HDS.FieldService

17/08/2026

Turns out we're a lot better with spanners than we are with cameras. 😂

After spending all day pulling engines apart, remembering to look at the camera isn't exactly our strong suit.

Here's a collection of the outtakes, the forgotten lines, the awkward pauses, and the moments that definitely weren't meant to make the final cut.

We'll stick to fixing boats... you can judge our acting skills for yourselves.

14/08/2026

Sometimes, the smallest fault can create the biggest headaches.

We had a client come to us chasing a loss of performance after air was finding its way into the fuel system. Air leaks can be incredibly difficult to diagnose, so the boys carried out a thorough inspection of the entire fuel system.

After some investigating, we found the culprit - a cracked Racor fuel separator housing. The crack had developed over time and was allowing the engine to suck air into the fuel system under load.

Unfortunately, the original housing is no longer available from Racor, so we upgraded the system to the newer style filter assembly instead.

Once everything was installed and tested, the fuel system was holding pressure perfectly, there was no more air being drawn into the system, and the engine was back to running exactly as it should.

It's another reminder that the root cause of a fault isn't always obvious. Taking the time to properly diagnose the problem is what gets boats back on the water - and keeps them there.

13/08/2026

A small leak can be a sign of a much bigger problem.

We got a call from a client after they discovered their bilge was filling with engine oil. After heading out to diagnose the issue, the boys found the mounting gasket on the seawater pump, where it mounts to the front housing of the engine, had failed and was allowing engine oil to leak.

While carrying out the inspection, we also found the seawater pump itself was leaking saltwater from the shaft seals. Over time, the leak had caused significant rust and corrosion on the engine mount directly below.

We recommended replacing the seawater pump and resealing the mounting gasket. The client gave us the go-ahead, and after completing the repairs, the engine is now leak-free and the bilge is dry again.

Finding one issue often leads to uncovering another. That's why taking the time to properly diagnose a problem - not just fixing the obvious symptom - is so important.

12/08/2026

Not every problem can be spotted with the naked eye.

While carrying out a routine saltwater service on a Cummins Onan generator here in Brisbane, the boys stripped the cooling system down and pressure tested each component.

That's when we found the wet exhaust manifold housing was heavily corroded and pitted internally. Under pressure, it began leaking - something that would have been impossible to identify without removing and testing it.

Unfortunately, Cummins no longer supply this manifold for this older model generator, so replacement wasn't an option.

Instead, the boys arranged for the housing to be professionally repaired with weld repairs, pressure tested it again to ensure it was serviceable, and got the boat back on the water.

It's a good reminder that a proper saltwater service isn't just about replacing impellers and anodes. It's about inspecting and testing the components that keep your engine and generator reliable before they become a much bigger problem.

11/08/2026

Sometimes the biggest problems are found during routine maintenance.

The boys were carrying out an annual service at Manly on this Yanmar 4JH when they pulled the air filter off and found the turbocharger had completely seized.

Had this gone unnoticed, it could have led to a significant loss of engine performance and potentially severe engine damage - not something anyone wants to discover when they're out on the water.

Fortunately, it was picked up during a routine service before it had the chance to become a much bigger problem.

10/08/2026

If you own a Volvo Penta TAMD, this is something you don't want to ignore.

Inside your engine are components that spend their lives in contact with saltwater. Over time, corrosion builds where you can't see it, and often the first sign of a problem is when you're stranded or facing a very expensive repair bill.

In this video, the boys show what we found during a routine saltwater service, why we pressure test oil coolers and heat exchangers, and why preventative maintenance is always cheaper than engine repairs.

A scheduled saltwater service isn't just another item on the maintenance list - it's one of the best investments you can make in the reliability of your boat.

If you're unsure when your cooling system was last serviced, now's a good time to find out.

01/08/2026

Sea trialing this Hatteras powered by twin Detroit Diesel 8V92 two-strokes after the last couple of months of major repairs and overhauls. 💪⚓

It's great to see her back where she belongs - on the water and running strong. Another big project completed and ready to get back out there doing what she was built for.

27/05/2026

⚓ WE'RE HIRING — Marine Technician

We're a fast-growing marine mechanics business looking for a skilled technician to join our crew. 🔧

💰 $40–$50/hr | Full Time
🎁 $1,000 sign-on bonus
🧰 Tool allowance & utility box provided
📱 Company phone & plan
🍖 Weekly Monday team BBQ
📈 Real career growth — we promote from within
👕 Uniform & PPE supplied
✅ Autonomous work — support when you need it, space when you don't

We're a tight-knit team that moves fast, does quality work, and looks after our people.

If you're a qualified marine mechanic or a strong automotive tech ready to make the switch — we want to hear from you.

👇 DM us directly or hit the link in bio to apply.

Top pay, sign-on bonus & a fully equipped Ute. Join a growing Brisbane marine diesel team that backs you

26/05/2026

Julian getting stuck into one of the re-powers down at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron ⚓️ Full days, tight engine rooms, and plenty happening behind the scenes - all captured through the Meta glasses.