Bukh DV20 - Smokey

[pdc]

I am nearing the end of my first year's acquaintance with a Bukh DV20 in a Fulmar that has been undergoing steady 'improvement'. The exhaust was initially quite sooty and engine low in power. Replacement primary and secondary fuel filters made a massive improvement to both symtoms. However the exhaust continued to be extremely noisy - due to, I concluded, a straight through exhaust pipe - and so I investigated silencing options. I selected an Elastomuffle silencer as the most durable and effective - no question about effectiveness - the 'pop pop' has been reduced substantially, however I have now noticed a marked increase in oil consumption (previously neglible) and an oily smell when there is a breeze over the stern. My worst fear is that the bores and/or pistons are shot and will need replacing next winter. I would appreciate any other insights before I gear up for this major task.

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[30boat]

This is probably not what you want to hear or read.When I got my Fulmar the bukh was working well enough but after doing my sums I concluded that in the interest of long term reliability and financial health the best option would be a new engine.I now have a new 20 hp Beta .The conversion was easy and I'm very happy vith my decision to change before things got too expensive and frustrating.

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[pdc]

Thanks for the warning. Did you install the Beta yourself? Was it an easy substitute for the Bukh?

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[neil_s]

Before you condemn your DV20, have a quick check under the rocker cover. The breather pipe is a sort of inverted funnel affair, which communicates through a hole drilled directly into the inlet manifold. The breather is sealed to the cylinder head with an O ring around the funnel which is simply pressed against the metal of the cylinder head by a fibre washer. If the O ring becomes displaced, oil can leak from the rocker box directly into the inlet manifold.

Cheers! Neil

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[30boat]

Yes I put tke Beta in myself.I've got pictures of the whole operation.It was a lot easier than I had anticipated.

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[30boat]

you're right about that.The manual calls it the vacuum valve and they say that if it is not working youll get a lot of smoke.

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