Marine Engine Overhauls in SC - Blanchard Power Systems

Marine Engine Survey

Your marine fleet is essential to your business, so you’ll want to ensure it stays operational so you can get on with your business. Marine vessels have delicate components and parts that must be appropriately maintained to ensure they continue operating as they should. As a result, marine engine surveys should be necessary for your business.

Marine engine testing can help you keep your fleet in peak condition. Below, you’ll learn more about marine engine surveys, the different types of marine engine tests, and why you should choose Blanchard Energy as your trusted marine engine tester.

What Is a Marine Engine Survey?

A marine engine survey is a thorough mechanical inspection or a vessel like a boat or a yacht. People who perform marine diesel engine testing must have professional marine technical training, hands-on experience, continuing education and factory-specific training to work on marine engines. Without the required knowledge, experience or education, many problems can be missed, which can cause problems to become more severe and increase repair costs.

If you’re having issues with your marine power supply, contact a professional for help. Blanchard Energy has technicians available to identify engine problems, provide solutions and accomplish entire overhauls of your marine engine if necessary.

We can also perform diagnostics to determine where your marine engine might be experiencing performance problems, low power or overheating. Our team can help you determine the problem and make the necessary repairs to help your vessel get back on the water.

Different Marine Engine Tests

Various tests can look for specific problems, helping you solve challenges with your marine power supply sooner so you can get back on the water sooner. Blanchard Energy offers numerous marine power supply testing options to get to the root of the problem so we can make precise, efficient repairs that leave you less vulnerable to compound damage. Below are some of the different marine generator testing options we offer:

Visual Inspection

Visual inspections are often where marine engine surveys begin. A professional will visually inspect the engine and associated equipment, including the hoses, engine mounts and clamps. An experienced technician may also look at the serial numbers of your equipment and analyze its performance compared to the manufacturer’s required specifications. Other components, parts or systems inspected during this step include:

Electrical systems
Exhaust systems
Cooling systems
Controls

A technician may also check the arrangement of your exhaust system to ensure the cables are working correctly, that mounts aren’t overextended and that they’re tight enough for the specifications of your engine.

Compression Test

The next step in marine engine testing is the compression test, which is when the engine is started, and all injectors are removed, which measures the compression capabilities of each cylinder. The engine’s electronic controls are also tested, as well as the management computer, which measures:

Voltage
Compression
Exhaust temperatures
Belt tension
Starter amp draw
Alternator output
Charging system cables

Wide Open Throttle (WOT) Test

The WOT test helps identify several performance parameters, which helps determine if the engine and propeller are matched correctly. This test will also determine if the engine can produce the maximum rotations per minute (RPMs) for an extended period without encountering problems, including vibrating, overheating, smoking or unusual fuel consumption.

Sea Trials

Sea trials are tests carried out at sea that help measures a vessel’s efficiency, capabilities and quality. Some of the sea trials tests include:

Draft measurements: Drafts help regulate a vessel’s hydrodynamic and hydrostatic capabilities. This test helps determine whether a vessel is floating at the required draft, which is corrected depending on the test results.
Anchor tests: Anchors are essential for keeping a vessel stationary when needed, so anchor tests help ensure the anchor functions appropriately.
Steering gear tests: Malfunctioning steering gear can cause problems with maneuverability. Steering gear tests help ensure that a ship’s steering is performing properly so ships can change direction as needed without risk of malfunction.
Main engine endurance tests: The engine propels a ship in the right direction. The endurance test ensures it’s operating correctly and nothing goes wrong while out on open water. The test runs for six hours at the maximum RPMs to test how it performs with a full load.
Speed trials: This test helps check the speed of a vessel at the required draft to reduce the risk of penalties from improper speed measurements.
Crash stop tests: These tests help measure the ability of a ship to stop when moving at full speed, ensuring it can stop in an emergency to prevent a potential crash.
Turning circle tests: This test measures a vessel’s capability of traveling in a circular path when the rudder is put hard to one side. The test completes a full circle with the vessel, and the diameter is measured.
Navigation equipment testing: Sea trials also test the navigation equipment onboard a vessel to ensure it’s working and calibrated properly, which includes communication systems and radar.
Blackout tests: This test starts with a total blackout of the ship to test all the main generators, ensuring they begin within an appropriate timeframe to keep the vessel operational.

Fuel and Oil Analysis

This testing draws samples from various locations, including engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant and crankcase oil, sending it for laboratory analysis. This test can help identify multiple issues that may be causing malfunctions on your vessel.

Why Choose Blanchard for Marine Engine Surveying?

Blanchard Energy utilizes CAT^® solutions to address critical concerns so you can improve the safety of your work environment and maximize your productivity. Our powerful CAT power systems can meet your needs, allowing you to manage various applications and keep your work running seamlessly. You can use our equipment to integrate your existing equipment or help your business operate in harsh conditions.

There are many advantages of CAT marine engines and generator systems, including:

Cost-effectiveness: CAT equipment is built to last and provide superior performance, meaning it can provide longer service and improved efficiency. You can get the most out of your investment, saving you more in the long run.
Optimized performance: CAT equipment is built with performance in mind, so you can rest easy knowing you’ll get the best performance and efficiency from your engine or generator.
Enhanced value: CAT equipment can provide long-term value and advanced capabilities, allowing you to get the most from your purchase, even when you go to resell when it’s time to upgrade.

If you’re looking for high-quality equipment that will perform even in the harshest conditions, Blanchard Energy can help you find what you want.

Contact Blanchard for Marine Engine Testing in South Carolina

Marine engine testing ensures your fleet performs at peak efficiency and keeps your operations on task while keeping your work environment safe. Blanchard Energy can help you keep your fleet at maximum performance with our marine services, which include a wide range of marine testing.

We can provide cost-effective, reliable power system solutions for your needs and applications. Our team can help you find everything you need from start to finish. We can provide regular service and testing to ensure your fleet remains operational throughout your business’s life. Contact us today to learn more about how our marine engine testing can help!

Engine Testing Overhaul