I think I broke my boat

oGaryo

oGaryo

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outing number 4 since getting the boat running a month ago.. had 6 on board on Breydon water and noticed a couple of worrying things..

1. pretty loud ticking (actually, more like rattling) noise coming from the engine when getting up on the plane and also when going over 35knots.. cruising at 25knots = no ticking/rattling.

2. a regular rasping noise like something rubbing every second or so coming from the area of the alternator.. apparent at all speeds and I can't recall if the frequency increased with engine speed.

Will start investigating during the week but doubt I'll be able to recreate the rattle when running on the muffs.. suspecting alternator bearing issues especially considering the boat was laid up for 2 years before buying (will check with a screwdriver stethoscope!) and either something's loose causing the rattling or I have an oil level/circulation issue resulting in valve noise when the boat's off level (coming on to the plane) or under high demand.

shame really as we were having a blast before calming things down and pootling back to Reedham
 
Hope it is not serious. But I have found that when you have to pay for things on boats they move in demoninatins of £50. Good luck let us know the out come.
 
With you No. 1 issue Gary, could it be pinging under load due to incorrect timing.
Was the noise at the top end the same, could you be sure with all the extra engine noise (WOT) being added to the equasion?

BTW I wouldn't be spending too much time at WOT, maybe just short bursts.
 
Probably one of those old boring carp rolling
Around in the engine compartment !! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Morning Gary,

Sorry to hear your bad news and I hope you get it fixed without too much expense. I think your now entering a new learning curve with boats........in that things start going wrong on a fairly regular basis......and like another said, it usually cost a fortune to fix!!!! Fingers crossed for you and let us know how you get on!!!

Regards Paul.
 
Hi Gary - Get the faults nailed down. It may cost you a bit but a reliable boat is a pleasure. An unreliable boat is a constant worry.

I had problems when I bought Coney Island 6 years ago. Got them all fixed in first season (a bit expensive) but enjoyed all the time on it thereafter.
 
I assume you have a petrol engine, not sure which model, but if it is then its is knocking (pinking/pre ignition), this could be due to a faulty knock sensor if its a newish Mercruiser or Volvo, or the timing is wrong (have you changed anything or had it worked on), the timing on modern engines never needs adjusting unless you disturb the distributor. Or you could have a fueling problem, in that its not getting fuel enrichment under full load and its running lean which will also cause knocking
Either way you need to get it sorted as it can ultimately burn holes in the pistons.
 
Hi Gary,

I'm with the others on the first point - it does sound like pinking. Bear in mind that's a big old lump for a straight 4, so when it pinks, it will be lound and obvious.

As for #2, I'd look at the belts as a starting point. Maybe look at the pulleys for a rust patch on the drive surfaces, or look around the engine bay for belt dust. Also, remember that these engines tend to use automotive components (yours is a slight oddity as it's a purpose built straight 4 petrol lump), particularly ancillaries. Your alternator is almost certainly an ignition proofed auto one. If it has a problem, it will be far cheaper to take it to an auto electrical specialist who can usually rewind, replace bearings/brushes/diode packs etc for a fraction of the coast of a 'marine' replacement.
 
spot on as usual guys; I wouldn't be surprised if my makeshift dizzy clamp has allowed the timing to drift.. Will check it with the strobe tonight... Will let you know what I find after looking at the alternator in more detail. Thanks again
 
Sounds like pinking is the problem under load. For the other noise, are there any heat shields that might have worked loose/cracked with use over the past couple of weekends?

Pinking needs dealing with ASAP as it can cost pistons/valves.
 
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