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Engine change RN DM2 or not?

Dorman

By Dorman
in Boat Equipment

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Dorman Collaborator

Dorman

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HI All!

 

Long time posting I know.

 

Need some advice.

 

Currently the Dorman 3AL on Monty is running reasonably well but is becoming a bit smokey and producing flakes of soot and redhot ash when running at certain revs. Occasionally a valve sticks with a "spuff" but it doesn't use oil between changes.

 

Probably due for a decoke after 45 years use and was originally in a crane until 1999. injectors and injector pump was refurbished by a reputable company 3 years ago. Timing checked and spot on. Starts first turn of the key so guessing compression is good.

 

Anyone familiar with older engines near Pershore who would be available for a look and listen maybe before the spanners come out?

 

It is a big lump and we love her on the river Avon and Severn but on the canals does seem to get smokier until its given a good run back on the river. It ticks over lovely and blows smoke rings time to time and can take a while to clear when on the move, its blue black smoke. Oil pressure is good. when very hot ticks over at 10 psi min.

Taking the head off is quite a heavy job but l do have a cylinder head gasket kit and valve guides and really would at least like to give her a chance of a decoke. No valves available unfortunately.

My thoughts is to at least open her up and have a look at play in parts maybe check shell bearings etc to see over all wear. If it is quite bad wear and tear then as it is difficult to get any parts it may not be worth rebuilding or even decoking, but at least we will then know its condition.

 

But....and this question is really a second request for opinions. I have a 1984 DM2 at home and we are wondering to swap over engines (we will need a hole in the roof!) And as the boat needs painting and lifting for some more general work we plan it would be a good time to change over engine. The fear we have is as the DM2 is much lower on hp. How would it take the rivers and 57 ft with 19 tons (including the Dorman)???. I know this engine is great on the canals but how about the river?

 

Ready to get oily

 

Any opinions welcome

 

Simon

 

 

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David Mack Veteran II

David MackDonate to Canal World

Posted
Posted

But....and this question is really a second request for opinions. I have a 1984 DM2 at home and we are wondering to swap over engines (we will need a hole in the roof!) And as the boat needs painting and lifting for some more general work we plan it would be a good time to change over engine. The fear we have is as the DM2 is much lower on hp. How would it take the rivers and 57 ft with 19 tons (including the Dorman)???. I know this engine is great on the canals but how about the river?

 

DM2s would quite happily push a loaded GU pair on the cut and the river.

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The Pipe Rising Star

The Pipe

Posted
Posted (edited)

 

But....and this question is really a second request for opinions. I have a 1984 DM2 at home and we are wondering to swap over engines (we will need a hole in the roof!) And as the boat needs painting and lifting for some more general work we plan it would be a good time to change over engine. The fear we have is as the DM2 is much lower on hp. How would it take the rivers and 57 ft with 19 tons (including the Dorman)???. I know this engine is great on the canals but how about the river?

 

 

You will also have to do something with the propeller as well so not just an engine swop.

Edited by Jim Evans
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Neil Smith Experienced

Neil Smith

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Posted (edited)

Sounds like the Dorman isn't that bad just needs a decoke, if the oil pressure is good I would leave crank bearing shells alone, as for someone to have a listen try posting in the vintage engine section they might have a Dorman section.

 

Neil.

 

Sorry just looked no Dorman section but could put under others.

 

Neil.

Edited by Neil Smith
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Dorman Collaborator

Dorman

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Getting some good stuff now, thanks all!

 

I know the user name may be rejigged Liam :-)clapping.gif

 

Looks as if the DM2 will manage no problem, just wondering about the Dorman decoke though. We do love the sound of it.

 

head off or not suppose nothing lost as l have the gaskets.

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Dorman Collaborator

Dorman

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DM2 came out of a boat which l have known for a while and knew the history and it was running well. It has a slight crankcase leak and needs a better water pump impellor kit.

 

The chap wanted the engine room for a bedroom and fitted a 1800 bmc under the rear deck and kindly let me buy the RN.

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The Pipe Rising Star

The Pipe

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Posted

 

DM2 came out of a boat which l have known for a while and knew the history and it was running well. It has a slight crankcase leak and needs a better water pump impellor kit.

 

The chap wanted the engine room for a bedroom and fitted a 1800 bmc under the rear deck and kindly let me buy the RN.

I would sell that DM to fund a Dorman rebuild. You will probably still end up with some beer money left.
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Dorman Collaborator

Dorman

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I would sell that DM to fund a Dorman rebuild. You will probably still end up with some beer money left.

 

Hi Jim

 

We have a JP3 as well but no gearbox, out of another old boat where they wanted more room.---same as Gazelle? seen that out and about over the years a beautiful boat. have you any new picstongue.png ?

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The Pipe Rising Star

The Pipe

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Posted

 

Hi Jim

 

We have a JP3 as well but no gearbox, out of another old boat where they wanted more room.---same as Gazelle? seen that out and about over the years a beautiful boat. have you any new pics:P ?

Gazelle has a 3LW Gardner. Sell them both extra beer money! I know which I would have out of the 3 you have got and its allready fitted. Nowt wrong with a Dorman good old Staffs engineering. Gazelle shall be out and about shortly I have to have a run up to Fenny Compton and back
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