Engine Symptoms and Diagnosis

Grand Banks Diesel Engine Symptoms and Diagnosis

Below are a few symptoms and suspected diagnosis. These are merely based on often seen problems and may have underlying causes that require closer inspections.
Engine Symptoms and Diagnosis
  1. Black smoke under load Dirty air cleaner, turbocharger problems, overload, overfueling — Mostly fuel related problems We recommend changing air filters regularly, cleaning AirSeps annually (if installed)
  2. White smoke Leaking head gasket, cracked head, block or line, bad injector(s)— Could be water related problems
  3. Unusual noise Bearings, wrist pins, turbocharger or injectors — Hard to self-diagnose This will require a sea trial with someone to navigate the boat, while the mechanic inspects the engines. The problem may not be engine related at all, it could be drive train related.
  4. Lack of power Dirty air cleaner, dirty fuel filter, governor out of adjustment, injectors malfunctioning, bad fuel Regularly changing air filters and fuel filters will eliminate the most common problems. This could also be a dirty bottom or propellor.
  5. High oil consumption Worn rings or liners, worn valve guides, worn bearings, worn turbocharger seals This type of problem should be rectified as soon as possible before leading to more serious engine problems.
  6. Increased fuel consumption Leak in fuel system, dirty air cleaners, poor operation Installation of Floscan monitorto moniter fuel usage is recommended. A barnacled bottom or propeller could also cause increased fuel consumption.
  7. Increased oil level Coolant leak, accidental overfilling Filling oil when engines are cold will cause overfill when oil heats and expands. If water is present the oil will be obviously off color.
  8. Overheating Cooling system problems, worn belts, plugged hoses, low coolant level, damaged or malfunctioning temperature regulator Any salt water system should be periodically flushed, especially heat exchanger due to build up of salt in the system which causes diminished water flow and higher temperatures.
  9. Hard starting Worn injector pump, low cranking speed, poor quality fuel, plugged fuel line or filter, battery problems Usually determined by the sound the engine makes when trying to start among other clues.
  10. Debris in the oil filter Excessive bearing wear, damaged internal parts, coolant or fuel leaks into the crankcase, extended oil drain interval, improper oil, additives We recommend an oil analysis on a regular basissymptomsh symptons early enough to correct before they lead to more serious problems.