Smokey Volvo Penta.

[gdagreen]

It runs like a dream, as long as it gets clean fuel!!!!
my 1988 Contest 41, currently on the hard at Preveza, has an MD31a probably original. possible overhauled.
The only thing is that it is a bit smokey at startup and emits some smoke in general running. Oil consumption is however negligable.
A couple of experienced marine mechanics have told me the engine is in good shape and just to ignore the limited smoke.
however, I still worry that the valve guides, or injectors might be on their last legs or I have scored piston liner.
Any thoughts from more experienced mariners than me(I'am a pilot!) would be most welcome

 

[robbieg]

What colour is the smoke-white,blue or black. White is normally water-do you loose coolant. Blue oil (rings/bores or valve guides) and black is excess fuel (injectors/timing).

Most diesels of a certain age smoke a bit on start up and if you aren't using oil or coolant, it starts ok and runs fine most of us would live it (& probably envy you!)

 

[philip_stevens]

When the engine is ticking over, does it leave a sheen on the water from the cooling water/exhaust?

My 2003 always smokes a bit, and when ticking over, leaves a small sheen on the water.

Two other 2003's I know of, also leave a sheen on the water.

If you are seeing white, that could be steam, check the amount of water from the exhaust. If there is not a lot of water, go back to the exhaust elbow and after removing it, check that the water inlet port is not blocked with carbonised salt deposit.

Mine was, and after having to fit an new elbow (corrosion/erosion), the engine could now suck the creek dry!!! It is gushing out of the exhaust - and no white/steam.

 

[paulrh]

You will find that nearly all deisel engine smoke when cold it is normaly a sign of un-burnt fuel (white smoke) it will go as the engine warms up.
Its a engine that relies on the compression to generate the heat to fire the fuel.
if the oil comsuption is good and there is no blue smoke it should be fine, if a injector goes down the white smoke will stay when hot.
hope this helps

paul

 

[PeterGibbs]

Q - if the oil comsuption is good

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That's the key indicator, showing that your bearings are not crumbling. Many more miles in her yet, I'll wager.

Don't be tempted to rip the injectors out "just to get them checked" or anything romantic like that. You'll know when the first one starts to get stroppy, then's the time to go to work.

I always recall the IOW ferry taking off one day from cold. For the first mile out of Portsmouth the rear end of the boat could not be seen for the vast smoke trail. But thereafter, nothing. That's diesels for you!

PWG

 

[gdagreen]

Thanks for your interest. The smoke is blue, I have looked at it carefully and leaves a sheen on the water at tickover so I guess it is oil based. Appreciate your comments

 

[Bilgediver]

Probably diesel oil based...A sniff of the smoke might confirm. Possibly a sign that injectors need servicing.

 

[Hoolie]

I had an embarrassing cloud of blue smoke at start-up until I used one of the proprietary anti-smoke treatments - Wynns I think. Even without topping up the anti-smoke, after several oil changes there is still no smoke at all.

 

[gdagreen]

Thanks to all who were kind enough to give me the benefit of their wide experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <span style="color:blue"> </span>