[C320-list] Another White Smoke from Perkins M30 Question

[mseyler at cox.net]

I agree that it sounds more like a head gasket than a cracked block (although either is possible).  A compression test would probably tell.  But either way, I'd get it looked at ASAP, before the having the engine oil diluted with coolant leads to much more expensive engine damage.

The listing for a 1995 320 in SW Florida, mentioned this weekend by Michael Ballard, says that boat has a Beta 30 engine installed in 2022.  Maybe he would be willing to share cost information for the conversion?  I'd be curious myself, as I labor to keep my 29-year-old M30 going.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA



-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Jack Brennan via C320-list
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2024 3:30 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Cc: Jack Brennan <jackbrennan333 at outlook.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Another White Smoke from Perkins M30 Question

If I were you, I think my first move would be to find a good mechanic and pay a couple of hundred dollars for a good assessment on the engine. Rebuilding a good engine is always much cheaper than going new.

With new diesels, the big issue is whether you’re willing to go with one that has a computer board. They run more efficiently, but you’re SOL if something on the board goes. No chance of doing a backyard fix when you’re out cruising.

I believe Beta Marine still sells new diesels without the computer board.

Also, check on the prices of replacement parts before you pick a brand. Parts for the ancient Volvos were staggeringly expensive. I don’t know whether that’s still the case. Yanmar is a little better, but a 55-amp alternator you can buy for $110 on the Internet goes for $900 or so with a Yanmar sticker.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.





Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Bill Carr via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2024 4:02:08 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Cc: Bill Carr <bcarr8239 at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Another White Smoke from Perkins M30 Question

I had my Perkins replaced with a Volvo penta. They share the same block. I’ve been very happy with the performance. Much quieter. No smoke starts promptly.
Bill Carr
Utopia, Hull 31

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 22, 2024, at 12:14 PM, Jeff Smith via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> Mark,
>
> It sounds more like a blown head gasket than a cracked block. That 
> would be where I would start looking.
>
> Jeff
> #121
>
>> On Mon, Jan 22, 2024 at 3:03 PM Mark Cole via C320-list < 
>> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>>
>> My Perkins M30 (hull #8, 1993) has started to smoke constantly when 
>> running.  White smoke with maybe a little blue, it stays close to the 
>> water and doesn’t dissipate.  I replaced the mixing elbow a few years 
>> ago and still have great cooling water flow but the engine does 
>> overheat slightly when I run over 2000 RPM and towing an inflatable 
>> dingy.  I have tired a few repairs but no change.
>>
>> The most recent development is decreasing coolant and an increase of 
>> oil level on the dip stick.  There is also now a sheen on the water 
>> around the exhaust.  Not bright fuel sheen, but dull brown oil sheen.  
>> Does this sound like a cracked block?  Is this the end of this 
>> engine, or are there more tests/repairs I should contemplate?
>>
>> Has anyone repowered their C320?  What engine fits best?  Rough costs?
>>
>> Thanks for any input,
>>
>> Mark
>> Fiddler’s Green #8
>> Port Townsend, WA