[C320-list] Perkins wear & lifespan

[warren updike]

Our 1994 #62 has 1,000 hours. I've had the air intake off a few times and
never saw an oily residue. Perhaps you need to adjust the valves.  If you
haven't already done so, I would consider replacing the injectors. 

It's my understanding that diesel engines such as these if run hard and well
maintained can deliver far more than 5,000 hours.

Question for the list: In any IC engine there is some blow-by from the
cylinders into the crankcase. Gas engines have a crankcase vent. Can anyone
tell us how this blow-by is vented in our little diesels? 

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Bernie Garrett [mailto:berniegarrett at telus.net] 
Sent: Sunday, December 28, 2008 9:55 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Perkins wear & lifespan

Hi folks,

Seasons greetings. On working on the Perkins M30 in my boat I noticed an
oily residue in  the inlet manifold when I took it off to clean it and
change the air filter.

I wondered how normal this was or if it is a sign of blow back through the
valves? The engine seems to run fine in terms of temps and oil pressure and
the power seems Ok. It has 3200 hrs on it and I am trying to figure out how
much I should invest in future maintenance before I consider repowering.
The old owners suggested 5000 hours wasn't unusual for diesel engines, but I
don't know. Thoughts?

Regards 
Bernie 
_________________________________________________ 
Dr. Bernie Garrett, 

1006 Eden Crescent
Delta, BC, Canada, V4L 1W7

Tel: 604 943 3792

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