Diagnosis



Louise Island's Rocky Coastline

 

We departed Thurston Harbour anchorage at 9:40 in the morning and ran part of the way on one engine with the exception of the last four hours.  During this time Leonard used his hand-held infrared thermometer to check the oil filter temperature on both engines to further diagnose the previous day's oil pressure issue (see previous blog posting); the port engine appeared to be running perfectly.

Beautiful Mountains on Louise Island

Oil pressure gauges in the pilothouse showed the starboard engine at the normal 45 PSI and the port engine at 70-75 PSI.  When subtracting 30 (the PSI reading shown when the key was turned on but without the port engine started) the number then matches the starboard engine.  Leonard was more confident that we were dealing with a faulty sender (sensor) and thankfully not with a defective oil pressure regulator valve.  While running both engines, we can keep an eye on the PSI reading now that we know what the faulty reading indicates.  

Waterfall seen on Louise Island

The seas were relatively calm and we enjoyed the rugged rocky coastline of Louise Island and the beautiful towering mountains.  A huge waterfall tumbles down these mountains on the east side of Louise Island mostly appreciated through a good pair of binoculars.  

Sandspit Harbour

We soon passed the Cumshew Rocks and Islands and by 3pm crossed over the bar (banks) into Skidegate Inlet, arriving at Sandspit Harbour in Shingle Bay at 4:25pm.  Since we were back in cell phone and internet coverage, we were able to talk directly with MER (John Deere Dealers), who confirmed our diagnosis.  We gave MER the address of a shipping office in Ketchikan where the new “sensor-sending unit” can be mailed.  

Got d' Fever at Sandspit Harbour

Thanks to MER’s efficient and quick response, the part has already been shipped and is on its way!  In the meantime we will wait for weather before crossing Hecate Strait and Dixon Entrance.