On 3 Sep 2006 10:02:41 -0700, "Mike fp"
wrote:

The diesel smokes a bit. The seller said the reason it smokes is
because he's burning home heating oil instead of diesel fuel.
Will using home heating oil cause the smoke? Also is there any harm in
using heating oil instead of diesel?

What is the color of the smoke? If black, the engine is over injected
and the smoke is unburned fuel. Long term that is tough on the engine
and indicates a problem. If the engine is turbo charged, the turbo
may be carboned up. Expensive repair. Blue smoke, if it does not
clear up in a short time after warm up, generally means the rings are
worn or not seated properly for some reason. A rebuild may be
required - very expensive.

Use of home heating oil requires a cetane boosting additive. Without
the cetane booster there is a risk of engine damage.

I would either walk away and look for a better boat, or low ball the
offer on the assumption that some serious engine work is required.

Have you hired an engine surveyor? If not that would be a good next
step if you are still interested.