Flipping engine won't start

[Stu Jackson]

Slow cranking means poor electrical connections. I agree, check them out.

 

[pmagowan]

There are quite a few threads appearing where I want to say 'Hit it with a hammer!'. That is my solution to anything that breaks and it is surprisingly effective

 

[macnorton]

Many thanks all for the very welcome advice.

Next to check are the valves and/or the injectors. Fuel is definitely getting through, but I hadn't considered that it might have gone off.

I'll keep you posted

Cheers

Before you start buying bits I think I have a new set of injectors and a new pump in the store, but I still think oil in bores will get you going?

 

[Bav34]

If you keep turning the engine over make sure you aren't filling the exhaust with water, it could end up back-filling into the exhaust valves depending on the geometry of your installation.

Just to reinforce this, a friend of mine kept cranking his engine ... didn't fire so no exhaust gasses ... the exhaust system filled to the point where the seawater backfilled into the cylinders ... total fluid lock ... bent everything ... new engine required :nonchalance:

 

[sailaboutvic]

Make a temp fuel tank and put new fuel in it ,

 

[richardh10]

Just to reinforce this, a friend of mine kept cranking his engine ... didn't fire so no exhaust gasses ... the exhaust system filled to the point where the seawater backfilled into the cylinders ... total fluid lock ... bent everything ... new engine required :nonchalance:

Sadly, this would appear to be the case.
Engineer took the head off yesterday and and pistons, rings, and valves are all knackered. New engine was his recommendation, especially as the parts are as hard to find as rocking horse **** (his words!).
Not the news I was after but hey ho!
So as I enter a new phase of expense I'll let you know what happens

 

[brianhumber]

Sadly, this would appear to be the case.
Engineer took the head off yesterday and and pistons, rings, and valves are all knackered. .........New engine was his recommendation,

So he undid the big ends and took the pistons out to inspect the piston grooves and for ovality?. He dismantled the head to check the valve guides and state of the valve seats for pitting/grooving?

If your 'engineer' just condemned the engine by taking the head off then I recommend you find a proper engineer and ask about his qualifications to be called an engineer. Yours sounds like a mechanic who can only replace with parts off the shelf, not overhaul them and does not know where to go to get bespoke oversize piston rings made for example. Nothing wrong in that per say, its the way of the modern world in general, but older engines need more engineering knowledge and skills.

Engines of this era are very basic and should run for decades, unless the bores are really scored etc the engine should be capable of being rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing.

To decide to replace or repair will depend on what you want, were you happy with the power/fuel consumption of the current engine, how quickly do you want to get going etc.

Brian

 

[richardh10]

brianhumber - thanks for that. I'm realising a second opinion might be called for.
Although the engine is quite old, it has relatively few hours on it - less than 500. So in the cold light of day it must surely be repairable for less money than the cost of a new one.
I shall investigate further
Cheers

 

[ghostlymoron]

I agree with Brian. If the con rods are not bent or crankshaft wrecked, you're only talking about a top end jobby which might not be that expensive. But you'll probably have to take the engine out which is a lot of work in itself but a DIY job if you're handy with spanners and can get some muscle (or ingenuity) to lift it out and transport it. I'm guessing that an old 3 cylinder engine is pretty heavy.

 

[rogerboy]

+1 well said.

So he undid the big ends and took the pistons out to inspect the piston grooves and for ovality?. He dismantled the head to check the valve guides and state of the valve seats for pitting/grooving?

If your 'engineer' just condemned the engine by taking the head off then I recommend you find a proper engineer and ask about his qualifications to be called an engineer. Yours sounds like a mechanic who can only replace with parts off the shelf, not overhaul them and does not know where to go to get bespoke oversize piston rings made for example. Nothing wrong in that per say, its the way of the modern world in general, but older engines need more engineering knowledge and skills.

Engines of this era are very basic and should run for decades, unless the bores are really scored etc the engine should be capable of being rebuilt by someone who knows what they are doing.

To decide to replace or repair will depend on what you want, were you happy with the power/fuel consumption of the current engine, how quickly do you want to get going etc.

Brian

 

[parbuckle]

I think pistons and valves should be obtainable as this is an industrial unit so used in many applications , I have an M20 Perama do all my own repairs if you take off the gearbox and flywheel drain oil and water remove heat exchanger starter motor and alternator two can lift it by hand probably 60 kilos especially as the head is off. Take step by step photos of wiring and fixings . Condition of the head ,block and crankshaft will be key to wether it is economically repairable also why it happened did sea water get in by knackered exhaust elbow or did it overheat and maybe blew gasket. If your engine is M20 and your stuck for major parts crankshaft block or why PM me as I could help with used parts I have acquired for my own use.