Marine Diesel Engines

As a regular contributor to Yachting Monthly, Calder’s orientation may be towards leisure craft installations but his particular blend of theory and practical mechanics provides a solid foundation of knowledge building on principles the same as for larger engines in commercial installations.

The new volume incorporates the many improvements and changes made to marine diesels since the first book was written and pays far greater attention to the electrical side of diesel powered units. However, the central purpose of the book remains unchanged, to provide the basic information necessary to select, install, maintain and carry out repairs on a marine diesel engine. In order to anticipate problems, prevent them as much as possible and troubleshoot should they still arrive, Calder presents basic operating principles only insofar as it is necessary to provide a good understanding of the practical side of diesel engine maintenance.

His mission is to turn out competent amateur mechanics rather than professionally qualified engineers. He thus covers the various maintenance, overhaul and repair procedures that can be reasonably undertaken by an amateur mechanic while also pointing out those that cannot.

Nigel Calder is a self taught diesel mechanic of some 25 years standing and has also built his own boat. For him, “There is no reason for a boat owner not to have a trouble-free relationship with a diesel engine. All one needs is to set up the engine correctly in the first place, pay attention to routine maintenance, have the knowledge to spot early warning signs of impending trouble, and to have the ability to correct small problems before they become big ones.”

This clear and logical, extensively illustrated guide will certainly deliver the goods for any interested owner who wishes to be his own diesel mechanic.

Marine Diesel Engines
By Nigel Calder.
Published by Adlard Coles Nautical
ISBN 0 713667 567.
Hardback, 212 pages.
Price £19.99.