Projects

EP40 - DIY major maintenance on two YANMAR 4JH4-TE 75hp's - Part 1

Shawn Hammer

Feb 23, 2025 — 1 min read

We have two Yanmar 4JH4-TE 75hp engines. With regular maintenance, these engines should comfortably last 10,000hrs and ours have 5,000. Engine maintenance is difficult on a boat. Space is tight, temperatures are often unbearable, and unless you have confidence and experience working on engines, it’s not uncommon to discover a lot of deferred maintenance. When we purchased the boat, we knew it was leaking oil. We were also pretty certain that nothing deeper than semi-regular oil and impeller changes were done. Now we have three choices: 1. Repower. 2. Replace the old components with new ones. 3. Disassemble, clean, and fix the components that can be salvaged and replace those that can’t. We’ve opted for door number three. Shawn has a lifetime wrenching on engines, developing this skill from about age six at his father and brother’s sides. Also, new engines are not in the budget. So, it’s makeover time.

All shop equipment was purchased at Harbor Freight.

EP42 - Prepping the battery compartment to receive 55wh battery bank

Before we can install our new 55 watt hour LiFePo battery bank, the space needs some serious work. From ensuring a dry space, to sanding, fiberglass, and paint, this space has been transformed into a perfect home for our LiFePo batteries.

EP41 - Tearing apart our Yanmar 4JH4-TE engines. Major Maintenance Series, Part 2

Welcome to part two of our Major Engine Maintenance Series. It’s time to tear apart our engines! In this episode Shawn removes every hose, hose clamp, and every component. In the process, he discovers completely clogged hoses, significant corrosion, and rusted parts that must be replaced.

EP39 - Winter Preparation - climate controlled storage and shop lights.

We weren't planning to be here this long. The seasons are changing quickly and with it comes cold temperatures and short days. Everything we own is in two storage containers that are little more than metal boxes. These will certainly have plenty of condensation during the cold months

Ep38 - It took four months to replace two hatches!

Since day one back in July of 2022, we have had several hatches that leaked. While in Guatemala, we re-bedded two of the three hatches in the salon and galley, but that's as far as we got. We mitigated the problem by keeping a bucket or bowl under

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EP42 - Prepping the battery compartment to receive 55wh battery bank

EP41 - Tearing apart our Yanmar 4JH4-TE engines. Major Maintenance Series, Part 2

EP39 - Winter Preparation - climate controlled storage and shop lights.

Ep38 - It took four months to replace two hatches!