[C320-list] Sudden blue smoke, Perkins M30

[Greg Flanagan]

Frank, although I have no answers for your issues, I have to say I am impressed that since 1994 you have only 550 hours on the engine. Mine is a 2006 and I have 3000 hours. You are a true sailor.

Greg

> On Feb 17, 2024, at 10:10 AM, P.F. Ross via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> All,
> 
> We had been motoring yesterday at our normal 2600 RPM for about an hour
> when suddenly the engine lost power, revs dropping down to 1800 or so. At
> that same instant I noticed smoke from the exhaust like I had never seen
> before. I throttled back, gave the admiral the wheel, went below, removed
> engine covers and checked everything. All appeared normal.
> 
> We were just about to enter a busy harbor, so not knowing what was going on
> I decided to shut the engine down and called for a tow. We were about 10
> miles from home so decided to go back there. Fortunately, winds were light
> and seas were flat.
> 
> The week before I had changed both fuel filters and the fresh water
> impeller, preparing for a cruise. Fuel tank was topped up with the same
> Shell brand terrestrial diesel I have used for the past 9 years.
> 
> I have owned the boat since new (1994) and the engine has 550 hours, the
> majority of those accumulated since I moved the boat to SW FL in 2015.
> Regular oil, filter and coolant changes are known since I have done them
> all.
> 
> Today at my dock, the engine starts and seems to run ok, but still belching
> clouds of what I would call blue smoke and is leaving a sheen on the
> water. It also has a peculiar smell, perhaps somewhat sweet.
> 
> So it seems like oil smoke, but for the life of me I cannot imagine what
> failure would cause sudden oil burning. I suppose a fuel injector could
> suddenly malfunction (I have never messed with the injectors) but that
> would seem to be black smoke.
> 
> I will try to find a diesel mechanic to come check it out next week but
> thought I would see if anyone on here had an idea of what may be going on.
> 
> Thanks and regards,
> 
> Frank Ross
> Beta Wave #206
> Naples, FL