Saturday, November 2, 2013

Saturday, November 2, 2013

While we are still in Charleston we are being well cared for by Karen, Bon's college roommate.  It's important to know why we are still here.  Mud dobbers plugged the vented loop through hull.  Since the marine diesel is cooled by sea water it is important to limit the amount of water coming in to the engine.  As I understand it, the vented loop valve lets air in to break the siphon and stop water from coming in when the engine is shut down.  If the through hull is plugged then air will not get in to break the siphon.  This caused water to fill up the exhaust and eventually fill the cylinders. Usually no damage is done until the water is pumped out which lets in air to begin the corrosion process.  We (I assisted Ray the mechanic) started the engine right away and it is running as before!  The other potential problem besides corrosion is water doesn't compress.  If I had continually tried to start the engine with water in the cylinders then rods and bearings could be permanently damaged! Near miss! A new 62 horse diesel is around $15,000 installed!  Yikes is right!
Today we walked downtown from the Battery to the Customs House.  Near there is the Pavilion 225 Grill.  We enjoyed a cold drink in the glassed in roof top restaurant.