Water up the pipe

[whosround]

Hello all, I moored my boat on a drying river today. When the tide turned, I was alarmed at the water flowing up the exaust. There is no flap, and no vented loop as far as I know. I intend to move the boat back to it"s home tomorrow. Having heard horror stories about water in the engine, what do you think? 6 cylinder diesel by the way.

 

[Anonymous]

Assuming that the boat was built by a boatbuilder and not a car-maker you will be fine. This explains the subject quite well.....

http://www.halyard.eu.com/NoiseVibrationReduction/SilencingExhaustSystems/Configurations.aspx

But please relax and don't worry if your boat is a professional design and build you have nothing to worry about!

Edit:- PS Welcome to the forum!

 

[sarabande]

can you check if the water is flowing OUT of the exhaust as the boat dries today ? If so, then it might be worth putting a bung in it before the tide rises again - but don't forget to take it out before starting !

It might also be an idea to turn the engine over slowly with the decompressor(s) in action if you can. If there is a cylinder full of water, you don't want the engine to start and blow the head off.


BTW, welcome on board.

 

[whosround]

Thanks for your quick replies and the welcome. I feel a bit less anxious now I know a bit more. Checking when the tide turns not an option tonight I"m affraid. Love the bung idea BTW. I will turn the key with fingers half crossed tomorrow.

 

[Caer Urfa]

Why not just fit a simple in line none return valve or flap!
or an inline sea cock that you can just shut off everything when you leave.?

 

[1955patric]

Not such a good idea! If the engine is started with the valve closed or jammed something will give with a bang. Seawater + exhaust is highly corrosive and will almost certainly seize most valves over time - you will only find out when you need it. So long as the exhaust hose has a bend which is well above the waterline you should be OK, but the best solution is to fit a trap and vented loop.