Watermota woes

[Colin K]

Hello,
I am due to get on board on Saturday to take the head off my Sea Panther. She is suffering with blow by/crankcase pressure and I think I was lucky she plodded on for a testing 12 hour journey to get me home to Ipswich at the weekend.
Just trying to get as many clues/ lines of thought on the problem before I do surgery. Best case scenario is it being a blown head gasket between cylinder and oilway/push rod way? worst case being a broken oil ring and pressure is passing the piston? In which case its sadly season over. Boo.
She runs smooth does not over heat although runs at 90 deg instead of 70 deg. The biggie that I cannot explain is that when I first start her she rattles with a "tappet" type sound for about three minutes which then stops ! I have adjusted the tappets. Cannot understand this and I wondered if anyone has any clues?
Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks. Colin.

 

[Findhorn]

Piston slap..caused by worn bores/rings...could also explain the crankcase pressure

 

[Colin K]

Thanks for that yes Googled slap and yes it can quieten down when the engine warms....Darn. I have jus remembered that some years ago the same engine blew a head gasket between cylinders and so now I am staring at pictures of internal drawings of diesel engines wondering if pressure between cylinders can cause the crankcase pressure? Think it could as valves will be open!!! Me clutching at straws ! Once again thanks. Colin.

 

[Colin K]

Hello,
Thought I would report back that I stripped out the engine at the weekend and indeed piston number 3 is worn and the bores scored so yep piston slap worn bores and rings. Good call Findhorn.

Thanks. Colin.