The following is a suggested narrowboat engine maintenance routine, however always refer to your engine manufacturer’s manual for their recommended time scales.

Daily (when cruising) or every 8 hours of engine running:

• Check engine oil level
• Check gearbox oil level
• Check coolant level
• Check battery fluid
• Give stern gland greaser a turn
• Check drive belt tension
• When starting the engine make sure that the charger light goes off and the alternator is charging
• When engine is warm chich the oil pressure and coolant temperatures are as they should be

Monthly:

• Check condition of fan belt; stern gland; all coolant hoses; fuel lines and shut off valves
• Check all moving parts are fully greased
• Check all bolts and connections are tight
• Check charge rate from alternator to batteries

Annual (or around 250 running hours):

• Change engine and gearbox oil
• Change oil/air/fuel filter
• Change antifreeze
• Check air filter, replace if required
• Check anode condition
• Check all external nuts, bolts and fastenings
• Use fuel treatment if boat is vacant in cold weather