Who has an engine cam ?

[simonfraser]

Checked the engine one week ago, nothing.
Today, green fluid in the bilge.
Switched it on, pulled a likely suspect valve, came apart in my hand.
My boat is on a trailer in the yard, so easy to fix.

That would have been 'fun' on the water.
Wonder if an engine cam would have helped, but who watches that all day ?

 

[elton]

Checked the engine one week ago, nothing.
Today, green fluid in the bilge.
Switched it on, pulled a likely suspect valve, came apart in my hand.
My boat is on a trailer in the yard, so easy to fix.

That would have been 'fun' on the water.
Wonder if an engine cam would have helped, but who watches that all day ?

You'll have to take the head off to fit a new valve, then examine the relevant piston to see what damage was done. Then probably get it rebored and fit a new valve guide and spring and whatever. I assume "engine cam" means camera, and not cam, or camshaft

 

[snowbird30ds]

Are you talking about a drain valve here? I think Elton has the wrong end of the stick but the description is a little vague.

 

[elton]

but the description is a little vague.

To say the least

 

[simonfraser]

Hehe, valve in the cooling circuit.

 

[dragoon]

I set up 2 cams - one forward of the engines, one aft. It's already saved one engine from overheating where a rubber boat came off the back of a heat exchanger. I could see the water spraying on the camera. The cameras are now part of my routine checks underway.

 

[superheat6k]

I set up 2 cams - one forward of the engines, one aft. It's already saved one engine from overheating where a rubber boat came off the back of a heat exchanger. I could see the water spraying on the camera. The cameras are now part of my routine checks underway.

What equipment did you use ?

 

[jrudge]

I have engine cam and keep an eye on it and also the tender at the back whilst out should it decide to go on a trip without me !

 

[dragoon]

What equipment did you use ?

I'll see if I can find some links, but basically the following;

2 x eBay infra red cctv cameras - £12 each
1 x eBay 7 inch (I think) monitor - I think it was under £20

I bought some ready made power and av cables off eBay, and made a small switch box with a fuse, on/off switch and camera change over switch.

The monitor mounts on the port side window in the wheel house with a suction cup.

 

[Trundlebug]

I'll see if I can find some links, but basically the following;

2 x eBay infra red cctv cameras - £12 each
1 x eBay 7 inch (I think) monitor - I think it was under £20

I bought some ready made power and av cables off eBay, and made a small switch box with a fuse, on/off switch and camera change over switch.

The monitor mounts on the port side window in the wheel house with a suction cup.

+1 for source and cost of parts
I have 3x cameras.

One in centre looking down at bilge at fwd end of engines. Can see fuel filters and early detection of liquids in the bilge (wellbefore the bilge pump activates and alarms)
one on each shaft, looking over the stern gland, shaft, coupling and gearbox. Great early detection / verification of vibration.

It's not a case of constant monitoring, a once an hour or so check whilst at sea provides considerable reassurance and has prevented / highlighted problems early. It also saves a lot of bother in pre-journey checks, by avoiding having to lift all the covers as often.

For such little money I can't see why everyone doesn't fit them