Baby, Burn equals Fuel The United States is the number one consumer of fuel consumption but has the lowest grade of diesel fuel for all industrialized nations. This dirty diesel fuel supply causes more problems and phone calls to Marine Diesel Engine Mechanics. The number of calls for dirty diesel fuel easily outnumbers all others combined. Diesel Services of America will help you keep your fuel at tip top level for optimum performance. Keeping your tank full is always high on the recommendation list but you can never stop the microbial growth associated with dirty diesel fuel. Visual inspection is a common repeating theme…

Read more

Posted on

Marine Diesel Maintenance Tips Part 3

3. Fire It Up equals Electricity A typical marine diesel engines DC (direct current) electrical systems are a frequent area of concern. Although the electrical system has the least impact for causing detrimental damage to your marine diesel power plant. That doesn’t mean that your electrical components should be ignored. You should be prepared if your electrical system is compromised and decides to quit working properly. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to have your electrical system take a dump at the dock. What happens after a day of fishing when you go to crank the engine up? How about a full boat of divers just getting…

Read more

Posted on

Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance Tips Part 2b

Another area of concern with the fresh water system is the pressure cap. This might seem trivial but having the pressure cap correctly sealed is another vital aspect to a properly functioning marine diesel engine. A conventional seal increases the pressure enough to raise the exact boiling point of water from 212° Fahrenheit to 250° Fahrenheit. If not properly sealed the water from inside your engine will boil causing your system to overheat. The caps on your raw fresh water cooling systems tend to get know around since they generally stick out like a turtle neck. I have seen boat detailers use them as a…

Read more

Posted on

Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance Tips Part 2a

2. Room Temperature (Cooling) The single largest catalyst for Marine Diesel Engines mechanical issues is not technically a part of the engine. The fact that this integral aspect of your power plants operation is not ever covered by warranty should help you understand the importance. Impeded and clogged sea strainers are without a doubt the absolute #1 cause of failed marine diesel engines. Fouled and dirty strainers impede raw water from their natural abilities to properly cool the fresh water system. This single aspect causes the whole system to get thrown out of whack and will overheat your engine in a heartbeat. Just as water is vital…

Read more

Posted on

Marine Diesel Engine Maintenance Tips Part 1

1. Oil & Water equals Lubrication Diesel Services of America is going to share some basic tips that will increase the life and performance of your Diesel Powerplant. Preventive maintenance is of the utmost importance and should be exercised regularly unless you don’t mind hefty repair bills. We will cover four separate but important topics (Lubrication, Cooling, Electricity & Fuel). Remember these are just tips and you should always consult a professional like Diesel Services of America. If you have any questions please give us a holler. 1. Oil & Water equals Lubrication The reason lubrication is bullet point 1 is because that it’s truly…

Read more