Here's the situation: My Universal 54-11 just isn't running right. It has lost almost 1/2 of its power. The boat used to cruise @ 5.5 knots and top out at almost 6.5. Now WOT=4.5 knots! It just won't rev out the way it used to. It revs up for a second or two then back down. But even when reving up it never really reached WOT. But it revs out all the way in neutral, just not under load.The engine hasn't used much for it's age. In fact, for the past 5 years it has had less than 50 hours per season.Things I have tried: Change fuel filter, clean Water Fuel Separator, had injectors removed and cleaned, was told they appear to be bench firing fine. The trans was replaced with a new (not rebuilt) unit about 2 years ago. Any thoughts on where to look?
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Mike Silverthorne
Algae??
I had a 5411 in my last boat and run into the same thing and it turned out to be algae in my tank got into the lines and restricked the flowbut didn't stop the flow..I wish it had I WOULD HAVE FOUND IT A LOT SOONER!! After changing and checking everything you have, as a last thing to do I got a portable air tank and blew out the lines back to the tank..and that's when I discovered that during a long hot summer and a refill of fuel in the spring without adding stuff to the tank of new fuel it was growing green stuff inside the tank.. but not enough to shut it off but just enough to slow it down!! It never showed up in the filter. You can check this real quick with a flashlight after removing the sending unit for your fuel gage, well that worked on mine maybe you have an inspection plate?? Well good luck hope your fix is this easy also.. Mike WD9EOU C-38 s/v Chute the Breeze Michigan City, IN
I had a 5411 in my last boat and run into the same thing and it turned out to be algae in my tank got into the lines and restricked the flowbut didn't stop the flow..I wish it had I WOULD HAVE FOUND IT A LOT SOONER!! After changing and checking everything you have, as a last thing to do I got a portable air tank and blew out the lines back to the tank..and that's when I discovered that during a long hot summer and a refill of fuel in the spring without adding stuff to the tank of new fuel it was growing green stuff inside the tank.. but not enough to shut it off but just enough to slow it down!! It never showed up in the filter. You can check this real quick with a flashlight after removing the sending unit for your fuel gage, well that worked on mine maybe you have an inspection plate?? Well good luck hope your fix is this easy also.. Mike WD9EOU C-38 s/v Chute the Breeze Michigan City, IN
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David Ullrich
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Mike
OK
David, I would make sure the fuel lines are not pinched anywhere, if any are anything other than steel try to check to make sure it has not bubbled or blistered on the inside which could restrict flow..fuel pump..air filter..compression test..prop damage?? well as an old motor head I'm out of guesses.. let us know what you find.. Mike
David, I would make sure the fuel lines are not pinched anywhere, if any are anything other than steel try to check to make sure it has not bubbled or blistered on the inside which could restrict flow..fuel pump..air filter..compression test..prop damage?? well as an old motor head I'm out of guesses.. let us know what you find.. Mike
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James
Model 5411
Have you checked the fuel pump impeller? The fuel pump is engine driven, located on the left side (looking aft at the engine compartment) near the front of the motor. You can check flow by removing the fuel hose and turning the motor over. You will have to bleed the system after doing so. Have seen these go over time. Another place to look.
Have you checked the fuel pump impeller? The fuel pump is engine driven, located on the left side (looking aft at the engine compartment) near the front of the motor. You can check flow by removing the fuel hose and turning the motor over. You will have to bleed the system after doing so. Have seen these go over time. Another place to look.
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James
More thoughts
David, Have you checked your oil lately? The 5411's are notorious for head gasket failure, which allows sea water to enter the crank case, which when mixed by the engine's operation creates a grey emulsion. This will definitely slow down the engine and starting a flooded engine will be dificult. If this isn't the problem, the second thing to look at is the motor's exhaust. What color is it at idle and under load? Do you have a tachometer? What is the drop in operating rpm ? Have you checked the air cleaner? You need air, fuel, and compression to make a diesel work. Do you suddenly have more blowby than normal? If you are getting air into the cylinders, and fuel flow to the injection pump, and compression, then it seem the injection pump would be the next item to check. If you had diesel fuel turn on you (it goes bad with age) it is possible the pump may be the cause (although it usually affects the injectors, too). If your boat was not used and fuel has sat for a few seasons, this could be the culprit.
David, Have you checked your oil lately? The 5411's are notorious for head gasket failure, which allows sea water to enter the crank case, which when mixed by the engine's operation creates a grey emulsion. This will definitely slow down the engine and starting a flooded engine will be dificult. If this isn't the problem, the second thing to look at is the motor's exhaust. What color is it at idle and under load? Do you have a tachometer? What is the drop in operating rpm ? Have you checked the air cleaner? You need air, fuel, and compression to make a diesel work. Do you suddenly have more blowby than normal? If you are getting air into the cylinders, and fuel flow to the injection pump, and compression, then it seem the injection pump would be the next item to check. If you had diesel fuel turn on you (it goes bad with age) it is possible the pump may be the cause (although it usually affects the injectors, too). If your boat was not used and fuel has sat for a few seasons, this could be the culprit.
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Mike Silverthorne
Fuel Timing???
David, I've been reading the maintenance manual for the 5411 (same as my5424)and the only other thing that seems could maybe going bad is the fuel injector pump?? but on page 23 it tells how to test to determine if the engine timing is off or the injection pump is faulty and page 25 tells how to adjust fuel timing... wow I just had a knee operation last week it must be time to go back to WORK.. Mike P.S. If you don't have the same manual and need a copy the pages I'll scan them for you just let me know..good luck
David, I've been reading the maintenance manual for the 5411 (same as my5424)and the only other thing that seems could maybe going bad is the fuel injector pump?? but on page 23 it tells how to test to determine if the engine timing is off or the injection pump is faulty and page 25 tells how to adjust fuel timing... wow I just had a knee operation last week it must be time to go back to WORK.. Mike P.S. If you don't have the same manual and need a copy the pages I'll scan them for you just let me know..good luck
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David Ullrich
pROBLEM fOUND!
Thank-you for all your advice. It seems that the internal throttle was not opening all the way. The lever on the top of the engine would move all the way, but the internal parts were worn and had plenty of play. The fix was simply - 3 washers! Also, I just noticed that the water jacket from the exhaust manifold is rusted out and leaking. It may be partly plugged which would contribute to the problem with increased backpressure. I have never tightened nor repacked my stuffing box, except for 1/4 turn after the first season. Yes, it leakS a bit (slow dribble) but not a bit deal as it only does 2o when under power. So I'm back toloving my 54-11.
Thank-you for all your advice. It seems that the internal throttle was not opening all the way. The lever on the top of the engine would move all the way, but the internal parts were worn and had plenty of play. The fix was simply - 3 washers! Also, I just noticed that the water jacket from the exhaust manifold is rusted out and leaking. It may be partly plugged which would contribute to the problem with increased backpressure. I have never tightened nor repacked my stuffing box, except for 1/4 turn after the first season. Yes, it leakS a bit (slow dribble) but not a bit deal as it only does 2o when under power. So I'm back toloving my 54-11.
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Mike Silverthorne
Good Job
Well I'm glad you found it and it was such a high dollar!!! fix.. just add that to our list of simple and worst problems to find.. Mike
Well I'm glad you found it and it was such a high dollar!!! fix.. just add that to our list of simple and worst problems to find.. Mike
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Chris
5411
David, I found your initial comments about your engine interesting. But I have a few questions. You said you cruse at 5.5knts and top out at 6.5. I have a 81 30' and top in is just over 5knts. What type of prop do you have. Chris
David, I found your initial comments about your engine interesting. But I have a few questions. You said you cruse at 5.5knts and top out at 6.5. I have a 81 30' and top in is just over 5knts. What type of prop do you have. Chris
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