MarineEngine.com - Your best connection for marine engines, parts, service, and information. View Cart / Check Out Contact MarineEngine.com Ordering and Shipping Information Free Engine Classifieds Engine Parts Discussion Board Engine Manuals Home / Directory
add bookmark or favorites | email this page
Topics Topics Edit Profile Profile Help/Instructions Help Member List Register  
Search Last 1|3|7 Days Search Search Tree View Tree View  

Too much fuel locking cylinder(s)?...

Discussion Forum at MarineEngine.com » Caterpillar » Too much fuel locking cylinder(s)? « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

hightide
New member
Username: hightide

Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 08:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

I have twin Cat 3208s that have been sitting for a while with start batteries removed and I have been hand pumping the fuel primer pump to keep fuel in the cylinders to keep them lubricated.
I found out later that the engine can be hand turned with a large rachet wrench applied to the large nut on the crank pulley wheel... however, the stbd eng turns 270 degrees and then stops suddenly and I can't get it to turn the last 90 degrees... afraid of forcing it. When turning it slowly through the 270 degrees I can feel the engine go through compression on some cylinders and can hear the valves breathing, especially if I have the oil filler caps open on the valve covers. The Port engine I can only turn 90 degrees and then it stops suddenly, feels like the stbd eng does. Oil in both engines is clean... no water in the oil... shining a light down the oil filler tubes on the valve covers shows the rocker arms and lifters that I can see through this opening, to be pristine and sparkling and appears to have an oil coating on the parts... no corrosion at all. I can't imagine that there would be stuck valves or lifting rods... both engines were running perfectly before removing the batteries so, the only thing I can think of is that I pumped too much fuel (every time I visited the boat)into one or some of the cylinders and as the pistons come up and push the fuel to the top in the compression stroke with both intake and exhaust valves closed that the compressed fuel causes sort of a hydraulic lock preventing the piston(s) going through the compression stroke. I suppose the next step is to remove the valve covers and inspect all the rocker arms and lifting rods and turn the engine by hand to see which cylinder(s)are not going through the compression step. If I can identify the cylinder containing the excess fuel, maybe I can make a tool that would depress the valve springs just to open the valve enough so the piston can push the excess fuel out without hitting the open valve. What do you think? Does this sound reasonable? Has anyone had a similar problem? If this doesn't remedy the problem, then I suppose I will have to remove the head assembly to hunt for the source of the problem... something I would like to avoid if possible. Any ideas or feedback would greatly be appreciated and I'll keep you all posted on this problem. Thanks.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Hy Stat
Advanced Member
Username: hystat

Post Number: 981
Registered: 05-2007
Posted on Monday, December 01, 2008 - 09:38 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

the fuel priming pump only builds about 40 psi. It takes about 800 psi to get the injector nozzles to begin opening. So the priming pump thing did not lock the cylinders with fuel. The injectors don't let fuel in until the actual high pressure fuel injection plunger for each cylinder reaches it's VOP (valve opening pressure)

It could be water in the cylinder from a failing riser or exhaust manifold. You'd have to pull nozzles and turn engine to verify. It could be the transmission or raw water pump etc you are feeling too..

btw, 3208 fuel systems hate water- they are fuel lubricated. maintain your water separator religiously. Water can make the fuel injection sleeves stick in full fuel and make those engines run away.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

hightide
New member
Username: hightide

Post Number: 2
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Monday, December 01, 2008 - 06:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

Ok... Thanks Hy Stat. That is good information. The Engines are in neutral and I can roll the couplings over with my foot. Also, the raw water pump on the stbd eng has been removed to rebuild. On the port eng the raw water pump turns ok. Thanks for the tips on run away... just in case... how do you stop a run away engine... cut off the fuel?

Also, anybody know where I can get a shop (service) manual for the 3208? I wrote Caterpillar and they did not reply.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

hightide
New member
Username: hightide

Post Number: 3
Registered: 11-2008
Posted on Monday, December 01, 2008 - 06:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

If there is corrosion in the cylinder(s) I'm thinking of using a product call "Engine Release" that is supposed to dissolve the corrosion and free up the engine. Has anyone used this product or technique?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Hy Stat
Advanced Member
Username: hystat

Post Number: 987
Registered: 05-2007
Posted on Saturday, December 06, 2008 - 01:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP

you stop a runaway diesel with a steel plate over the intake. Always remove air intake piping and have a blocking plate ready if starting a diesel after working on the injection pump.
If there is corrosion in the cylinders, you need to find the source of the problem.
You can't dissolve corrosion. Corrosion is a verb, not a noun.
Corroded iron is the noun.
Corrosion is an already completed reaction to oxidization. the metal has rotted away. You can't reverse the process and put the metal back.

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
Only registered users may post messages here. Registration is FREE and easy, click on the REGISTER link at the top of the page. Thanks.
Password:
Options: Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Administration Administration Log Out Log Out   Previous Page Previous Page Next Page Next Page


Home / Directory | Engine Manuals | Engine Parts | Discussion Board | Free Classifieds | Orders / Shipping | Contact Us | View Cart

About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
MarineEngine.com, 184 Jones Dr., Brandon, VT 05733 USA
Phone: 802-247-4700 FAX: 802-301-1034 info@marineengine.com
Copyright © 2000 - 2007 by MarineEngine.com, Inc. All rights reserved
   
Traduca
EspanolEspanol
Traduisez
FrancaisFrancais
Traduza
PortuguesePortuguese
Traduca
Italiano
Ubersetzen
Deutschen
  
Sierra Marine Catalog
Seloc Online Manuals
Product Categories
Engine Parts · By Brand
Engine Manuals · By Brand
Books
General Repair and Maint.
Care and Repair
· Adhesive and Sealants
· Bottom Cleaners
· Cleaners Wax and Polish
· Mops Brushes and Sponges
Covers and Tops
· Bimini Tops   · Hardware
· Cover Accessories
· Motor Covers
· Universal Boat Covers
Electronics
· Gauges and Compasses
· Mounts and Accessories
Electrical
· Batteries & Chargers
· Battery Accessories
· Dockside Electrical
· Electrical Terminals
· Electrical Wire, Cable
· Fuses, Fuse Holders
· Switches
· Wire Ties, Clips, Tape
Fuel Systems
· Fuel Tanks
· Fittings, Fills, Vents
· Hose & Primer Bulbs
· Filters, Senders, Caps
Hardware
· Deck Cabin Hardware
· Molding and Rub Rails
· Rails and Fittings
· Snaps Shackles and Hooks
· Windshield Hardware
Lighting
· Cabin Lights · Light Bulbs
· Navigation Light Parts
· Navigation Lights
· Spotlights   · Parts
Mooring and Dock
· Boat Fenders · Boat Hooks
· Buoys and Markers
· Deck Cleats · Dock Edging
· Dock Parts and De-Icers
· Fender Covers and Holders
· Keelshield / Toon-Tectors
· Ladders and Platforms
Prop / Trim / Transom
· Jack Plates, Wedges
· Mounting Brackets
· Outboard Stands
· Trim Tabs, Stablizers
· Prop Nuts, Locks, Pins
 · Propellers · Wrenches
Pumps
· Aerator Pumps
· Bilge Pumps
· Drain Plugs and Tubes
· Hose · Through Hull Fittings
Rope and Cordage
· Anchor Line   · Dock Line
· Fender Line   · Bulk Rope
· Shock Cord and Bungee
Safety Products
· Horns Bells and Whistles
· Mirrors
· Vents Blowers and Hose
Sanitation
· Fresh Water Pumps
· Marine Toilets
· Sanitation Chemicals
· Sanitation Pumps/Hose
· Water/Waste System Parts
Seating
· Deck Chairs and Tables
· Fishing Seats
· Lounge Seats
· Pontoon Furniture
· Seat Bases and Pedestals
Steering / Control
· Control Boxes
· Control Cables
· Hydraulic Steering
· Mechanical Steering
· Rigging · Steering Wheels
Tools / Shop Supplies
· Lubricants & Additives
· Motor Flushers
· Tools & Test Equipment
Trailering
· Boat Guides/Motor Support
· Hitches Balls Couplers
· Rollers Brackets Springs
· Tires Wheels and Carriers
· Trailer Hubs & Bearings
· Trailer Jacks
· Trailer Wiring and Lighting
· Winches Straps Tie Downs
 Manufacturer List