Machine maintenance

The machine has been causing problems since the Marquesas. The oil pressure drops after a certain time and the oil pressure alarm sounds. In the Marquesas, I sought advice from a mechanic. He was of the opinion that it was not an engine problem, as the oil level was OK and there were no visible leaks. It is probably the oil pressure sensor or an electrical problem. To get to the bottom of it, I use my time in Tahiti to order an engine overhaul from the local Yanmar dealership.

Front view Yanmar 4JH2 UT

As the Easter holidays are in between, I have to wait two weeks before the appointment can be made. On the agreed date, the mechanic calls me at 8 a.m. and makes sure I'm still on site. He would be there in half an hour. Great, I think, that works. Now, I also know that a Polynesian half hour is the equivalent of three European hours. At 11.00 a.m. the mechanic arrives at the boat. After a brief inspection of the situation, he tells me that he has to remove the engine in order to carry out the overhaul. He takes a few photos and then leaves for his lunch break. After returning at 1:45 pm, he asks me if his boss has called yet. Of course not, and so we start with a test run of the machine. After ten minutes, the problem with the oil pressure occurs and we stop the engine. He calls again and I speak to his boss. He also tells me that the machine needs to be removed. My explanations make him a little uncertain, and he stops talking about the issue. Whether the oil pressure sensor was accessible. Of course, it is, even if admittedly everything is a bit tight. 

Side view Yanmar 4JH2 UTE

So off we go and the first thing we do is change the oil. The oil filter is changed, but the problem with the oil pressure is still there. The oil pressure sensor is removed. By now it is 3 p.m. and close to closing time. "I'll be there tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. with an oil pressure gauge. We can measure the oil pressure directly on the engine block." The tools are packed up, and I finish work at 3:15 pm. Slightly frustrated, I take a shower and drown my bad thoughts in a bar. Somehow, I can't shake the feeling that I know more about the machine than the so-called Yanmar service. After two beers, I convince myself that it's all just a figment of my imagination and that everything will be fine. The next morning, I wake up with a headache. "No more alcohol!", my synapses scream, but no one has been listening to them for a long time. At 8:05 a.m., I receive a text message that my colleague is running late. Another text message informs me when he will be there. So my gut feeling didn't deceive me. Whether I'll ever see my removed oil sensor again is as much up in the air as whether the machine maintenance will be completed successfully. I'll keep you up to date. 

Katinka on the jetty in Papeete, Tahiti

Unfortunately, I'm tied up on the boat while the maintenance is being carried out. I need the bus to do the laundry and can't react quickly enough if the mechanic does come. I might just go shopping. That wouldn't be so bad, but I'm running out of underpants. Turning them is still an option, but I'd just rather wash them. If necessary, I'll just use Gaby's underwear. I haven't tried it yet, but I'm sure it will fit me. Or I could take the swimming trunks and stand in the shower with them every day. Either way, I will master this challenge too. Otherwise, the preparations are going according to plan. The visit to Germany is now firmly planned and the orders for the necessary spare parts have been initiated. I'm currently receiving various invitations, which I'm really looking forward to as I haven't seen friends and relatives for over three years. I think it's going to be an intense four weeks.

Corals in the Papeete Marina, Tahiti

The high season has now begun in Tahiti. The first sign of this was that the Papeete Marina was empty again. This is primarily due to the price. In March, I was still paying €20 a day for our Katinka, from April it will be €42 a day. There is no discount in the marina. So you always pay the same daily price, whether you're there for a week or three months. The alternative is not really exciting. The only anchorage where you are still allowed to anchor is near the airport. That's around three nautical miles to Taina Marina and three nautical miles to Papeete Marina. It's a pretty wet affair, especially when it's windy. In my case, I also prefer to have the boat at the jetty while I'm away. I'll tell you how the whole situation develops next week. Until then, fair winds and keep a stiff upper lip.