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Heart-Stopping Soot in Exhaust Moment

Posted: Mon May 12th, 2008, 1:18 pm
by MB63
On the way into Poole Harbour last week, a little burst of power was required from our Golden Hind 26's Bukh diesel when suddenly the exiting coolant water turned into a black stream.

At first I thought it was engine oil disappearing, but closer inspection suggested soot. Throttling back got rid of it.

Is this just something that these old engines do, or is it a sign of some terrible underlying problem?

Posted: Tue May 20th, 2008, 5:18 pm
by Black Sheep
I had exactly the same experience on Black Sheep (GH26 with Bukh 10). My powers of observation weren't enough to distinguish between soot and oil - I just throttled back and started to worry about all the nasty things it could be.

But a friend with more experience than I suggested that it's quite common on older engines and nothing to worry about.

Posted: Mon June 2nd, 2008, 2:51 pm
by Black Sheep
A further think and chat with those with more experience, suggests that the soot indicates incomplete combustion of the fuel. This could be caused by dirty/blocked air filters.

Must get round to checking mine...

Posted: Tue June 10th, 2008, 12:28 am
by Eventide Owners Group
Yes sounds as if the Air filters need cleaning and the motor needs a good run. You might have to clean out the exhaust if it is very bad, but a wet exhaust should almost self clean...

If it persists, get the injector checked.

John