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

 

[SEAN PHELPS]

WATER IN THE OIL

Tony, I had a similar problem on my Yanmar. I couldn't figure out where the water was coming from. After trying everything, we replaced the antisyphon valve. The problem was gone. You can probably find this valve by the sink somewhere. I changed the oil three times to get all of the water out, and everything has been fine since. Seems like I,ve had every problem.SEANSHINE

 

[Richard R]

sick 5411

I would not run it again in it's present condition. The crankshaft and rod bearings may already be damaged from lack of proper lubrication.The water could be coming from any one of several sources. Blown head gasket is most likely, but there is also a steel plate covering a water passage inside the timing gear cover. These eventually rust through, so water could be entering the crankcase from there. Could even be a cracked cylinder head, as these engines eventually accumulate so much rust in the water passages that cooling of the head is greatly reduced, leading to blown gaskets or cracked heads.The bad idling and poor engine speed control might indicate that the rack pin on the side of the injection pump is not engaged in the slot in the throttle-control linkage. Did you open the side panel next to the pump to check the pin engagement when the pump was reinstalled?In any event, the water is a serious problem that requires attention by someone with considerable experience with engine repair. Unless you have rebuilt engines in the past, I would find a qualified mechanic ASAP. Please let us know what you find.