Shimshal has 3 internal combustion motors on board. One, the outboard motor for the dingy, was given some love when we arrived 2 months ago, since then we haven't needed to use it as Galapagos much pefers the smaller electric one or even better, call up a water taxi.
The other 2, the main engine and the generator, are both diesel and calling them oily does them a disservice they are in fact very clean and don't leak a bit.
If the wind is good the main engine only gets to play whilst leaving and entering port, if the wind is not cooperating then it may be called on to run for a day or two or even longer. The engine lives below the saloon floor in its own bilge and deserves a little TLC now and again. A basic inspection, check of belts and pulleys, drain oil, change oil filter, fill with new oil and test run only takes a couple hours, just like serving your car apart for the fact you can't drain the oil out of the bottom as the sump plug is inaccessible , deep in the bilge. The oil gets sucked out using a handy vacuum cylinder which also means you don't spill oil everywhere or need a new sump plug washer.
The longest step is dismantling the saloon steps, carpet and lifting the floorboards to gain access
The generator is easier, slightly better access and no oil filter to change. Just drain and fill with lovely fresh slippery oil and a general check over.
All ready for the rest of the season and next stage of the trip. Job done, tick.
Tim