Lister SR2 (1974)

[Nightwatch]

Hello

I write on behalf of a friend who has the above engine in a narrowboat, I guess the engine is 34 years old as is the boat.

This engine has a number of symptoms which I will attempt to describe.

1 It smokes alot. Nothing strange there, however "it smokes alot!"

2 It revs high. This is perhaps Mr bodget has mucked about the the rev cable.

3 There is diesel/oil in the base of the air filter.

4 If the revs aren't set at a precise position the engine splutters and then cuts out.

5 The canvas sleeve/vent is old and has collapsed a little, could this be a factor?

 

Unfortunately my friend has little funds to have a "big job" carried out, same old story I know but a fact. Are there any fixes to be recommended for the competent diyer/mechanic?

I have suggested a few things to him, fit new injectors, replace and return to oringinal route for control cable.

We have written to Lister "specialist" in Braunston and he says he would know more if he had a look. {probably true) but adds to the costs.

 

I hope somecan can help/advise someway to getting this old engine running as it should. Sounds good when running good!

[Chris Pink]

Sound like mucky fuel is the first thing to check - fit a new fuel filter and if possible check the condition of the diesel coming out the tank.

 

The canvas is for the air cooling and unless your problem is overheating then it is probably not contributing to the problem.

 

If not done for a while an oil change will also make it feel loved - change the oil filter too.

 

Clean out the air filter - some listers are intended to have an oil bath in the air filter, find out whether yours is that type (post a picture?) but don't overfill it (very important)

 

have a look at the lever the throttle cable operates, it should be obvious whether this is returning properly.

 

remove the injectors and clean any soot from them with a wire brush. Don't at this stage replace the injectors (v, expensive) although servicing them may be an option (around £100) if the above list doesn't improve things.

Edited August 26, 2008 by Chris Pink

[Nightwatch]

Thank you Chris.

John has had this boat for about seven years and all that time the rev cable has suffered from a "fix2 arrangement. I think he needs to go back to basics and renew all of the cable and associated fixings.

I take your point on dirty diesel. The boat had a basic service which was an oil and filter change, not sure about the fuel filter. Will pass this on.

The canvus tube. John says the engine does get hot occasionally. I think it may be 'cause it revs high sometimes. I have read somewhere that lack of air affects smoke etc.

[alan_fincher]

The canvas tube. John says the engine does get hot occasionally. I think it may be 'cause it revs high sometimes. I have read somewhere that lack of air affects smoke etc.

Lack of air to the intake of an engine, (usually through an air filter), can cause smoking.

 

But the canvas trunking on a Lister is not for the air the engine "breathes", it's for the cooling air.

 

Squashed trunking can impede the flow of cooling air.

 

Holed trunking can cause the air to recirculate hot, air, rather than to draw in cold for cooling.

 

Both trunking faults could lead to overheating of these air cooled engines, but are not, in my view a primary cause of the smoke.

 

Alan

[Nightwatch]

I sort of knew that. But good to hear it from "someone" with more knowledge.

Thank you

[Nightwatch]

Anmy more thoughts? Please!

[Timleech]

Anmy more thoughts? Please!

 

Try what's been suggested & come back with the results for more ideas.

 

Tim

[Nightwatch]

OKAY!

[Chris Pink]

Well have you addressed the issues flagged already?

 

fuel cleanliness, new fuel filter, inspection of the condition of the existing one.

free operation of throttle cable and correct routing, correct return to the idle stop

check for restriction of the air intake, cleaned out and established whether it is an oil-bath type or not. In either case it will run if the filter is dry.

 

There are very few things that will make a Lister run rough, anything major would make it not run at all, most else is down to fuel delivery

 

so....

 

do the above, it doesn't cost much (fuel filter £5)

get a manual

If the above doesn't help; get the injectors serviced.

 

what colour is the smoke? Does it smoke when warm? under-load? off-load?

When it does run does it sound 'normal'? no rattles or knocks?

what condition is the oil? black? does it feel like oil? is there any metal pieces in it? is there the right level on the dipstick?

are there any major oil leaks on the engine?

when the engine is running take the dipstick out and put your hand over the hole, is there a lot of pressure? does smoke come out of the dipstick hole?

 

 

And I am assuming you have checked that the propellor is not fouled?

Edited August 27, 2008 by Chris Pink

[Nightwatch]

John not on boat until 7th september. Will see what happens, Thank you all. John is not me. by the way!

[Guest TerryL]

Hello

I write on behalf of a friend who has the above engine in a narrowboat, I guess the engine is 34 years old as is the boat.

This engine has a number of symptoms which I will attempt to describe.

1 It smokes alot. Nothing strange there, however "it smokes alot!"

2 It revs high. This is perhaps Mr bodget has mucked about the the rev cable.

3 There is diesel/oil in the base of the air filter.

4 If the revs aren't set at a precise position the engine splutters and then cuts out.

5 The canvas sleeve/vent is old and has collapsed a little, could this be a factor?

 

Unfortunately my friend has little funds to have a "big job" carried out, same old story I know but a fact. Are there any fixes to be recommended for the competent diyer/mechanic?

I have suggested a few things to him, fit new injectors, replace and return to oringinal route for control cable.

We have written to Lister "specialist" in Braunston and he says he would know more if he had a look. {probably true) but adds to the costs.

 

I hope somecan can help/advise someway to getting this old engine running as it should. Sounds good when running good!

 

It really needs a thorough overhaul and service, does he have a manual? The aircooled engines can be suffering from sticking rings if the smoke is from the exhaust or crank, not a difficult job as both barrels unbolt. It can also smoke from oil leaks and overheating which can be clogged fins or fan or air recirculating. Revving could be the speed govenor faulty or maladjusted or running in the start position. Clean engine oil should be in the wet air cleaner. Could be the govenor has stuck to cause the cutting out or it's a fuel (filter/pump?) problem. The air cooling system needs to work well to avoid overheating and carbonised rings so replace the canvas and make sure the cool air is getting in and the hot air out. The injectors shouldn't need replacing but if you get knocking or poor performance then get them serviced, only if they are carboned up badly use a brass wire brush very carefully to avoid damaging them. Best bet is get the manual and follow it.

[Nightwatch]

Thank you all for your comments. John is letting Paul from Redshaws at Braunston have a look on Tuesday next.

[John Orentas]

Are there any signs of overheating ? These engines being air cooled are prone to overheating caused by the air circulation around the cylinder barrels (or block if you prefer) becoming obstructed.. You will need to remove the cowling's from around the engine and clean out the cooling fins, they have the appearance of those on a motorcycle engine.