can i patch this engine leak? (pics)

[rustybouy]

hi everyone, while out fishing yesterday I checked my engine after around 30mins steaming and noticed what looked like smoke coming out, the engine was roasting hot, I checked the cooling from the discharge- this was also boiling, I think I've found the problem, looks like a water leak from underneath the aft cylinder, I just need to know if I can fix it? can I use chemical metal on this or weld it? thanks for any reply's

Pete

 

[ripvan1]

Chemical metal might give you some breathing space, weld or patch might be better but from pictures it looks like you should change your user name to rustyengine, seems to need a good wirebrushing to see what you've got lurking.

 

[forelle541]

I patched up an old Albin cylinder with two pack wood filler. and it's still going 5 years on.

 

[savageseadog]

I think you need to assess the whole cooling system and its components, I certainly wouldn't consider going to sea without knowing. If its rusted through there it could be about to rust through anywhere. Are there any anodes?

 

[30boat]

I would not trust an engine that has reached this state of degradation.Not without taking it to bits for inspection.That rusty patch looks quite ominous,there are probably other corroded areas that havent yet gone all the way through.

 

[rustybouy]

I think you need to assess the whole cooling system and its components, I certainly wouldn't consider going to sea without knowing. If its rusted through there it could be about to rust through anywhere. Are there any anodes?

there's an anode on the shaft, some on the hull, none anywhere else, should there be?

 

[rustybouy]

I realise the engine is a bit rusty, I cant seem to fix anything without breaking something else!, I fear I may have to remove it, its been good for three years, came with the boat,i agree its become a risk, thank you for the comments.


Im gutted

Pete

 

[30boat]

I realise the engine is a bit rusty, I cant seem to fix anything without breaking something else!, I fear I may have to remove it, its been good for three years, came with the boat,i agree its become a risk, thank you for the comments.


Im gutted

Pete

Sorry about my comments.However it's better to face the fact that the engine has become a liability than to have it fail in service,quite possibly at the worst possible time.

 

[rustybouy]

Sorry about my comments.However it's better to face the fact that the engine has become a liability than to have it fail in service,quite possibly at the worst possible time.

no problem mate, your quite right, better safe than sorry

 

[Tranona]

there's an anode on the shaft, some on the hull, none anywhere else, should there be?

The anode has nothing to do with the corrosion in the engine block. The casting has corroded because of the constant stream of hot salty water running through it. Almost certainly if you start cleaning out the water passages you will find further rust and potential leeks. Very much doubt you would be able to successfully patch a hole that size.

 

[LadyInBed]

For God sake don't hit it with a hammer!

 

[Lakesailor]

can I use chemical metal on this or weld it?

Phew. Only in your dreams. The undoubted truth of work on rusty stuff it that is always worse than it looks.
It needs serious examination and, as suggested, is no doubt too far gone to waste money on.

 

[BruceDanforth]

Sounds like a future lifeboat statistic to me to be honest.

I patched up an old Albin cylinder with two pack wood filler. and it's still going 5 years on.

 

[Lakesailor]

Yes. More like something you'd do (well, I wouldn't) to keep a rotavator going.

 

[tawhiri]

The cylinder is cast iron and will not weld very well additionally with rust even less. I heard egg white will plug the leak to get you home. However if you do decide to go that road get a 10HP out-board engine as well just in case.
What type of engine is it? you may find on ebay a similar engine you could buy fo 100 quid and use the cylinders.

 

[Gordonmc]

Welding cast iron is a specialised job and would need the whole block to be heated.
I had a hole fixed in the block of a Riley RM after a complete strip-down. I don't think your engine would survive the ordeal and as others have said, problems in other parts of the casting would likely be exposed.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

An aside to clear one thing up:

Hull anodes are generally irrelevant to engines. However, most sea-water cooled engines have an anode screwed through the block into the cooling water circuit to protect the engine itself from excessive corrosion. This is a maintenance item, and requires checking yearly and changing as required.

I'd agree with those who suggest that this engine block is in terminal condition, and that any attempt to repair it will simply uncover further problems.

 

[Mel]

I am not convinced that a leak from the engine casing is necessarily the primary cause of your overheating !!
From the pictures the surface on the engine is bad, but what about the internal water passages and pump ?

I would try to seal the visible leak with epoxy metal first- I suspect you will need to dry the whole area first - heat gun should do this.

If the running temperature drops to a sensible level, then this is obviously the primary cause.

So long as you keep a close/regular eye on this, then the epoxy patch may well last for a reasonable period of time.

 

[30boat]

I am not convinced that a leak from the engine casing is necessarily the primary cause of your overheating !!
From the pictures the surface on the engine is bad, but what about the internal water passages and pump ?

I would try to seal the visible leak with epoxy metal first- I suspect you will need to dry the whole area first - heat gun should do this.

If the running temperature drops to a sensible level, then this is obviously the primary cause.

So long as you keep a close/regular eye on this, then the epoxy patch may well last for a reasonable period of time.

Do you think that's good advice?The block is rotten with rust,who knows what lurks under the paint?

 

[forelle541]

It's a Folkboat, sails like a dream, only use the motor in a marina.