I have a 1984 Catalina 30 with a 25 HP diesel engine. I had some trouble starting the engine; it cranked once for a second and shut down. This happened repeatedly. I put a fully charged battery in -- same result. When I had a mechanic check it, he said there was water in the engine and the muffler was full of water. Although I never crank it for more than 10 seconds, I was told that the cumulative effect of repeated crankings - even for a second at a time, allows water to fill the muffler and enter the engine. Another mechanic told me that Catalinas have a very flat system with the muffler being just slightly below the engine, barely meeting the standard. If anyone has had an experience like this, perhaps you can advise me about what can I do to prohibit this from happening again? Thanks.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
J
Jack Swords
I hope you removed the water and oil from the engine. A hydrolock can result when cranking the engine when a cylinder has water in it (water won't compress) therefore bending a rod or worse. The water pump pumps water anytime the engine is cranked, but it takes the exhaust to blow it out of the muffler. Each crank fills the muffler until it goes back through into the engine. Crank with the cooling system valve closed if it takes several turn overs to start, then upon starting, immediately open cooling water valve. Once the engine is running and exhaust functioning, it should empty the muffler down to an acceptable level. Good luck, get the water out!!!
J
Jeff Walker
Drain aqu-lift filter regularly
I actually leave the cap of the aqua-lift drain pipe loose to allow the excess wate to drain out then tighten after the engine starts. Also, make sure that the anti-siphon valve under the sink is clear on the top valve. This helps keep water from backing into the exhaust when you shut off the engine. Good luck and I'm glad you discovered the problem before the cylinders completely seized up with corrosion. Jeff
I actually leave the cap of the aqua-lift drain pipe loose to allow the excess wate to drain out then tighten after the engine starts. Also, make sure that the anti-siphon valve under the sink is clear on the top valve. This helps keep water from backing into the exhaust when you shut off the engine. Good luck and I'm glad you discovered the problem before the cylinders completely seized up with corrosion. Jeff
P
Paul
SIPHON VALVE??
What does the siphon valve do?? Mine has a small cap on top which seals the small opening. Should this be sealed closed or left open? Thanks, Paul
What does the siphon valve do?? Mine has a small cap on top which seals the small opening. Should this be sealed closed or left open? Thanks, Paul
R
Robert Moretti
Keep raw water closed when nor running
I had this exact same problem on the second day I owned my 1985 Catalina 30. The engine can fill with water from an overfilled aqualift muffler, then back up into the cylinders, as others have described. A sticking antisiphon valve can also allow water to siphon into the engine. This turned out to be my problem, and after the valve was unstuck, the problem did not recurr. Since the antisiphon valve might get stuck without your knowing it, you can take the following precaution: 1. If you have one crewmember to help, have him open the raw water input only after the engine starts. That way you won't keep pulling water through the engine and into the aqualift muffler while you are cranking. Open the raw water valve immediately after the engine fires, or you will risk burning up the impeller in the water pump. 2. Close the raw water input whenever you shut off the engine, whether you are sailing or at the dock. This prevents water from being siphoned into the engine. I've had no further problems since following these procedures. r-moretti@northwestern.edu
I had this exact same problem on the second day I owned my 1985 Catalina 30. The engine can fill with water from an overfilled aqualift muffler, then back up into the cylinders, as others have described. A sticking antisiphon valve can also allow water to siphon into the engine. This turned out to be my problem, and after the valve was unstuck, the problem did not recurr. Since the antisiphon valve might get stuck without your knowing it, you can take the following precaution: 1. If you have one crewmember to help, have him open the raw water input only after the engine starts. That way you won't keep pulling water through the engine and into the aqualift muffler while you are cranking. Open the raw water valve immediately after the engine fires, or you will risk burning up the impeller in the water pump. 2. Close the raw water input whenever you shut off the engine, whether you are sailing or at the dock. This prevents water from being siphoned into the engine. I've had no further problems since following these procedures. r-moretti@northwestern.edu
R
Robert Moretti
Antisiphon valve should be closed when engine runs
The antisiphon valve should close when the engine runs, and should automatically open when the engine is off
The antisiphon valve should close when the engine runs, and should automatically open when the engine is off
J
Jack Swords
Antisiphon valve
Just a further note. The engine, as it cools down from running, causes heated air in cylinders and exhaust manifold to cool and therefore contract. This will suck back water in the exhaust system (aqualift muffler). The antisiphon valve, as others have said, opens when the engine is off (no pressure from cooling system impeller) allowing outside air to enter the exhaust manifold etc. instead of siphoning water from the muffler. Its function is related to heating expansion and cooling contraction. It is under the sink and can be cleaned (don't drop it under the engine as I did). Simple but critical device. It must close with running engine or used coolant water will squirt out, but open as engine cools to break siphon suction.
Just a further note. The engine, as it cools down from running, causes heated air in cylinders and exhaust manifold to cool and therefore contract. This will suck back water in the exhaust system (aqualift muffler). The antisiphon valve, as others have said, opens when the engine is off (no pressure from cooling system impeller) allowing outside air to enter the exhaust manifold etc. instead of siphoning water from the muffler. Its function is related to heating expansion and cooling contraction. It is under the sink and can be cleaned (don't drop it under the engine as I did). Simple but critical device. It must close with running engine or used coolant water will squirt out, but open as engine cools to break siphon suction.
P
Paul
Siphon Valve clarification please...
I am starting to understand however, I am still unclear what is inside the valve???? Mine just has a small metal cap that is screwed down on top of the valve. I am several hours from my new boat so I don't remember what was under the cap. Is there a small spring loaded plunger inside to hole that opens and closes or is this like a PVC valve on a car engine?? Thanks for everyones input. This appears to be very important and I want to be sure I know how this operates. Paul
I am starting to understand however, I am still unclear what is inside the valve???? Mine just has a small metal cap that is screwed down on top of the valve. I am several hours from my new boat so I don't remember what was under the cap. Is there a small spring loaded plunger inside to hole that opens and closes or is this like a PVC valve on a car engine?? Thanks for everyones input. This appears to be very important and I want to be sure I know how this operates. Paul
T
Todd Osborne
Holes in your boat
There are many holes in your boat (protected by thru hull valves). Make sure you seal them when not using them (close the valve!!!!). Any failure of the line it is connected to will sink your boat. In your case, you sunk your engine (figuratively speaking). Anti siphon valves are a great addition, but they can and do fail. Good luck with your engine! You never know, it might be covered by your insurance.
There are many holes in your boat (protected by thru hull valves). Make sure you seal them when not using them (close the valve!!!!). Any failure of the line it is connected to will sink your boat. In your case, you sunk your engine (figuratively speaking). Anti siphon valves are a great addition, but they can and do fail. Good luck with your engine! You never know, it might be covered by your insurance.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.