Diesel Engines

RYA Diesel Engine Course

This course is designed to help you prevent and solve diesel engine failure. The course will give awareness of the main systems of a marine diesel engine and the ability to prevent breakdown at sea & rectify defects not requiring workshop support. 
Mechanical failure is the main cause of lifeboat call-outs to yachts. 
This course includes basic maintenance and engine care which will prevent most cases of engine failure.

Previous experience Required 

• No age restriction
• No previous experience or assumed knowledge required
  

 Course Syllabus  

1. Introduction 

• Principles of the diesel engine

2. The four-stroke cycle 

• Naturally aspirated engines
• Turbocharging
• Intercooling / aftercooling

 3. The fuel system 

• The basic system
• The tank
• The water-separating pre-filter
• Fuel lift pump
• The engine fine filter
• Injection pump
• Injectors
• Bleeding the system

 4. The cooling system 

• Seawater cooling
• Freshwater cooling
• Temperature control
• The thermostat
• The seawater impeller pump

5. The air system

• Air Filtering
• Smoke Identification
• Super charging

 6. Engine electrical systems 

• The basic system
• Battery capacity and care
• Drive belts
• The alternator
• Fuses and relays

 7. Spares and tool requirements 

• Basic spares and tools

 8. Importance of winterisation and servicing 

• Engine lubrication
• Transmission lubrication
• Winterisation and servicing
• Service schedule

9. Fault finding

Upon successful completion of this course you will be issued with an RYA Accredited Certificate which can be used in your pursuit of larger qualifications.

See the RYA roadmap here.