Universal 5411 plate change

[Bruce Adams]

Hi,
On my 1982 Catalina 30 with a Universal 5411, I found water in my oil. I flushed it with new oil and am l removing the timing cover. I purchased a new shaft oil seal and gaskets but wonder about removing the square plate that holds the throttle governor. Must I disassemble that tower, or do I just pop the plate and unhook anything beneath it? (Can I ?)
Also, the oil filter looked dry and I figure the oil pressure relief valve might be gunked with the sludge formed by the oil water mix. The valve does not seem to be in supply. Can it just be unscrewed, cleaned up and replaced?
Thanks for any advice on my next step as I plan to remove the square plate and the timing gear cover shortly.
Bruce Adams
sailbruce@aol.com
631 261 9811

 

[jrowan]

I am assuming that your head gasket is not cracked, leaking, or failing? Because water in oil is usually a symptom of a failing head gasket, not a timing plate cover. Does your 5411 blow blue or black smoke from the exhaust? This is another indicator of head problems. Water vapor is a normal discharge for the 5411, as I have one too. Water in oil could also be caused by heavy corrosion in the raw water cooling jackets in the engine corroded through & leaking into the engine oil. Another possible culprit is if you allowed the engine to crank for more then a minute at a time with the raw water valve open. The excess water from the cranking without the engine running can build up in your water muffler. It will continue to fill up without the exhaust stroke to force the water out, it will then flood through the back of the engine & suck in through the exhaust stroke & can potentially flood your engine, & ruin it. If your engine runs, then this is likely not the cause. You can also replace the raw water pump seals at the back of the pump. If you do this & still have water in your oil, then have a marine diesel mechanic perform a compression test. Low compression is another key indicator of a failing head gasket or piston rings. If your engine has never been rebuilt yet, then it may be time, but I hope for you sake its not. But if you have enough compression for the engine to start, then it can't be too low.
ps. The 5411 engine must have the glow plugs on for at least 30 seconds before turning it over, or it will not start.
Good luck.