Perkins question

[westhinder]

I had run my Perkins Perama M30 for 10 minutes with the companionway steps removed, and when I stopped the engine, I noticed a small puff of white smoke come out of the air intake. Nothing enormous, much like a puff of smoke from a cigar.
Any ideas what may have caused it?
Can there be any link to the fact that the engine took some convincing to start the next time, whereas it normally fires at the first touch?

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Poor starting could be down to the fact that the engine is turning over more slowly. This could be due to starter motor issues, seizing (less likely) or insufficient battery power. The slower turnover can produce combusted diesel smoke getting back out the inlet valve. The slow turn over may not be that noticeable.

The other alternative is a slightly damaged or worn inlet valve which allows the smoke to get back, again not a dramatic situation but sufficient to get a whiff of smoke back.

 

[pampas]

probally the engine bouncing back off compression

 

[LittleShip]

probally the engine bouncing back off compression

+1

Tom

 

[Bav32]

Partially blocked exhaust elbow.
This causes back pressure and resultant difficulties in starting.
Also produces the puff of smoke out of the air intake.

How do I know this?
Spent AGES last autumn helping a friend with a Volvo 2010 ( which is basically the 2 cylinder version of the parama).
Symptoms were slightly low compression but always sounded of it was just about to start, but strangely gave this puff of smoke out of the air intake when you stopped cranking.
Eventually after head off , pistons out etc etc and several lift out and reinstalls of the engine we were inspired to remove the exhaust elbow for inspection.
Virtually solid with carbon and rust where the coolong water injects.etc.
Managed to remove all the c**p and engine stated first time.
There is quite a bit of info on this and other forum re Volvo 2010/20/30 blocked exhaust. Have a look.
Good news is that if you have reasonable access to the side of your engine be able to disconnect the exhaust pipe and unbolt the elbow for inspection ( and the exhaust ports too).
Be warned;extreme cases can need a replacement elbow.

 

[westhinder]

Partially blocked exhaust elbow.
This causes back pressure and resultant difficulties in starting.
Also produces the puff of smoke out of the air intake.

How do I know this?
Spent AGES last autumn helping a friend with a Volvo 2010 ( which is basically the 2 cylinder version of the parama).
Symptoms were slightly low compression but always sounded of it was just about to start, but strangely gave this puff of smoke out of the air intake when you stopped cranking.
Eventually after head off , pistons out etc etc and several lift out and reinstalls of the engine we were inspired to remove the exhaust elbow for inspection.
Virtually solid with carbon and rust where the coolong water injects.etc.
Managed to remove all the c**p and engine stated first time.
There is quite a bit of info on this and other forum re Volvo 2010/20/30 blocked exhaust. Have a look.
Good news is that if you have reasonable access to the side of your engine be able to disconnect the exhaust pipe and unbolt the elbow for inspection ( and the exhaust ports too).
Be warned;extreme cases can need a replacement elbow.

Thanks, sounds plausible, will definitely have a thorough look at the elbow. It is the original and now 23 years old.

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

I had run my Perkins Perama M30 for 10 minutes with the companionway steps removed, and when I stopped the engine, I noticed a small puff of white smoke come out of the air intake. Nothing enormous, much like a puff of smoke from a cigar.
Any ideas what may have caused it?
Can there be any link to the fact that the engine took some convincing to start the next time, whereas it normally fires at the first touch?

What HP is the 30?
C_W

 

[Heckler]

What HP is the 30?
C_W

30?

 

[westhinder]

What HP is the 30?
C_W

29 hp, funnily enough