Diesel Engineer Volvo Penta 2002 advice please

[Vamoose]

Are there any engineers out there that can advise on the following please :-

Volvo Penta 2002
Freshwater Cooled
Regularly Serviced / including Air Intake Silencer
Runs as sweet as a nut
Starts easily
Uses very small amount of oil

BUT there is a strong oily smell inside the engine bay which seeps into the saloon

I have searched the fuel lines and engine for leaks on several occasions
I have thourghly cleaned the engine, engine bay and bilges on several occasions.
All to no avail
There is no sign of oil/diesel in the bilges

Any suggestions would be welcome

Thanks

 

[davidej]

I expect the experts will give a more comprehensive diagnosis, but I would suspect piston blow-by with the gasses coming out thru the crankcase breather.

I had a quick look at the workshop manual and couldn't see how the breather is connected. Often they lead into the air intake so any gasses are re-absorbed by the engine. If this is the case you shouldn't be able to smell them so either the connection has come loose or my suggestion is wrong.

 

[aluijten]

I expect the experts will give a more comprehensive diagnosis, but I would suspect piston blow-by with the gasses coming out thru the crankcase breather.

I had a quick look at the workshop manual and couldn't see how the breather is connected. Often they lead into the air intake so any gasses are re-absorbed by the engine. If this is the case you shouldn't be able to smell them so either the connection has come loose or my suggestion is wrong.

If I remember correct there is a small hole in the rocker-cover that vents the crank case. When you have removed the rocker cover to adjust the valves it's easy to put the sealing between the head and the rocker cover the wrong way around. This blocks the breather-hole and could lead to your problem.
Should be corrected ASAP as it may also blow out the oil sealings at the crankshaft.

 

[Trundlebug]

If the engine has a crankcase breather filter, unscrew and replace it.

Like this: http://www.yachtboatparts.com/volvo-penta-crank-case-breather-filter-876069-1399-p.asp

When the filter gets old it really smells of old oil. Change it annually or every 2 years.

 

[davidej]

If the engine has a crankcase breather filter, unscrew and replace it.

Like this: http://www.yachtboatparts.com/volvo-penta-crank-case-breather-filter-876069-1399-p.asp

When the filter gets old it really smells of old oil. Change it annually or every 2 years.

But does it?

Couldnt see any reference in the manual to anything like this.

Aluitjen may have it right.

 

[Vamoose]

Thanks ver much.. Some good suggestions there The engine does not have a Crankcase Breather Filter but I will nip onboard later today and investigate the rocker cover seal suggestion

I will report back as it might be useful to other readers

Thanks again

 

[Vamoose]

Any more suggestions please ?

Been to the boat and removed the Rocker Box Cover... Sadly thats not the problem as the gasket will only fit in the correct position and the vent hole is not covered .... SO back to square One !

 

[misterg]

I there ANY sign of diesel leakage from anywhere?

If everything looks dry, try spraying the engine compartment (and hoses, sound insulation, etc.) with enzyme based "Pet Odour Remover". Takes a few days to work, but very good at getting rid of 'that engine smell' provided nothing is leaking.

Andy

 

[MoodySabre]

Dip stick not seated properly?

 

[scottie]

Is there an oil extraction tube end cover missing?

 

[Vamoose]

Smelly Engine !

Thanks for your suggestions I am 95% sure there are no oil leaks from the dipstick or anywhere else and I dont have an oil extraction tube.. But I will try misterg's suggestion of the Enzyme Based Odour Remover and let you know how I get on..

Thanks again & Watch this space