Perkins 4108 - oil leak!

[Seadog17]

Our recently acquired Oyster 406 is fitted with a Perkins 4108. We took her out for the first time in our ownership today (very exciting!). During our short shake-down trip I noticed that the raw water pump was dripping water; however after the trip I discovered that there was a fair amount of oil in the engine bilge. Given that there was also water from the raw water pump, it was difficult to judge how much oil had leaked out - perhaps 100-200ml? There is no obvious leaks, but given that the bilge slopes, it is evident that the leak comes somewhere from the front of the engine (ie the other end from the propshaft/gearbox). I am aware that Perkins are considered to be a bit like older land rovers - you start worrying about them when they stop dripping oil - but I felt the amount of oil was excessive. Are there any obvious areas I should be looking at, or is this normal? The boat has been ashore for nearly 2 years so could it be a case of shrunken seals and if so, are they likely to expand again with use?

Thanks

Neil

One of the simpler things to check for first is the oil filter gasket, if the old can type is fitted. Just run finger around bottom of joint. If wet change that before trying anything else.

 

[neil1967]

Update!

Well, i spent most of the weekend removing and refitting the water pump. i managed to get the water pump off without removing the adaptor plate (not too bad), but then struggled to understand how the spares kit related to the pump. the spares kit included an O ring that the diagram indicated should fit on the sea water side of the pump, but it was too large, and the main seal (with a coiled 'spring' running around the inside of it) which appears to be to keep the sea water inside the pump just would not fit when inserted in the same orientation as the diagram (lots of force used, but just could not get it in); however, by flipping it over, it did then fit, so I have left it as that. Refitting the pump was then a real pain, due to the lack of access; however, now achieved. I have not been able to start the engine as the rest of the cooling system is still apart, but i would be interested to know if anyone else has had similar problems fitting seals to a 4108?

Thanks

Neil