After I thought I solved my engine starting and running issues I ventured out on a cruise. Three hours each way with overnight in between. On the way out had to motor then motor sail the the whole way due to wind, waves and time constraint. Normally I cruise at 1500RPM but having read that 2000 is a better rate I tried that but saw increased black smoke out the exhaust and the water temp was at max on the gauge (didn't note the temp for max). So decided to throttle back. Next morning on return engine started up right away but with noticeable oil or soot on the water outside the exhaust. Despite that we motored about 20min to clear harbour and with perfect sailing conditions cut the engine. Close to home tried to restart but no joy. Needed a tow.
Background: Before this problem engine starts up right, fuel pressure ~4PSI but always have dry sooty plugs (rich mix) so was advised on some things to check on your forum. Haven't yet acted on those except trying the higher cruising RPM.
Next day at dock here's my observations:
a) Engine tries but won't turn over. Am sure batteries are good and I start on shore power. I will recheck spark at each cyl but that was good 1 month ago.
Compression: "cold" engine All plugs and dist centre plug removed, fuel pump disabled.: Cyl1 (90psi),Cyl2 (70psi), Cyl3 (80psi), Cyl4(80psi)
A few weeks back all about 90psi (warm engine)
b) Added few oz MMO to cyl 2-4
c) Changed oil (very dirty but at normal level). New oil change 1 month ago.
d) Remeasured compression, much better now:
Compression: Cyl1-4 (>100psi)
e) Removed flame arrestor, noticed that choke not fully closed at full choke, so readjusted that.
f) Drained different sections of fuel hosing and noticed some debris and in polishing filter (MM 10 micron) some water trapped in barrel.
g) Removed carb. GAS INSIDE WAS DIRTY (OIL or EXHAUST SOOT?). Recleaned with carb cleaner and rechecked float level (7/32" including gasket and seated parallel to carb bowl as per Dave N). No leaks detected
Am about to reinstall carb and retry but am concerned I have some underlying issue that will simply foul everything up again. I will be installing a water separator ASAP. Any advice please? Am starting to wonder if I have exhaust or backpressure issue but am more scared about how to diagnose that part of the system or attempt to open up engine.
Thank You
DonC
Background: Before this problem engine starts up right, fuel pressure ~4PSI but always have dry sooty plugs (rich mix) so was advised on some things to check on your forum. Haven't yet acted on those except trying the higher cruising RPM.
Next day at dock here's my observations:
a) Engine tries but won't turn over. Am sure batteries are good and I start on shore power. I will recheck spark at each cyl but that was good 1 month ago.
Compression: "cold" engine All plugs and dist centre plug removed, fuel pump disabled.: Cyl1 (90psi),Cyl2 (70psi), Cyl3 (80psi), Cyl4(80psi)
A few weeks back all about 90psi (warm engine)
b) Added few oz MMO to cyl 2-4
c) Changed oil (very dirty but at normal level). New oil change 1 month ago.
d) Remeasured compression, much better now:
Compression: Cyl1-4 (>100psi)
e) Removed flame arrestor, noticed that choke not fully closed at full choke, so readjusted that.
f) Drained different sections of fuel hosing and noticed some debris and in polishing filter (MM 10 micron) some water trapped in barrel.
g) Removed carb. GAS INSIDE WAS DIRTY (OIL or EXHAUST SOOT?). Recleaned with carb cleaner and rechecked float level (7/32" including gasket and seated parallel to carb bowl as per Dave N). No leaks detected
Am about to reinstall carb and retry but am concerned I have some underlying issue that will simply foul everything up again. I will be installing a water separator ASAP. Any advice please? Am starting to wonder if I have exhaust or backpressure issue but am more scared about how to diagnose that part of the system or attempt to open up engine.
Thank You
DonC
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