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| Palmer P60 Seeking thoughts about how... |
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ChipG
Visitor
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 10:55 am: | 
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Greetings,
I have a P60 driving my sailboat when the wind is not cooperating. She has been running smoothly for a couple of years now. However, when I went to start her up for her bi-weekly "warm-up" that has not been done since last December ;=<... she started like a charm... ran for about 5 minutes or so... but then I thought I started hearing a different sound from her which included some clacking sound that I have not noticed before. It has been several months since I last ran her so it could just be my memory but I shut her down and decided to "ask the experts" before going back to run her any more. What things should/could I check to see if there is any major issue here? I am a neophyte when it comes to engines but willing to learn and try.
Thank you! |
Richard Shapiro
Advanced Member
Username: mainesails
Post Number: 48
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 11:57 am: |
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The most likely culprit is valve noise.
Most engines, the P60 included, make enough valve noise that it can be heard clearly above the general engine noise at low RPM. Generally, this noise is a "clicking" that can barely be heard (or can't be heard) once the engine cover is closed.
I couldn't tell you if you have a normal level of valve noise, which you've just noticed (and are extra-aware of because you've just noticed it), or if you have a problem.
If it is a valve problem, it would warrant attention and require some level of tear down (unless it's a stuck valve that can be cleared up by a dose of Marvel Mystery Oil).
However, as a general rule, if you can't hear it with the cover closed or with the engine running at higher speeds, and the engine produces the amount of power it should, I'd not worry about it.
Old style electrical fuel pumps also make a clicking noise, but that shouldn't be audible above the engine noise.
There are undoubtedly other possibilities, but that's what pops into my head as of now. |
ChipG
Visitor
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 08:51 pm: |
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Thanks for the thoughts Richard. Your comment about valves makes a good point. I have used MMO in years gone by and will definitely check out my valves to see if they are moving freely... I usually get a view by removing each spark plug individually and rotating the fly wheel manually to check motion and use my thumb to test for compression.
Interestingly enough, it seemed like the engine was running more smoothly than ever before and seemed it ran fine when I engaged the transmission during the short run. |
Richard Shapiro
Advanced Member
Username: mainesails
Post Number: 49
Registered: 09-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 09:09 pm: |
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You're welcome!
Your compression check sounds good to me. I've done it by cranking the engine (with the carb off) and had it briefly start on the other three cylinders with left over gas fumes in the manifold. No harm done, but it shocked the %$#% out of me!
An old A4 trick is to soak stuck valves in MMO and rev the engine until they break free!
Best of luck!! |
Karl Burton
Member
Username: karl_burton
Post Number: 9
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2008 - 11:55 pm: |
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Couple things it could also be - if it was under load, it could be engine knock from overadvanced spark timing - in my P60 it sounds remarkably like a mechanical knock.
Also, I've had on occasion issues where the alternator drive pulley from the PTO (the engine end of the alternator belt) was a little loose on the shaft, and made a noise like that. Pull the alternator belt and feel around the engine-side drive pulley - there's a setscrew that needs to be tight. Even if it works loose, the belt and the alternator and the key in the shaft keep everything together and not falling off - it just makes noise. |
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