my Westerbeke 10Two diesel cranks but won't start. When cranking, light grey smokes cones out a hole on the port side. I don't know if that hole is an air intake or output. This problem started when exhaust elbow broke and probably sprayed water onto the engine. I repaired the elbow. I have trouble finding a diesel mechanic who will work on Westerbekes. Need suggestions.
my Westerbeke 10Two diesel cranks but won't start. When cranking, light grey smokes cones out a whole on the port side. I don't know if that hole i
- Thread starter yknot
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 21,972
This hole on the port side... When the engine was running (before the elbow damage occurred) did you see anything coming out that hole. Like maybe water while the engine was running? Your boat likely has an exhaust port where the cooling water and the exhaust gases are forced out of the boat.
Since you know where the exhaust elbow is you can follow the hose from the elbow to where it attaches to the boat hull. If it is near the port hole you see on the port side it is likely that is the port exhaust.
The whiteish smoke might be unburnt fuel. There is supposed to be water coming out of the hole with the smoke, assuming the exhaust elbow was reconnected correctly... Perhaps you could take pictures of your repair, the hoses and the hole and post them here.
Water spraying about may not have gotten into the engine. Have you looked at the oil dip stick? What does the oil on the dip stick look like?
Sailboat diesels do not have air intakes outside the boat, that would be an avenue for water to enter the engine which would be detrimental to the engine. It is an exhaust port.
How did you repair exhaust elbow? Once they start to fail the only viable long term solution is a new elbow, preferably a SS one from HDI.
Check the obvious, you have fuel, the filter is clean, the fuel valve is on.
Have you bled the fuel lines? If there is air in the line, then fuel won't flow to the engine and it won't start.
If you don't know how to do any of this, now is a good time to learn. Get a copy of Nigel Calder's Diesel engine (Amazon link) book and start reading.
Port side of the boat or of the engine? Port side of the boat would be your exhaust, and the smoke would be unburnt fuel. That’s a good sign that at least fuel is getting into the engine. Port side of the engine itself could be a crankcase breather. Smoke coming out there would mean excessive blow-by, which could mean the exhaust elbow issue corroded the cylinders or caused some other damage to the rings, reducing compression.