Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 02-25-2019, 12:37 PM   #1
Guru
 
Vashon_Trawler's Avatar
 
City: St. Petersburg, Florida
Vessel Name: M/V Sherpa
Vessel Model: 24' Vashon Diesel Cruiser
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 598
Injector service recommendations... white smoke

My Volvo MD2030 (601 hours) has been blowing out some white smoke, which is getting progressively worse. The amount of smoke produced increases with RPM. It is NOT coolant but definitely stinks like fuel. There are no issues with coolant level or consistency, so I am ruling out a head gasket issue.

Anyway, my research points to a dirty/clogged injector. I don't feel or hear any issues with the engine--just a cloud of white smoke that smells like fuel. I adjusted the valve clearance a year or so ago but have yet to service the injectors. The paint on the engine suggests they have never been removed (installed in 2007).

I plan to pull all three injectors rather than diagnose which one is misbehaving.

Can anyone recommend a diesel injector service that they have used? Replacing the injector nozzle doesn't look terribly difficult, but I have no means to test/confirm the spray pattern.

Thank you,

Chris
__________________
“Go small, go simple, go now”
― Larry Pardey, Cruising in Seraffyn
Vashon_Trawler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2019, 12:42 PM   #2
Guru
 
Fish53's Avatar
 
City: Rockport
Vessel Name: Ana
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,047
Sheaf Diesel Services - Diesel Injector Pumps Repair Specialists - Sheffield

601 hours sounds pretty short for injector issues if the fuel has been keep clean and dry.
Fish53 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2019, 01:23 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
BIG CAT's Avatar
 
City: Kiln,MS
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 457
Call southeast Power systems and see if they can check them for you.
BIG CAT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2019, 02:12 PM   #4
Guru
 
Xsbank's Avatar
 
City: Pender Harbour, BC
Vessel Name: Gwaii Haanas
Vessel Model: Custom Aluminum 52
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,791
It’s winter. White “smoke,” are you sure? What does your Volvo do? Genset or propulsion?

Dollars to donuts there is nothing wrong.
__________________
Don't believe everything that you think.
Xsbank is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2019, 02:42 PM   #5
Guru
 
Vashon_Trawler's Avatar
 
City: St. Petersburg, Florida
Vessel Name: M/V Sherpa
Vessel Model: 24' Vashon Diesel Cruiser
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 598
Thank you for the responses. The MD2030 is propulsion... 12 years old with just 600 hours. She did a lot sitting around with the previous owner. I have owned the boat for about four or five years now and she has never emitted white smoke (maybe a little when cold and at start-up). It first started with a little white smoke at start-up, which is normal. The smoke at start-up increased gradually and now I am seeing a pronounced fuel smelling white cloud when underway (more RPM equates to more white smoke). The Volvo manual recommends pulling and testing the injectors every 500 hours--this seems excessive.

She road well yesterday--no issues that I could detect. Coolant checks out fine with no changes in level. There were no hesitations or RPM fluctuations. The white smoke, however, made the trip a stinky one depending on the wind direction!
__________________
“Go small, go simple, go now”
― Larry Pardey, Cruising in Seraffyn
Vashon_Trawler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2019, 03:11 PM   #6
Newbie
 
City: Cape Coral, FL
Vessel Name: Glory Be
Vessel Model: Mainship 400 Trawler
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 4
injectors

I took 8 injectors to Everglades Diesel Injection Service in Ft. Lauderdale. They came back like new and the service was 5 star. Their phone number is 800-843-3931. Ask for Bill.
adventureboater is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2019, 04:21 PM   #7
Technical Guru
 
Ski in NC's Avatar
 
City: Wilmington, NC
Vessel Name: Louisa
Vessel Model: Custom Built 38
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 6,194
Check around the St. Pete and Tampa area, there are probably a handful of diesel injection shops. Any should be able to pop test them while you wait. This includes doing a visual on the spray pattern. If new tips are needed, they should be able to get them and fit them for not too much coin.

How does it start and idle cold? Any miss or smoke there?
Ski in NC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-25-2019, 05:25 PM   #8
Guru
 
City: gulf coast
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,440
https://www.pinellasdieselservice.com/
bayview is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 06:09 AM   #9
FF
Guru
 
FF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
White smoke underway , with warm engine is usually bad compression .

Send out the injectors IF the compression is normal.
FF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 06:45 AM   #10
Senior Member
 
City: Baltimore, Maryland
Vessel Name: HAVEN
Vessel Model: Golden Star 35
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 109
Agree that it sounds like a compression issue. Do a compression check whilst the injectors are out. Your diesel is a virtual "infant" with just 600 hours, is barely broken in. Bad injector nozzle pressures (higher than specs) will cause a sheen on the water at exhaust. Lower nozzle pressure will usually cause hard starting. I'm having mine done at present (Perkins naturals 354's). My nozzles, 1/3rd were bad on each side and am replacing all of them. Nozzle pressure spec is 175 psi on these Range 4's. 4 were 200+ and caused the "stink" and "sheen". Do a compression check as well.
artfulltune is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 09:55 AM   #11
Guru
 
Vashon_Trawler's Avatar
 
City: St. Petersburg, Florida
Vessel Name: M/V Sherpa
Vessel Model: 24' Vashon Diesel Cruiser
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 598
I appreciate the suggestions! Bad compression... wow... at 600 hours? Air filter is new, no issues starting, no black smoke, no rough idling, RPM is steady, oil is changed religiously. Wouldn't the engine be hard to start if compression was low?

So I may be looking at valve damage and the engine may need tearing apart?

I do notice an sheen on the water at the exhaust (at start up). I will definitely check the compression!

Any other catastrophic problems I may have to consider?
__________________
“Go small, go simple, go now”
― Larry Pardey, Cruising in Seraffyn
Vashon_Trawler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 10:06 AM   #12
Technical Guru
 
Ski in NC's Avatar
 
City: Wilmington, NC
Vessel Name: Louisa
Vessel Model: Custom Built 38
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 6,194
If it starts well cold and does not miss and smoke then, compression is probably ok. Weak compression shows up most on a cold start.
Ski in NC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 11:41 AM   #13
Guru
 
Crusty Chief's Avatar
 
City: Pahrump, NV
Vessel Name: Pairadice
Vessel Model: Sold Selene 47
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,967
Sounds more like a turbo issue, that would be my first thought.
__________________
John & Tracey
Boatless
https://mvpairadice.blogspot.com/
Crusty Chief is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 11:43 AM   #14
Guru
 
Jeff F's Avatar
 
City: Guelph
Vessel Name: Escapade
Vessel Model: 50` US Navy Utility trawler conversion
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,432
Are you sure it's not steam? I had similar symptoms when my raw water strainer was partially clogged. Engine coolant temps were OK but there wasn't enough flow into the exhaust mixer.
Jeff F is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 02:16 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
City: Baltimore, Maryland
Vessel Name: HAVEN
Vessel Model: Golden Star 35
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 109
Hello again Chris...you've like seen this on another forum but these replies to a similar issue might help; Volvo Penta MD2030 White Smoke, Knocking - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
artfulltune is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 02:42 PM   #16
Guru
 
Vashon_Trawler's Avatar
 
City: St. Petersburg, Florida
Vessel Name: M/V Sherpa
Vessel Model: 24' Vashon Diesel Cruiser
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 598
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff F View Post
Are you sure it's not steam? I had similar symptoms when my raw water strainer was partially clogged. Engine coolant temps were OK but there wasn't enough flow into the exhaust mixer.

Good question. It is definitely smells strong of diesel. I originally thought it was steam and opened the inspection ports of the elbow and also checked the strainer to includes inlets for a possible block--all clear. It wasn't until the smoke became progressively worse underway that I could smell the distinct smell of diesel. I do see a sheen when starting the engine and a plume this has become more pronounced over the past year. The smoke mostly disappears under idle and gets worse at RPM increases.
__________________
“Go small, go simple, go now”
― Larry Pardey, Cruising in Seraffyn
Vashon_Trawler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 02:53 PM   #17
Guru
 
Vashon_Trawler's Avatar
 
City: St. Petersburg, Florida
Vessel Name: M/V Sherpa
Vessel Model: 24' Vashon Diesel Cruiser
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 598
Quote:
Originally Posted by artfulltune View Post
Hello again Chris...you've like seen this on another forum but these replies to a similar issue might help; Volvo Penta MD2030 White Smoke, Knocking - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
Thanks! I just looked it over and it gave me some additional thoughts. Last week, I added a diesel injector cleaner hoping that this would clear up the issue.

Despite having 601 hours, the engine is 11 years old so I am thinking it would be wise to at least have the injectors inspected.

Again, coolant looks good (no drop in level) or signs of contaminants, she starts easily, no burning of oil or black smoke, exhaust elbow is fairly new and clear, she doesn't run rough and easily reaches WOT, RPM is steady, and I don't hear knocking. All I am seeing is a stinky plume of white smoke that is quite visible when I get up in RPMs.

My plan for now is to check compression and service the injectors. I am hoping it is not a pump or valve issue. I will report back with an update! I appreciate all the help!
__________________
“Go small, go simple, go now”
― Larry Pardey, Cruising in Seraffyn
Vashon_Trawler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 07:02 PM   #18
Guru
 
psneeld's Avatar
 
City: Ft Pierce
Vessel Name: Sold
Vessel Model: Was an Albin/PSN 40
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 28,119
A tip from a master who passed it to me....


"Quick and easy check, bar the engine over while listening to crankcase breather, intake filter (remove for better listening) and exhaust just below elbow or spray ring where soft hose begins. If a bad valve or rings you will hear it hissing.
psneeld is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-26-2019, 09:07 PM   #19
Guru
 
BruceK's Avatar
 
City: Sydney
Vessel Name: Sojourn
Vessel Model: Integrity 386
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 13,293
Quote:
Originally Posted by artfulltune View Post
Hello again Chris...you've like seen this on another forum but these replies to a similar issue might help; Volvo Penta MD2030 White Smoke, Knocking - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
An amazingly helpful thread. No snarking, just members doing their utmost to help. Very impressive, whether applicable or not. Much like this one.
__________________
BruceK
2005 Integrity 386 "Sojourn"
Sydney Australia
BruceK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-27-2019, 07:15 AM   #20
FF
Guru
 
FF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
All good info on that forum, but never resolved.

Most small boat engines seem to be killed , rather than being worn out.

This is frequently because the PO did not follow Da Book, (engine service manual, not the tiny "owners manual")and service the engine before extended periods of non use.

My guess would be stuck oil ring or rust pits in the cylinder walls from non use.


Either would not show much on a compression test.
FF is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:19 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012