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crissmills
USA
6 Posts |
 Posted - 09/11/2009 : 8:15:18 PM
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As a continuation of the fumes problem- Short of seeing an easy visible crack in the exhaust manifolds (both due to size and location)--How can you find leaks in the exhaust manifolds (and gasket to engine heads)?
Thanks
Criss Mills
Criss Mills
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Bob On This
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 10:04:32 PM
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Chris,
I'm learning as I go, so I maybe full of sh#%%$.
I would think any leak around the risers and elbows would show up as water leaks and maybe a little black staining.
The gasket on the head to manifold would only show the black stains.
Any joint past the head will have water mixed with the exhaust, and would show up (visually) as a water leak. As I write this, I guess you could have a gas leak at these joints without the water, but I'm not sure.
I would also look at your crankcase breathers. Engine blow-by has a very similar smell. And is just as dangerous.
I'm with the guys on the forum, you really, really need to find the source of the smell, could be very bad for your heath.
Can you run the boat with someone watching the engines?
(Be very careful that this "someone" can't fall onto the operating engine}.
Hope this helps
Bob
Diver Down |
Edited by - Bob On This on 09/11/2009 10:05:48 PM |
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Jimbo Song
238 Posts |
Posted - 09/11/2009 : 11:21:51 PM
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If you remove the hatches and run the engines in neutral at, say, 2000 rpms and give it a good visual you should be able to see and smell signs of any manifold or riser leaks; slight smoke, water, staining, etc. If the leak is in the exhaust tubes you should be able to hear them.
Also, if you can lay your hands on an IR temp gun you will be able to pick up on any hot spots.
Personally, if it were my boat, since the consequences of exhaust leaks can be so dire and because I am FAR from an expert, I'd find myself a very good mechanic and have him check it out just to be on the safe side.
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
Edited by - Jimbo Song on 09/11/2009 11:24:04 PM |
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crissmills
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 4:54:26 PM
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Thanks guys- Yes I did open the hatches a have a look while running but could not see any real smoke pouring off the breathers or the exhaust manifolds. I did not think about cracks at the time but have been wondering if the water jackets are so interspersed that one could not leak without the other.
I do not own it yet - not until this can be cleared up- It looks to be hard to track and I am wondering if a mechanic can spot it. The black smudge I have seen on automobile heads where the gasket leaks- sometimes it is buried from view though.
I did start wondering if it could be oil burning off on the engine parts. There was a small pool of oil on the intake manifold in one of the depressions. Obviously leaking from somewhere. This could be a source of smell as it gets hot. However did not see any obvious smoking going on like when one spills oil on the hotter parts of a car- say the exhaust manifolds or even the block over time.
Still puzzling and in need of professional help
the boat is down to a very cheap price and would be ok if I new how to stop it - ie - how much it is going to cost to stop it.
Criss
Criss Mills |
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Jimbo Song
238 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 10:49:11 AM
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Oil on the intake manifold is a good indicator if leaking valve cover gaskets or possible a leaking oil pressure sender.
If it were me, I'd find a very good surveyor and pay the $400-$500 and have a complete survey done. This should answer all your questions. The peace of mind is worth more than that plus it can keep you from inheriting a multi-thousand dollar problem.
Bob
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
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crissmills
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - 09/18/2009 : 12:54:48 PM
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Well I got a mechanic to look at it and there was a blown gasket on the side of the exhaust manifold as well as a small hole in the manifold itself. He says the other ones are ok but the test was not too thoughrough. They just held their hands around the manifolds and felt for the pressure of leaks. Maybe there are more small ones you can't feel so easily or you cannot get your hands in everywhere. Probably they got them all but doubts persist.
The smell is still with the boat though. Aside from spilling a quantity of oil in the bilge taking off the manifolds, the inside of the cabin refuses to clear all the way. I am assuming the entire inside surfaces are coated with exhaust after filling up from the bilge. The engine compartment communicates easily with the interior of the cabin through the area under the sofa where the hotwater heater and ac are located.
I am hoping a good cleaning will get rid of the smell but not too sure about this.
Criss Mills
almost owner but not quite
Criss Mills |
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Jimbo Song
238 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2009 : 4:23:07 PM
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Personally, if one is bad I'd replace them all. all of the corrosive conditions that was present for the bad one existed for all of them. So, while you're at it and to head off future problems go ahead and replace them all.
IMHO.
Bob
PS: How are the risers and exhaust tubes?
1987 Carver Voyager 28
"Jimbo Song"
Palm Coast, FL |
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Topic |
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exhaust manifold
