On Tue, 09 Mar 2004 07:10:09 +0000, Lloyd Sumpter wrote:

On Mon, 08 Mar 2004 15:37:41 +0000, Sebastian wrote:

Our 1986 Catalina 27 with Universal 18 diesel tends to run hot (although not
immediately, takes many hours), has low RPMs (always, although it ranges
between 1750 and 2000 at full throttle), and always give off some black smoke.
Additionally, it appears that there may be a tiny bit of black oil leaking
behind the transon of the boat, but not a lot. Finally, we get a maximum speed
of 4 1/2 or 5 knots in still water, which seems to be too little...

I am quite new to diesels, so know very little. Can someone recommend some
easy things to check/fix. I've heard black smoke means injectors, but could
that also cause the low RPMs?

Thanks!

I'm QUITE familiar with Universal diesels, having messed with one for 15 years
before replacing it myself. As others have said, sounds very much like too much
prop. Try full-throttle at idle: what does the tach say? Also, you should
calibrate the tach if you're going to be doing any tests - a "hand tach" is a
valuable investment for a wonky diesel.


"Full-throttle at idle"? Whew - looks like SOMEONE didn't proof-read! Obviously,
I meant "full-throttle in neutral". Also, I wanted to mention that unless the
engine was REALLY mis-used, it's nowhere near the end of it's life and shouldn't
need a rebuild.

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36