Thanks and a last favor

[Claude L.-Auger]

Dear Gordon,Sorry to see you go as I learned a lot reading your suggestions and comments with interest. Before you do go I have a favor to ask. Last fall before getting the boat (84 H34 3GMD) on the hard I had a problem with the hot water thank which led to some overheating as the engine coolant ran low. Fixing the problem and checking everything from raw water seacock to impeller to exhaust shows a good water flow. Engine starts fine and runs fine until it gets to about 2800 RPM then seems to choke and suffer from lack of power. White smoke, but definitely not steam ! A little sweet smell to the smoke. Answers posted to my question suggested re-torquing the head or possibly changing the head gasket. This sounds like a plausible explanation as the extra heat generated could have done some "warping" leading to coolant being admitted and burning in the cylinders. Is there anyway to check that without taking the head off? There is no coolant being admitted in the crankcase as the oil is its normal black color. First of all, Am I looking in the right direction ? I did not have that problem before the hot water tank busted. Second, what would be the recommended torque sequence and PSI ? Thanks for your help and good luck to you.Claude

 

[Gordon Torresen]

Pressure test

You can test for leaks in your cooling system with an automotive pressure tester. They are not expensive but you could probably borrow (rent) one from any competent mechanic. If the leak were the other way around, combustion gasses getting into the coolant, you would probably see lots of bubbles in the engine water tank. These are tough engines that seem to ignore quite a bit of overheating. Be sure that you evacuate all the air from the system. As I recall, your water heater is higher than the engine which requires some fussing to get the air out. Thank you for the kind words. This has been a fun project but I have to go back to work.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Thanks for the tip Gordon

I'll try it as soon as weather and temp allow. FYI, on my H34, water heater tank is under the starboard table settee immediately in front of galley sinks. And how about torque sequence and foot/pounds required for that head ?Thanks a million again, and I certainly will look you up on your site.