#23 Perkins engine 4.108 rebuild and test run Birchwood restoration

[@mattjewett4473]

I've recently purchased a partially submerged (fresh water) 4108. I've ordered several parts, but not a mechanic. A well seasoned captain at the marina convinced me to try the perkins instead of replacing with a modern with electronic components (that fail in marine conditions) He offered to point and explain whenever I completed each task. Wish me luck.

[@alcboating3675]

Hi Matt Of course I will wish you luck the 4.108 are good work horses 🐎 👍

[@loki7441]

Damaged back. You have my sympathy. Frustrating not being allowed / able to do the normal things and especially when you want to be cracking on with those jobs! I trapped a nerve in the back about ten years ago, closest pain I can compare it to is a lumbar puncture. Look after it. I'm trying to cast my mind back over forty years to my apprentice days. The old land rovers used Perkins in them. Definitely the 4.326. I remember it vividly being in LWB one I worked on. The 4.107 & 4.108 were very close , the 108 having different cylinder liners. I think the pumps were self priming, but bleeding the lines was necessary. and a tad messy. Might be something as simple as a dodgy fuel shut off solenoid. Hope you find it soon. Annoying after all the work done.

[@alcboating3675]

Thanks for your comments Loki I will pass your tips onto my son I know he had changed the shut off method on the engine from manual to solenoid so this could well be the reason for non start. I've got to play catch up on my work from next week due to the back pain so may not be able to get much done on the boat until the end of the month

[@loki7441]

@@alcboating3675 I know the frustration. I have a rare neurological condition called myasthenia gravis. It doesn't bother me much normally, but had a relapse in November last which meant going back on all the medication again. One being a high daily dose of steroids and immune suppressants. The steroids caused tendonitis in the ankles and wrists. The ankles bug me at night when I lie down. But use a screwdriver or drill during the day. Hells Bells. Steroids being reduced slowly and things improving. But there's always some poor bugger worse than me, so I shouldn't complain. Keep the Faith, It will come together.

[@SailingKitabu]

it needs to be bled properly, they are very tricky to bleed

[@SailingKitabu]

does it run?

[@alcboating3675]

The engine is still in the shed we will get it running and fitted over the next few months 🙂