Sabastian,
First don't put a real @ddress out on the usenet anymore. The spambots
will take over your inbox.

The subject at hand.
I saw the thread start and did not have time to jump in early, but no
matter. Lloyd gave you a really good start and most of the information
in the thread is pretty good.

You give no clue what machanical ability you have available. But, don't
go messing with the injection pump until you have to.

I like his plan a lot, (like he said)
run it up in neutral it should get to 3k
If it doesn't, or if it smokes a bunch doing that - pull injectors first
(cheapest-easiest thing) and get them checked. One injector with a bad
spray pattern will cause all manner of grief.

Good Luck Guy
Matt Colie - 40+years at taking care of someone's engine.

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!

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

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

Thanks everyone for your ideas; and Lloyd special thanks for the very
detailed suggestions. This weekend I'll get to the yard and check out
the prop size and move on from there.

In case I turn out to NOT be over-propped, any good suggestions for a
good diesel mechanic in NYC?

Sebastian

"Lloyd Sumpter" wrote in message ...
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.

That engine should reach 3000 rpm full-throttle in neutral ("high idle"). It
should also reach close to 3000 (say at least 2700-2800) at full throttle under
load ("WOT"). I'd guess it should have about a 14x7 prop (14" dia, 7" pitch),
at most. It should be stamped on the prop (usually 14x7x1RH)

Other things to check: How easy is it to turn the shaft manually when in
neutral? Does the shaft turn while under sail? If not, maybe it's jamming,
causing too much load.

Then again, there could be a problem with the engine. Is it hard to start? Is
there smoke when running in neutral? It's a pretty simple engine: have the
injectors and high-pressure pump checked, then compression. Hope it's the
injectors - the other problems are major $$.

Yes, with the proper prop you should get hull speed with that engine, cruising
at 5 or so at 2400rpm, hitting 6.5 WOT.

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36 - brand-new M25XPB

Thanks everyone for your ideas; and Lloyd special thanks for the very
detailed suggestions. This weekend I'll get to the yard and check out
the prop size and move on from there.

In case I turn out to NOT be over-propped, any good suggestions for a
good diesel mechanic in NYC?

Sebastian

"Lloyd Sumpter" wrote in message ...
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.

That engine should reach 3000 rpm full-throttle in neutral ("high idle"). It
should also reach close to 3000 (say at least 2700-2800) at full throttle under
load ("WOT"). I'd guess it should have about a 14x7 prop (14" dia, 7" pitch),
at most. It should be stamped on the prop (usually 14x7x1RH)

Other things to check: How easy is it to turn the shaft manually when in
neutral? Does the shaft turn while under sail? If not, maybe it's jamming,
causing too much load.

Then again, there could be a problem with the engine. Is it hard to start? Is
there smoke when running in neutral? It's a pretty simple engine: have the
injectors and high-pressure pump checked, then compression. Hope it's the
injectors - the other problems are major $$.

Yes, with the proper prop you should get hull speed with that engine, cruising
at 5 or so at 2400rpm, hitting 6.5 WOT.

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36 - brand-new M25XPB

Hi
I've been bitten a couple of time by forgetting how reliable and robust
diesels really are. Give them good fuel, enough air, and change the oil
now and then and they last a long time. Before pulling injectors and other
expensive stuff, I'd go back to the basics - dose the fuel with cleaner /
biocide, check ( probably change) the fuel filter, check the fuel lines for
free flow of fuel. I'd check the air cleaner for obstruction. I've been
caught out by dirty fuel, water in fuel, blocked lines, blocked filters,
plastic bags in air inlet ... and that on just two engines. I'd also check
the exhaust system for obstruction and blockages, and as others have
suggested check the cooling water system for blockages and adequate flow
too. ( Forgot that one, it helps to open the sea cock after cleaning the
raw water strainer ... )
Others have also suggested checking the shaft for free rotation.
Might as well change the engine oil - if you don't know when it was last
changed, do it anyway. Same for transmission oil. Also anything else
external to the engine you can think of. NOW I'd check the tacho
calibration. Do the "run it up in neutral" test. See if there is any
improvement. If it's not happy, and you are ( like me) no mechanic, I'd
find someone to look at the engine and use some test equipment on it before
I started pulling it apart. By having checked the fuel, air, water, exhaust
and transmission for obvious problems, you will at least have saved yourself
some mechanics time. And you will know a lot more about what is "normal"
for the engine, and you might even have fixed the problem.

Regards and good luck
David





"Matt Colie" wrote in message
...
Sabastian,
First don't put a real @ddress out on the usenet anymore. The spambots
will take over your inbox.

The subject at hand.
I saw the thread start and did not have time to jump in early, but no
matter. Lloyd gave you a really good start and most of the information
in the thread is pretty good.

You give no clue what machanical ability you have available. But, don't
go messing with the injection pump until you have to.

I like his plan a lot, (like he said)
run it up in neutral it should get to 3k
If it doesn't, or if it smokes a bunch doing that - pull injectors first
(cheapest-easiest thing) and get them checked. One injector with a bad
spray pattern will cause all manner of grief.

Good Luck Guy
Matt Colie - 40+years at taking care of someone's engine.

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!

Hi
I've been bitten a couple of time by forgetting how reliable and robust
diesels really are. Give them good fuel, enough air, and change the oil
now and then and they last a long time. Before pulling injectors and other
expensive stuff, I'd go back to the basics - dose the fuel with cleaner /
biocide, check ( probably change) the fuel filter, check the fuel lines for
free flow of fuel. I'd check the air cleaner for obstruction. I've been
caught out by dirty fuel, water in fuel, blocked lines, blocked filters,
plastic bags in air inlet ... and that on just two engines. I'd also check
the exhaust system for obstruction and blockages, and as others have
suggested check the cooling water system for blockages and adequate flow
too. ( Forgot that one, it helps to open the sea cock after cleaning the
raw water strainer ... )
Others have also suggested checking the shaft for free rotation.
Might as well change the engine oil - if you don't know when it was last
changed, do it anyway. Same for transmission oil. Also anything else
external to the engine you can think of. NOW I'd check the tacho
calibration. Do the "run it up in neutral" test. See if there is any
improvement. If it's not happy, and you are ( like me) no mechanic, I'd
find someone to look at the engine and use some test equipment on it before
I started pulling it apart. By having checked the fuel, air, water, exhaust
and transmission for obvious problems, you will at least have saved yourself
some mechanics time. And you will know a lot more about what is "normal"
for the engine, and you might even have fixed the problem.

Regards and good luck
David





"Matt Colie" wrote in message
...
Sabastian,
First don't put a real @ddress out on the usenet anymore. The spambots
will take over your inbox.

The subject at hand.
I saw the thread start and did not have time to jump in early, but no
matter. Lloyd gave you a really good start and most of the information
in the thread is pretty good.

You give no clue what machanical ability you have available. But, don't
go messing with the injection pump until you have to.

I like his plan a lot, (like he said)
run it up in neutral it should get to 3k
If it doesn't, or if it smokes a bunch doing that - pull injectors first
(cheapest-easiest thing) and get them checked. One injector with a bad
spray pattern will cause all manner of grief.

Good Luck Guy
Matt Colie - 40+years at taking care of someone's engine.

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!