Hello All:
The summer is almost gone, but, finally the problem with my Volvo MD6A has
been found and cured. I said I would post my findings, so here I am with what I
have learned.
The problem manifested itself in the following way: The engine would start
very easily, as it has since I bought VESPER (V 1868) about six years ago.
After starting, it would idle quite smoothly. BUT, when I would apply power, it
would accelerate nicely and run for about 30 seconds, then, without me touching
anything, the engine would slow to about idle speed, and stay there for about
five seconds, while coughing out a cloud of grayish smoke. Now, after this
slow period it would emit very black smoke while accelerating to the designated
RPM. The damn thing would continue (speed up, slow down, speed up, slow down)
this way indefinitely, without me touching anything!
Now, here's all that I did while "troubleshooting." Since the problem seemed
to be fuel-related, I changed all filters (again), I pulled (and had
professionally overhauled) the fuel injectors, (I can answer anybody's questions on
this if anybody has any) and I had the injector pump overhauled (this was
$435.00 all by itself). After all these things, reinstalling the newly-overhauled
injector pump, etc., the problem continued as if I had done nothing.
My friend, a diesel expert, stepped in and helped then and checked the
"valve-lash." After he removed the rocker arm cover he inserted the feeler gauge
into the space between the #1 cylinder exhaust valve and its rocker arm, and the
low RPM problem appeared! He told me that proves it - that valve is the
problem! Now - - here's what corrected the problem: He had me spray, with the
engine running at about 1/2 speed, about a quart of fresh water into the air
intake (remove the filter first) . Then spray about four - to - six - ounces of
"Marvel Mystery Oil" into the air intake. Then, slow the engine to about idle
and spray more Mystery Oil into the air intake. Let everything sit overnight.
The next day, the problem was GONE! Oh, one more thing he did: after removing
the rocker arm assembly (2 nuts), he "snapped" the faulty valve several times
by using a screwdriver under the injector bracket, forcing the valve down -
then quickly sliding the screwdriver sideways so that the valve snapped up. His
intent was to help break up the carbon that had built up on it. I believe that
is a big part of what helped cure the sticking exhaust valve.
If I had known this, I would have saved about $1,500 ! ! ! The "fix"
actually cost me around $.30 !, the cost of the Mystery Oil!
If anybody has similar problems, send me a note and I'll help however I can.
I Wish You All Fair Winds and Following Seas.......................
Ed Davis.................aka Saylered@...[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
The summer is almost gone, but, finally the problem with my Volvo MD6A has
been found and cured. I said I would post my findings, so here I am with what I
have learned.
The problem manifested itself in the following way: The engine would start
very easily, as it has since I bought VESPER (V 1868) about six years ago.
After starting, it would idle quite smoothly. BUT, when I would apply power, it
would accelerate nicely and run for about 30 seconds, then, without me touching
anything, the engine would slow to about idle speed, and stay there for about
five seconds, while coughing out a cloud of grayish smoke. Now, after this
slow period it would emit very black smoke while accelerating to the designated
RPM. The damn thing would continue (speed up, slow down, speed up, slow down)
this way indefinitely, without me touching anything!
Now, here's all that I did while "troubleshooting." Since the problem seemed
to be fuel-related, I changed all filters (again), I pulled (and had
professionally overhauled) the fuel injectors, (I can answer anybody's questions on
this if anybody has any) and I had the injector pump overhauled (this was
$435.00 all by itself). After all these things, reinstalling the newly-overhauled
injector pump, etc., the problem continued as if I had done nothing.
My friend, a diesel expert, stepped in and helped then and checked the
"valve-lash." After he removed the rocker arm cover he inserted the feeler gauge
into the space between the #1 cylinder exhaust valve and its rocker arm, and the
low RPM problem appeared! He told me that proves it - that valve is the
problem! Now - - here's what corrected the problem: He had me spray, with the
engine running at about 1/2 speed, about a quart of fresh water into the air
intake (remove the filter first) . Then spray about four - to - six - ounces of
"Marvel Mystery Oil" into the air intake. Then, slow the engine to about idle
and spray more Mystery Oil into the air intake. Let everything sit overnight.
The next day, the problem was GONE! Oh, one more thing he did: after removing
the rocker arm assembly (2 nuts), he "snapped" the faulty valve several times
by using a screwdriver under the injector bracket, forcing the valve down -
then quickly sliding the screwdriver sideways so that the valve snapped up. His
intent was to help break up the carbon that had built up on it. I believe that
is a big part of what helped cure the sticking exhaust valve.
If I had known this, I would have saved about $1,500 ! ! ! The "fix"
actually cost me around $.30 !, the cost of the Mystery Oil!
If anybody has similar problems, send me a note and I'll help however I can.
I Wish You All Fair Winds and Following Seas.......................
Ed Davis.................aka Saylered@...[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]