Noise from Yanmar 3GM30

[Homer J]

Is this clattering noise at tick over normal? It’s always done it (I think) in my 7 years of ownership but my friend thinks it’s wrong.

There is a rattly noise at tickover which goes at operating speed.

Two videos one at tickover and one at 1,500 rpm

Should I worry?

I can’t find a way to attach the film. I’ll keep trying but does is this standard for a yanmar?

 

[wonkywinch]

I can’t find a way to attach the film.

Upload it to a video hosting platform (eg You Tube, Vimeo etc) then post the link here, like this -

PS, not my engine

 

[Homer J]

Here is a you tube link.

 

[Homer J]

Upload it to a video hosting platform (eg You Tube, Vimeo etc) then post the link here, like this -

PS, not my engine

Thank you. I did as you suggested.

 

[vas]

reasonably quiet I would say, I think all of the GM series motors have this "ready to fall apart and throw the piston through the head" feel (and sound) to them
my 2gm20f does that before and after the full rebuilt...

 

[IanCC]

Is this clattering noise at tick over normal? It’s always done it (I think) in my 7 years of ownership but my friend thinks it’s wrong.

There is a rattly noise at tickover which goes at operating speed.

Two videos one at tickover and one at 1,500 rpm

Should I worry?

I can’t find a way to attach the film. I’ll keep trying but does is this standard for a yanmar?

My 3gm30f got a lot quieter when i had the injectors reshimmed. Very cheap job.

 

[Homer J]

So we don’t think there is anything abnormal? I think it sounds like an old bus but it is a tractor engine. Interested to hear from other 3GM30 owners.

 

[Homer J]

The previous clip was 1,500rpm. This one is idle speed

 

[IanCC]

The previous clip was 1,500rpm. This one is idle speed

You don't complain about it being hard to start which is the usual problem. So if it starts, revs, and keeps going there is not a lot wrong and not much not to like.

 

[vas]

Yes, i'd say it's absolutely fine. I'd suggest you improve the engine box sound insulation and just forget about it. (or do what IanCC suggests)

...and btw @IanCC this reshimming is it just a matter of removing the injectors and getting them to the specialist to check they break/open whatever you call that, at the right pressure, right?

cheers

V.

 

[Homer J]

Thanks for the comments. I was thinking there wasn’t much wrong and it’s only done 1,900 hours. I guess they are just a bit agricultural. Certainly starts ok.
I’d be interested in hearing a bit more about the injectors and what difference that makes. I did have the injectors serviced about 5 years ago.

 

[vyv_cox]

It sounds pretty much like my 3GM30F. It has done 2800 hours, all original, including injectors. Top quality sound deadening makes a huge difference, ours is almost silent in the cockpit.

 

[Homer J]

It sounds pretty much like my 3GM30F. It has done 2800 hours, all original, including injectors. Top quality sound deadening makes a huge difference, ours is almost silent in the cockpit.

Thanks Vyv, thanks very reassuring. What sound proofing have you used?

 

[vyv_cox]

Thanks Vyv, thanks very reassuring. What sound proofing have you used?

It is Halyard, about 30 mm thick with a lead membrane. Done many years ago so not certain it is still available.

 

[Rappey]

Could the valve clearances need doing ?

 

[Homer J]

Could the valve clearances need doing ?

I don’t know, I’m not very mechanical but interested to hear more. However if mine sounds like Vyv’s then I’m sure he would have his as good as it could be.

 

[Blueboatman]

Sounds normal to me,now that I can hear your clip in a quiet room.
They do flop around a bit at low rpm if the engine mounts are going saggy and then all the linkages and hoses etc will rattle around a bit..
Worth a look? But in essence as said, if it works and doesn’t smoke, nor burn oil nor pish coolant and it gets you to full rpm /cruising speed then it’s fine.

 

[IanCC]

Yes, i'd say it's absolutely fine. I'd suggest you improve the engine box sound insulation and just forget about it. (or do what IanCC suggests)

...and btw @IanCC this reshimming is it just a matter of removing the injectors and getting them to the specialist to check they break/open whatever you call that, at the right pressure, right?

cheers

V.

Remove, take to specialist injector place, who will 'pop test' to see what pressure the injectors open at. The correct pressure is in the manual. They will xheck the spray pattern is ok and advise if new nozzles are required. Then reshim rhe injectors, if required, to recalibrate spring tension.

Cost me £20 for three all up.

To refit, all i did was replace the top flat washer above the insulation, before torquing down. Truth be told i just added another one to each cylinder as i couldn't easily remive the old ones. They are very thin and the hole small, i couldn't see it making much difference.

It fires up way better than before, runs more smoothly and quieter.

You just have to eyeball the injectors are in square there is not much to measure off and there is a little wiggle. If they are not square the diesel return pipe won't go back on.

 

[bikedaft]

When we got our 3GM30F, I was told by a friend who ran 100 of them (non marinised, in golf course buggies) that they idled "like a bag of spanners".

That was 15 years ago. I have not checked the valve clearances nor had the injectors serviced, it still goes great. Sounds smooth and relatively quiet when revved/working.

That's us hexxed then...

 

[Homer J]

Thanks everyone - injectors were done 4 years ago so are probably ok.

It starts easily, runs through the rev range and doesn’t smoke (unless prop and hull are fouled) so I think it’s all ok.