Reliable Mechanic...

[ginwoodf]

Last weekend I tried to take out my Kestrel 22 for a quick sail but shortly after leaving the mooring my YSE8 began to produce black smoke and now makes a horrible metallic banging if run up. Can anyone suggest a reliable guy to have a look at her?? I'm at a swinging mooring off Queenborough harbour. Thanks all,
Gordon Inwood, Crecerelle.

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[daveheaddon]

Oh dear....worrying. The combination of noise and black smoke will surely be a clue. Black smoke is generally associated with unburnt fuel (compression) and clanking noise could perhaps be a push rod (broken or badly adjusted). I had this last year on my iron-age Volvo and it turned out to be valve timing....adjustment per the workshop manual cured both.

I'm no mechanic but it sounds like you should get hold of ANY mechanic rather than just a reliable one. The clanking noise sounds like it will only worsen resulting in expensive repairs. Any decent mechanic should be able spot and rectify this.

For recommendations I generally ask around other local boat owners or look at sailing club noticeboards.

Hope this helps!
Dave

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