Early in the Day
I started my day with coffee, as usual. Then I worked a bit on the computer and thought about how I could best solve my solar panel shading dilemma. My two new 175W panels put out just under 20V, but my battery is a 24V system and the MPPT controllers are boost only, so the input voltage needs to be above the output voltage. That means I have to put the two panels in series to get a high enough voltage. But the significant downside is that when one panel is shaded the output drops almost to the level of the lower panel. That doesn’t happen when they are in parallel.
Ashore
I had heard the night before that Island Waterworld would be open on Saturday and made the mistake of believing it. I put my two diesel canisters in the dinghy and zipped ashore, but everything on the island is locked down and closed. I met Neil taking Emily of Cowes to the BVI for the spring regatta and returned to Zanshin.
Generator
I thought I’d just drain the coolant and could then start taking the engine top off but my hopes for quick progress were soon dashed. I could reach the drain petcock but couldn’t turn it and the access is so bad that I couldn’t get a tool in there, either. So, two hours later I’ve removed the hoses and hardware in that area and have drained the coolant. I’m still trying to suck up the fluid from the pan under the engine and am taking a break right now before returning to that task.
+2 Hours
I have made some progress cleaning up the mess with a hand-driven pump and am in the process of removing the heat exchanger for the raw water system. It is blocked as well, but I’ve only cut myself a couple of times so far and almost have the main component removed.
Success at last
The top and bottom parts of the engine block are now finally separated. Once I got all the ancillary components removed and loosened and discovered the one engine bolt I’d missed, the top end came off easily.
There is a lot of carbon buildup on both the cylinder tops as well as on the valves, though. I don’t think that this is the cause of the problems but might be an indicator. So far everything on the engine looks fine with no obvious signs of problems. There’s no rust visible anywhere and no metal shavings, either.
Dinner ashore
I had to escape the incessant rolling at anchor and went ashore. I met Gary and Phil and they didn’t have to work very hard to convince me in joining them at the Tap & Still for a very tasty burger.