5411 Problems

[Tony Ogemahgeshig]

Greetings I maintain a Catalina 30 with a 5411. Several months ago I had to steadily increase the throttle to start the engine. I discovered the problem was a rusted fuel injection pump and clogged injectors when it refused to start. Before this happened I was getting some oil blowby. Now, after the fix, I am getting water blowby and the engine doesn't want to idle at a low enough RPM to shift without excessive wear on the transmission linkage. The engine lopes at half throttle (idle). I am concerned with the high moisture content of the crankcase. Grey muck is stuck to the interior of the engine and the valve cover. There is no oil blowby, just water. Does this mean a head gasket? Or maybe the cadmium steel plate behind the water pump? How long do I have before I have a totally rusted out engine. Should I start it at all or should I immeadiately tear it apart? If I do tear it apart what should I clean the crankcase with 50/50 diesel/oil? I need advise. Thanks Tony O

 

[Mike Elmore]

engines in general

Just on rebuilding engines in general.You can wash engine parts with water/cleaner or fuel( never tried diesel but gasoline is a great cleaner actually )...just let it COMPLETELY dry afterwards and give parts a slight oil rubbing when finished to keep em from rusting. Cleaning metal with water and immediately drying has never been a problem for me on engine parts. You can even get grease paper from most "home town service" like auto parts stores to wrap parts in.If there's already rust on parts, replace where prudent. On the outside of things...A very fine steel wool like circular attachment for your drill works great.Mike ElmoreWindward Hull C28(#7)

 

[Tony Ogemahgeshig]

5411 Probs/Elmore

Thank you Mike for the advise. When I go to tear into the 5411 I will keep your suggestions in mind. I think what I will do is remove the timing cover, check the steel plate for corrosion; and if needed remove the head, inspect and replace if neccessary. After all winter is downtime for me. Tony O.  (hull #2595)