Another V/P engine problem

[mldpt]

Due to poor starting over the last season and increased smoke, I have had the injectors on my 2003 serviced £180 hopeing that this would cure both problems, it did cure the smoke problems considerably, but not the starting, so I removed the head and had the valves and seats ground, the exhaust valves were all verybadly pitted, ( all on one side of the valve ) While I had the head off I also replaced the engine mounts, but altered nothing else, I replaced the head and great cmpression and she starts first time , but now there is loads of smoke, unburnt desiel smoke, any sugestions please, I have had the injectors checked again and they are spot on, and have checked and reset the tappets.
Regards Mike www.sailingforfun.co.uk

 

[DepSol]

Have you changed the air filter? Fuel quality, is it clean and of good quality?

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[mldpt]

Hi Dom
Thanks for your reply, the filter I have washed it is a washable type and the fuel has not been a problem before, and its well filtered, and I use a lot so its never in the tank very long. but I will check the water trap.
Thanks Mike

 

[DepSol]

I know most people will groan at this but for the sake of £28 i.e one mechanic to look at it for one hour without any parts it is worth trying the fuel dosed with Soltron.

This will help clear any blockages or fuel combustability problems and reduce that smoking. If the smoke is still there afterwards then I would consult a mechanic to make further investigations.

All IMHO of course.

Dom

I am boating again ;-)

 

[Charieis]

Sounds a bit like the "cold start mixture enrichment" feature (the equivalent of a choke on a petrol engine) is misbehaving. My 2002 often runs a bit smoky for a few seconds after starting and then clears. The Yanmar 1GM10 I had on a previous boat used to run a bit lumpy for about 15 seconds before the "automatic choke" released. I wonder if you effectively have the "choke" out all the time.

 

[chas]

I had a similar problem and at least part of the cause was a blocked diesel retun pipe (to the tank). Might be worth making sure it is clear.

 

[norseman]

When you washed the filter out did you soak the mesh in oil, when you do this it can cause smoke and takes a little time to clear. Just a thought.
norse

 

[andy_wilson]

Groan

Fuel quality. Do you fill up where all the other yachts, fishing boats and lifeboats fill up? Do you use diesel, brewed to an internationally agreed standard? Fed to the engine through a filter? Yes. Good!

Is the water trap full of water? If yes engine won't smoke. It won't start!

You say you use a lot of fuel. With a 2003, how? It must use 2-3 litres / hour tops. I put a splash in my tank about 3 times a season, but granted it's only a 2002.

If you belive in mumbo jumbo, get a small bottle of diesel additive from you local MOT service station. Purchase the stuff they use to get emissions failures through the MOT. Remove the secondary (engine) fuel filter and decant 1/2 it's contents back into the tank, and replace with additive, so you have about 50:50 ready to dose the injector pump and nozzles. Stick the rest in the tank.

Start her up and run gently until warm (whilst leaving the berth etc.). Then give it 20 minutes of very hard running at 90 - 100% throttle.

Other possible causes...

Youv'e not got a dirty bottom have you?

Partially fouled prop.

(The above both causing generally poor performance under power).

Poor air supply to engine due to blocked air inlets etc.

Fuel metering out of adjustment. Uncommon, but not perhaps if the pump has been disturbed during other dismantling works.