# Can you think of a low cost item that if not replaced can cause major damage? **URL:** \ **Category:** Engineering\ **Created:** [January 23, 2019, 12:47pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414 "2019-01-23T12:47:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Nautilos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/nautilos/32/7720_2.png) [@Nautilos](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Nautilos)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2019, 7:27pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/41 "2019-01-25T19:27:03Z")
> [@capndirk](#): > > I’ve endeavored to carry spares for everything **Suppose space is not a problem. What about capital?** ---
**Author:** ![Saltine1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Saltine1](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Saltine1)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2019, 7:53pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/42 "2019-01-25T19:53:27Z")
Very easy answer to the original question: OIL ---
**Author:** ![Nautilos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/nautilos/32/7720_2.png) [@Nautilos](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Nautilos)\ **Post date:** [January 25, 2019, 8:46pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/43 "2019-01-25T20:46:11Z")
**If you would like to see the big picture behind the heading you may try to answer my [questionnaire](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqj2svmfNmnwqI82iP6mzJEZDcthRF55FvDuHRulZSsum_uw/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1). You will assist me with my research!** ---
**Author:** ![Emrobu](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/emrobu/32/6696_2.png) [@Emrobu](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Emrobu)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 9:36am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/44 "2019-01-26T09:36:57Z")
> [@jimrr](#): > > tire innertube core/cap Schrader v/v > [@Nautilos](#): > > Do you (or somebody else) use lathe to make bolts or screws (if you are sort of them)? Our fitter made a shaft seal out of a teflon bar on the lathe. It worked during the, at least, 5 months that I was watching it. Worth his weight in gold, that man. ---
**Author:** ![Nautilos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/nautilos/32/7720_2.png) [@Nautilos](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Nautilos)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 12:28pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/45 "2019-01-26T12:28:31Z")
I note some points to think about them. > [@Chief\_Seadog](#): > > Should they have in inventory something that may never, or rarely get used? > What works in the trucking industry where parts or repairs are just down the road doesn’t always work in the maritime industry. > [@jdcavo](#): > > A cotter pin > [@Hogsnort](#): > > The repairs to reefer containers was always treated as urgent > [@Heiwa](#): > > A good shipowner employs good crew that can solve any problem. But they must have the tools. > [@Hornblower](#): > > spares on … … cost money > [@W.T.Sherman](#): > > aux engine fuel piping. > [@jbtam99](#): > > Boat plug > [@Chief\_Seadog](#): > > O-Rings > [@RC.Joe](#): > > River Boats can usually limp into a repair facility > But at sea it would be different. > [@jbtam99](#): > > Boat plug > [@Klaveness](#): > > What ship doesn’t carry a comprehensive assortment of o-rings, copper washers and cotter pins? > [@Earl\_Boebert1](#): > > 1. How will this capability be used by the beancounters to increase profits and 2. What effect will whatever they come up with have on safety? > [@Emrobu](#): > > Our fitter made a shaft seal out of a teflon bar on the lathe. > [@W.T.Sherman](#): > > any replacement part that is OEM approved I would generally have no problem with. > [@capndirk](#): > > if you carry a 3D printer that can make anything, you will have no problems. > [@jimrr](#): > > fuses, tire innertube core/cap Many Thanks to everybody for the comments. ---
**Author:** ![jimrr](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/jimrr/32/38358_2.png) [@jimrr](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/jimrr)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 1:14pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/46 "2019-01-26T13:14:40Z")
ok, I answered your questioneer. ---
**Author:** ![Nautilos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/nautilos/32/7720_2.png) [@Nautilos](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Nautilos)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 1:16pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/47 "2019-01-26T13:16:05Z")
Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![RC.Joe](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/rc.joe/32/7346_2.png) [@RC.Joe](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/RC.Joe)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2019, 4:44pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/48 "2019-01-26T16:44:10Z")
I forgot to answer this one. 1 On board. As stated (under conditions) which would imply space permitting. I don’t think 3D could however be expected to print a replacement for everything on board. Hear hear A good shipowner employs good crew that can solve any problem 1. How will this capability be used by the beancounters to increase profits and 2. What effect will whatever they come up with have on safety? * * * Anyone ever watch the movie “Das Boot” ? There is an interesting scene in it that illustrates these two notions. In it a good crew overcomes the shortage of critical repair parts with creativity, while knowing that their lives depend on it. In the scene the Captain speaks to himself: “you’ve got to have good men” ! Spoken just before this scene regarding his crew’s ability to do almost anything without essential repair materials the Reich Ministry deemed unnecessary for the Kriegmarine to provide the U Boats. Captain: “you’ve got to have good men” ! ---
**Author:** ![jimcarrier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@jimcarrier](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/jimcarrier)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2019, 12:25pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/49 "2019-01-29T12:25:17Z")
On a yacht with diesel and fresh-water cooling - the exhaust mixing elbow. In Spain I returned to find my Yanmar elbow clogged with black coal-like junk. Hard as flint. I had a new ($75) cast iron elbow FedXed from Florida, ($150) where it got lost in customs. An arriving mate, a PhD chemist, said apple vinegar might work. We put it on the stove, dripped the vinegar ($1.50) into the black crud, and within 20 minutes the pipe was clean. My brand-new spare elbow was on the boat when I sold it. ---
**Author:** ![freighterman1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/freighterman1/32/11176_2.png) [@freighterman1](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/freighterman1)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2019, 1:05am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/50 "2019-01-30T01:05:27Z")
Anchor connecting links and chain binders. Do not buy these from China. The proof certificates aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. ---
**Author:** ![Nautilos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/nautilos/32/7720_2.png) [@Nautilos](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Nautilos)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2019, 1:48pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/51 "2019-01-30T13:48:36Z")
> [@freighterman1](#): > > Anchor connecting links and chain binders. Do not buy What else can we do when we do not have them in stock? ---
**Author:** ![wmoser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/eada6e/32.png) [@wmoser](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/wmoser)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2019, 5:45pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/52 "2019-01-30T17:45:57Z")
Similar vein, but not 3D printed. When working on inventory trying to keep all the odd shaped cat gaskets flat, I often thought a laser cutter or circuit machine and some Garlock with OEM files to ensure the right size would be pretty awsome. ---
**Author:** ![Steamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Steamer](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Steamer)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2019, 6:45pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/53 "2019-01-30T18:45:01Z")
With regard to thread title: Entry level mariners. ---
**Author:** ![Popeye76](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/popeye76/32/8944_2.png) [@Popeye76](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Popeye76)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2019, 7:49pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/54 "2019-01-30T19:49:48Z")
Tools ---
**Author:** ![Nautilos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/nautilos/32/7720_2.png) [@Nautilos](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Nautilos)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 7:38am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/55 "2019-01-31T07:38:11Z")
> [@wmoser](#): > > I often thought a laser cutter or circuit machine and some Garlock with OEM files to ensure the right size would be pretty awsome. **Laminated Object Manufacturing is one of the groups of 3d printing. With your thought you point out the principle of distributed manufacturing.** ---
**Author:** ![Nautilos](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/nautilos/32/7720_2.png) [@Nautilos](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Nautilos)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 7:47am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/56 "2019-01-31T07:47:02Z")
> [@Popeye76](#): > > Tools **Can you mention the use of the tool? With 3d printing one can make items (including metallic) with moving parts.** ---
**Author:** ![Klaveness](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.gcaptain.com/klaveness/32/7001_2.png) [@Klaveness](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Klaveness)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 9:40am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/57 "2019-01-31T09:40:10Z")
> [@jimcarrier](#): > > An arriving mate, a PhD chemist, said apple vinegar might work. We put it on the stove, dripped the vinegar ($1.50) into the black crud, and within 20 minutes the pipe was clean. My brand-new spare elbow was on the boat when I sold it. Be careful with that advice, it might hurt someone. Sure, it might be a worthwhile interim measure if you fully understand the risk involved, but there’s a reason why none of the shops will do it for you where I come from: Sooner or later you thin out the engine side dividing wall so far that the seal fails and seawater enters the exhaust manifold, whereupon bad times ensue. Mixing elbows are a consumable item and should be treated as such. Cleaning them out when they clog with corrosion is a bit like flipping a worn-out impeller; It’ll get you back up and running, but it sets you up for a world of hurt if you don’t follow up on it. Sorry about straying so far OT, but I felt this needed pointing out. ---
**Author:** ![jimcarrier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b4bc9f/32.png) [@jimcarrier](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/jimcarrier)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 11:50am UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/58 "2019-01-31T11:50:34Z")
Point taken. With a mistral forecast and a run from Valencia to Tunisia ahead, we took the quick fix. The spare arrived just before departure. The mistral caught up with us off Algeria, but that’s another story. ---
**Author:** ![Steamer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Steamer](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Steamer)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 2:48pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/59 "2019-01-31T14:48:23Z")
Yanmar elbows just beg for engine destruction following a water leak into the exhaust side. The design puts seawater above and inline with the exhaust inlet to the elbow, really stupid idea. A simple elbow that puts the water injection downstream and lower than any part of the gas path is so simple to do and would probably add $5 to the cost. ---
**Author:** ![Seattle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/cc9497/32.png) [@Seattle](https://forum.gcaptain.com/u/Seattle)\ **Post date:** [February 18, 2019, 5:03pm UTC](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414/61 "2019-02-18T17:03:21Z")
Zinc’s on the hull, zinc’s in the engine, cathodic protection is much cheaper when your zinc is the sacrificial metal rather than the hull or the engine. [Previous page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414.md?page=2) [Next page](https://forum.gcaptain.com/t/can-you-think-of-a-low-cost-item-that-if-not-replaced-can-cause-major-damage/50414.md?page=4)