Maintenance Q & A — May 2001
By Capt. Ken Kreisler

Flow Test

More of this Feature • Part 1: Maintenance Q & A • Part 2: Q & A continued
Related Resources • Maintenance Q&A Index • Maintenance Editorial
Elsewhere on the Web • Detroit Diesel • Onsrud Cutter

I have a hard time keeping my paint brushes clean near the metal band that holds the bristles. Do you have any suggestions? F.E., via e-mail

First, don't load your brush up with a lot of paint. Doing so can cause the paint to seep into the ferrule—the metal band—of the brush and accumulate there, especially when you are working at or above eye level. Dip only the first two inches of bristle into the paint. I always use a separate container into which I pour a half can of paint. In this way there’s less of a tendency to deep-dip the bristles. (To avoid bubbles, do not drag bristles against the can's rim. Instead, lightly press the brush against the inside of the can before spreading it out. This will prevent buildup on the brush.) You can also take some masking tape and wrap it around the ferrule, extending it about one-half inch over the bristles. In this way most of the paint that does drip down will accumulate and dry on the tape. When you’re finished with the job, peel off the tape and clean your brushes thoroughly.

What kinds of router bits are best to use when working with both soft and hard plastics? O.E., via e-mail

Plastics vary in strength, rigidity, and elasticity, so no one bit will do. For example, soft plastic needs a single-flute bit for the large biting stroke that reduces heat buildup. Double-flute bits work best with hard plastic. Onsrud Cutter, (800) 234-1560 offers a Boat Bit line of solid, micrograin carbide bits designed for use with both soft and hard plastics.

I have a Detroit Diesel engine and would like to know the proper maintenance for the air separator. P.N., via e-mail

Diesel air separators, known as closed-crankcase vapor collectors, have air inlet restriction indicators that turn red, indicating that the maximum allowable system restriction has been reached. This tells you it is time to clean the filter and the vacuum limiter. Detroit Diesel recommends replacing the filter element after one year or 500 hours, whichever comes first. In addition, you should replace the vacuum limiter every 1,000 hours of engine operation or every two years, whichever comes first. When cleaning the filter, recoat it with fluid specially designed for this purpose. Any authorized Detroit Diesel dealer can do this. For more information, visit www.detroitdiesel.com.

Need help with a maintenance problem? Write to Maintenance Q & A, Power & Motoryacht, 260 Madison Ave., 8th Fl., New York, NY 10016. Fax: (917) 256-2282. e-mail: kkreisler@primediasi.com. No phone calls, please.

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