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

[Bruce Heyman]

HI Mark,
Sorry to hear this as it does sound like a blown head gasket (not that hard to replace) or a cracked block/head (much harder to fix).   My experience is that the oil will take on the appearance of brown mud when you have the engine mixing the oil and water/coolant.
Good luck!
Bruce

Bruce Heyman
Somerset #671   San Pedro (LA) California

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Mark Cole via C320-list
Sent: Monday, January 22, 2024 12:02 PM
To: Catalina 320 Association <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
Cc: Mark Cole <boatnboot at me.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Another White Smoke from Perkins M30 Question

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