Hello all,
An online friend of mine pointed me in this direction from a machinist board we frequent. He noted the post made by RLWP regarding fuel in the oil.
So, a brief description. I'm not a boater, nor is my 14.6hp Lister a boat engine. It's connected to a generator. I have a machine shop, and the old Lister provides me with 3 phase power. And that it does very well. The engine is a friend of mines. It was his father's. I've been using the engine for about a year, but I have maybe only 30 running hours on it since not all of my machines are 3 phase.
I've always had a few issues with the engine, but were usually minor. Unnntilll, the crank case over flowed with "oil" the other night.
So, all stop.. do not pass go, do not collect $200...
I've not had the time to really dig into the engine yet, but I'm hoping to do so tonight. However, the post I mentioned above has helped point me in a direction in which I believe I've narrowed down the fuel leak. So, I'm feeling somewhat confident in that fix - until I dig into it tonight possibly.
However, I'd like to bring up a few other topics I'm concerned about.
The unit leaks oil like a siv. Always from the valve covers. However, since I'll have them off, I'm sure I'll find some reason for leaking. However, if someone has clues to post me in a direction, it would be helpful.
Also, I've always been concerned with oil pressure. The gauge doesn't go to zero - I assume it froze with moisture in it once upon a time. When I start the engine, the pressure pops up to (what the gauge reads, anyways) 40, and jiggles (I understand it's some kind of piston pump that would pulse?) But the pressure drops after some time. To the point it may bottom out to "zero"... I don't like that. I find it extremely concerning. I did read that any gauge movement is good movement, but no movement after some time doesn't seem good.
What kind of simple "dash" gauge would be a replacement? Having a zeroed gauge would be good, but any suggestions on maintaining oil pressure?
Is there anything I can do with the sensor to ensure it's not part of the problem?
The engine itself has not seen any "love" in many years. Since I've run into a road block with it, I feel it could use a good tune up... What would that entail?
Since I have fuel in the oil, I'll be doing a full oil change w/filter, I'm going to check over the injectors and pumps to ensure connections are tight. I recently checked and blew out the air filter.
Anything else specific?
The engine runs great. There's an electric fuel pump on it, I guess the mechanical pumps are no good? I installed a small needle valve near the valve covers to bleed the line at start up. Once bled (10 seconds), it starts right up. In the winter, same thing, but with a shot of start fluid hosed into the intake pipe and starts right up. No black smoke, a bit of hazy white. The muffler is vertical out the top with one of those flappers on it. That flapper bounces around for 30 seconds then once the engine settles down it sits open like a 1/2" and barely moves as the engine hums (read: pounds!) away. It is an air cooled Lister afterall, it's loud!
I appreciate any feed back. I can post any pictures desired.
I am apart of another machinist message board, but I have a tendancy to hang around new places and share knowledge I may be able to contribute.
Thanks!
Shawn