Ep 177 - Is Our Caterpillar BOAT Engine In Trouble?

[@petejolly865]

At minute 23 I was dying inside when you started using a chisel to separate the two flanges.

[@robinstyles9997]

My contribution towards the new pump

[@ShipHappensUK]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate your support x

[@Marg-nt7qm]

Top guy ,good on you

[@hughjarse4627]

Very odd behaviour

[@nicksearle3677]

Also I’m always really impressed with Simon’s ability to laugh at calamity and maintain his calm. Seeing this has made me want to do better when everything goes wrong, which is quite regular in engineering

[@dougmiller2530]

Engines no5 being run hard enough to dry its self out getting moisture dried up an out

[@jenniferrobinson4277]

As an ex navy artificer, I'd say you avoided a bullet by a whisker. Clean what you can and change the oil again after a few hours and check it for metal content. You've worn about 1000 hrs off the service period. You've done ok. Don't fret.

[@duaneayers6117]

Every time Simon would start these 2 motors. He would have a smile ear to ear. So I'm sure that Simon will have no problem working on them.

[@kensiler9208]

I would definitely do a cooling system pressure test to see if the pressure leaks down. You need to make sure there isn't a blown head gasket or cracked water jacket. As you probably already know, antifreeze will act like grinding compound on the bearings. Painting the inside of the valve cover isn't necessary, the engine oil protects it, plus, you don't want the paint coming off getting into the engine and clogging oil passages.

[@Garymt123]

Going to really enjoy watching Simon getting this engine repaired and then getting it purring like a kitty Cat 😊

[@4437RR]

Gained new respect for Simon and his abilities 😮.

[@NUTTER8291]

I dont know why but when you said " right back to the workshop " i was half expecting to hear the old batmat jingle when they change scene 😆

[@shelleyregnier6671]

We thought the same thing!🤣

[@jockmcbroom2774]

With one water pump failed, best to examine the other engine. Once bitten twice shy. Also sea water is great for rapidly corroding bearing material, so be aware of any premature bearing knocks. Note others commenting on the painting of the inside of the rocker covers, which is a no no. Paint can dissolve, some types faster than others, and break down from contact with hot oil and get in amongst the oil galleries. Best to lift the cover and remove all paint.

[@phy7dop]

Hi guys. Very interesting video. I was a failure analysist for a manufacturer of diesel engines for many years. The rust probably won't bother the rocker arms, shaft, push rods, gears, splines etc. They are heavy sections of steel and a bit of microscopic pitting wont hurt. Valve springs however are very sensitive to any kinds of defects, especially corrosion pitting. As these are highly stressed and subject to constant stress cycles the pitting can lead to fatigue failure of the springs. In turn you would be at risk of dropping a valve. I would definitely price up a new set of springs, if nothing else.

[@440capnhook]

You are exactly right and have seen this in person on a boat sunk in saltwater we bought. Boat was only sunk for a day but once it was pulled out and everything was drained it was left sitting for a month. We pulled the engine went through it cleaned it all up wasnt really even as bad as this engine and thought we got lucky. And the first water test we started dropping cylinders one by one as the vale springs were breaking. Thankfully no dropped valves so no damage replaced all the valve springs and its been fine ever since.

[@m1cxf]

Well spotted with the leak, Find a local small machine shop. A man in his shed type are best. Probably get the shaft metal sprayed or a sleave made and pressed on. I'm not a fan of painting inside engines, At one time I would have wiped a thin layer of waxoyl on to give it a little protection until it can gat hot oil again. I have moved on to Lanoguard as it is so much easier to use.

[@williamclay5615]

Jabsco are part of Xylem Ltd a big multi national.. the marine pumps are manufactured in Hungary and Mexico , they sell service kits and parts which could potentially allow you the option to rebuild you pump ( i saw Jabsco name on the side of your pump ...dont go to Caterpillar they will put 250% mark up or more !

[@CanandianPeriod]

Most of the early marine jabsco pumps used on 333, 3306 marine engines had no place for oil transfer to the water. The repair kit was a new rubber impeller, cover gasket and shaft seals. The pumps were driven by belts off the crank pulley or other drive pulley.

[@johnbazaar8440]

Good to find and fix now rather than at sea. 👍😎

[@loginregional]

I sent some CAT diesel guys to take a look at your channel back a few months ago. Dunno if they subscribed, but they'd be wanting to see THIS!

[@CanandianPeriod]

I am a 20+ year Cat and worked on many 3306 engines. With what I see I believe there is probably a lot of damage to the engine due to running on emulsified oil. Oil loses it's lubricating properties when emulsified. Bearings and bushings can be quickly damaged from running a engine with oil in it like this.

[@CarolBlackmore]

Cat marine have raw water going through the heat exchanger then the oil cooler next the gearbox oil cooler and finally out the exhaust so you may like to check the oil cooler Simon

[@stevenborman9110]

In all these videos from the beginning of your journey, Simon really has come out his shell and seems to be enjoying talking to all of us, explaining what he is doing and such. Gemma is just a star.

[@snocrushr]

If it were my engine I would replace the valve springs. Even minor rust pitting can and will compromise the spring and cause it to brake, which I have seen many times over my 50+ yr career and you also know the catastrophic damage a dropped valve can do. But as we all know by the time this episode airs you will have reassembled the engine and be patting yourselves on the back for a job well done. Cheers

[@ShipHappensUK]

Engine still in bits, but new valve springs are on there way to us!

[@snocrushr]

@@ShipHappensUK Good to here you will be swapping out the springs👍👍

[@PaulSutton-w7u]

Great to see your enthusiasm. Should the paint coating inside the rocker cover start to fail you may end up with particles falling off and potentially blocking or restricting the oil passages. I suggest leaving the inside as bare metal.

[@davevillaire2990]

Likewise, but he's already done this. Too late.

[@CaptianKaos]

Sorry Simon and Gemma. You had the warning sign when you did the service on the engine. There are two places for Raw water contamination. The Raw water pump and the Oil Cooler. You will want to check the oil cooler to make sure it is ok. You may want to service the other raw water pump on the other engine before it has a similar problem. Well, nothing to it but to do it. Great video this week with the engine. Cheers.

[@dennisbinyon9023]

As of right now, the vehicle that holds the record of the world’s fastest motorhome is a Fiat Doblo camper van that reached 141.3 mph in 2014 with driver Simon Robins behind the wheel. That van had a Fiat Coupe GT28 turbo engine making 337 HP.

[@ShipHappensUK]

Yes that’s ours!

[@JohnKenIRB233]

Oo

[@fastinradfordable]

That’s because here in USA at LS fest we don’t do top speed camper runs because plenty of em here 1000+hp

[@ShipHappensUK]

@@fastinradfordablethere has been a few from the USA that have tried to beat it but failed, and they didn’t have a camper interior in they were ripped out to reduce weight! Ours was a full camper even with a toilet! www.theautopian.com/this-700-hp-camper-is-the-worlds-fastest-class-a-motorhome-and-you-can-buy-it/

[@southerneruk]

Head Casket, needs replacing mistake painting inside the rocker cover, bits of that paint could drop off and end up in the oil

[@howardbeer5214]

Nothing wrong with the head gasket but yes should never paint inside the rocker cover

[@MonkeySpanner498]

@@howardbeer5214 especially as it wasn't all back to clean metal

[@fastinradfordable]

Deboss garage killed a 12v Cummins painting inside of his engine

[@stevedunford7632]

If you fit silicon hoses use T-bolt style hose clamps. the normal Jubilee clamps are too narrow and cut into the silicon.

[@davidelliott5843]

ASH silicone hoses sell stainless worm drive clips. I’ve never had a clip from them that’s damaged a hose. On small hoses (especially viton lined for oil and fuel) the main issue is to get a clip that won’t go D shape before it’s tight enough.

[@RoyCarter-o5n]

…or liner clamps which are made especially for that purpose.

[@normanboyes4983]

Probability: 1. Condensation - resulting from engine not achieving running temperature and warm air condensing inside the cold engine. 2. Heat exchanger - take it off and do a pressure test. 3. Raw water pump - possibly.

[@thedogfather5445]

"Thought we had the strap-on", look out Simon!

[@jerrybauman6927]

Gemma has such an infectious smile. She an excellent worker too.

[@andrewmurton8379]

So sorry to see this, as if you didn’t have a big enough mountain to climb already. The one saving grace is Simon is already an engineer with lots of mechanical knowledge so this is within his comfort zone. Here’s hoping it’s just a pump rebuild and a strip down and clean up of the head.

[@mazdarx7887]

Shaft seal race: build up grove with weld and turn back down to nominal size. You build bike engines, you can do that

[@malcolmharvey397]

I think that this engine has not been run up to temperature for a VERY long time and condensation has built up over time

[@fastinradfordable]

I deliberately block my cooling package when I do short trips on my lil diesel

[@shalaconballard9912]

Another thing a machine shop can do is place a repair sleave over the shaft its always good to check and it can save you alot of money in the long run .

[@GlenWright-in1fd]

When we operated Sarinda, one engine had a top end re-build. I am guessing this is the other engine?

[@lauralake7430]

Are you the prior captain? Tell us more!

[@GlenWright-in1fd]

@lauralake7430 Hello, I wasn't the prior Captain. But was the skipper in the early 2000's. We operated Sarinda as a dive charter vessel, out of Liverpool. Sailing to Southern Ireland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Liverpool Bay and Scottish inner Hebrides. She was a good vessel and well maintained when we had her, but we noticed that the "new" superstructure added on in the 1980's was not going to be strong enough and was starting to deteriorate. it was not marine ply. (Maybe it was, but all cut edges should be sealed). We used to strap 36 dive bottles to fo'c'sle. We also had a dive compressor in the engine room, plus we fitted a brand new Onan generator (that took seven people to manoeuvre onto boat and get into place. When we sold vessel and upgraded to a bigger vessel, Sarinda was sold to a guy that was going to do lots with her but he sort of left her to rot. I was shocked to see her in such condition. But she's in good hands now.

[@dougiepaine449]

so cool calm and collected just shows Simon knows what he is doing there if that was me i would be jumping ship into the mud. i hope it all goes ok and best of luck

[@rolandtb3]

Wow £3500 》£850, massive savings if equivalent. Simon so far has done a great job removing the parts and cleaning up. Preventing a major catastrophic failure. Plus you have learnt a little more about your boat.

[@stevejohnstonbaugh9171]

Nice video Simon and Gemma. I enjoyed the trip inside the CAT engine. Certainly glad you caught that before it did serious damage to the engine.

[@ShipHappensUK]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@billmeldrum2509]

You guys are fearless! Fingers crossed for this project. 🇨🇦

[@flick22601]

I've never done it before but, I just sent (I hope) a down payment for that pump. Hope it goes through.

[@flick22601]

Oh yeah, via PayPal. I didn't see anywhere that I could include this note with it.

[@ShipHappensUK]

Got it! Thank you so much, that is extremely kind of you! We truly appreciate your support x

[@moosenbeans903]

Send a sample of the oil in to be tested. Love you guys.

[@nicksearle3677]

Looking back on the previous videos one engine was always a little smoky and the oil wasn’t great when you changed it. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but you caught it and it can be fixed. Old diesels are fun to work on and you have plenty of space, better than most boats. Have fun and good luck.

[@paulwilson373]

Hi I had a similar problem with a jabsco pump I rang them direct. They where very friendly and sent me a full list of spare parts and diagram,my pump is very similar to yours but much smaller good luck and all the best

[@mitchhill345]

Simon. I would at least replace all the valve springs and keepers. A corroded spring will break from all the pitting and if that happens you drop a valve. That would be a catastrophic failure you dont want. They can be replaced without removing the head.

[@donwilson6617]

As soon as you fix this one you should make sure the other engine isn't about to fail also...or fail later when you are about a hundred miles out in a rough sea

[@williamclay5615]

Jabsco pump , maybe go direct to them for parts ? Caterpillar parts are notoriously expensive

[@john-em1jr]

Hi Simon certainly shows his skills tackling that big engine i was also impressed when he made the small generator in a previous video, well done to both of you really love your videos it is a mammoth task you have taken on..

[@reidnolan4456]

Question why did the owner sink Aurora ?

[@howardbeer5214]

If you want to look for the prob message me and will give you a good pointer I know what the prob prob is as its a PC cat !! TAKE AN OIL SAMPLE and get it checked to see if its salt or fresh water . DO NOT GUESS TO over haul these units is very expensive !!!! VERY

[@CanandianPeriod]

As a cat tech of 20+ years from what I see, a lot of emulsified oil has been in this engine for a while. I firmly believe this engine needs a total teardown. It is hard to tell but I almost think what I see is salt around the precombustion chambers and also heavy around several valve guides.

[@fat_biker]

@@CanandianPeriod He did say there was plenty of oil inside the rocker cover when he did his recent oil change. If this problem has arisen because Simon ran the engines when they bought Sarinda after a very long period of inactivity & that killed the seals to allow salt water into the engine, then the engine has barely been run in their care - so it'll only be a couple of hours. Is this something he can look at with a boroscope to see if there's any corrosion in places you wouldn't expect it?

[@CanandianPeriod]

@@fat_biker it is very possible this occurred due to the engines not being run in a very long time. The weight of the components like the crankshaft will flatten and deform seals. Also seals and gaskets can and will dry out over time. I am after thinking and talking to other Cat mechanics most concerned about main and connecting rod bearings and other close tolerance bearings and bushings that can only be inspected by dismantling the engine

[@messin-with-junk]

Too me, looks like condensation on the rockers and valves. I can say if you have to remove the cylinder head. That is a 2 person job and hoist. I have a couple brothers that are diesel tech and work heavy equipment. They use a forklift to remove and install the cylinder heads.

[@DuncanBeaird]

Interesting that the valve cover and water pump parts were Cat Marine white over Cat yellow. I wonder if that's a stationary engine put into marine use, or if ALL Caterpillar parts are painted Cat yellow coming off the assembly line, then when they're put on a marine engine are painted Cat marine white?

[@shalaconballard9912]

Just take the shaft in to an machine shop and have them make you a new one its alot cheaper than replacing the pump .

[@bradsmith-jf1vh]

Nice too see a couple enjoying being together regardless what the task hope it last forever ❤😊

[@davidelliott5843]

Caterpillar being American will have different spanner sizes to British Imperial. Ours are Whitworth (same thread form as metric! and British Standard Fine (BSF). USA had (has) Unified Coarse and Unified Fine. The nut fixed and threads are not compatible.

[@garyk.]

Use Glyptal insulating paint on the inside of the valve cover. It is oil and water resistant. Primer may wash away into the oil. Many use it on their engine lifter valleys.

[@benjaminstarcher802]

It's not as bad as you guys made it out to be. You guys are in okay shape. You guys are awesome. I've been following you guys the whole time you guys started your channel

[@CanandianPeriod]

Wow have you any idea how much damage emulsified oil can cause very quickly. Emulsified oil has no lubricating properties! I am talking from 20+ years working on 333, 3306 and other cat engine for a dealer here in Canada.

[@lucarsenault4916]

Dry ice blasting,to clean rust and Every thing

[@robertpeters9438]

The impeller in the Hoover is most likely thin aluminum. Hoovering salty muck can cause premature failure of bearings and corrosion blocking the impeller like that of a radiator. Just a warning so you don't finding yourself in need of one but having it fail.

[@LukeGrimm]

"Precision Hovering" Nice ~ You guys are awesome!

[@trenthensley6022]

I love watching you Simon. I think you could fix anything.

[@Kimdino1]

That shaft is probably repairable. A good engineering shop would fill the scoring with weld, retemper & machine it to as good as new. Could be a more financially practical solution than buying a new pump.

[@larslotus]

Hi everyone. Sorry for this discovery not what you need is it. I do like your good spirits. Have a good look at the valve springs any corrosion on them and they may brake when you run the engine. I've seen it happen. Best of luck. A Swed in France.

[@Motor_Mike]

Simon. Oh Simon before doing anything you need to Flush it out properly then you have better chance of finding the fault. I used to work on the Cat Engines on the Oil Rigs. You need NDT on the Head to start with 🤞🙏

[@martynbuzzing3327]

Great detective work, Simon. 😊

[@crystalzimmerman2042]

I feel for you ,at a good point you don't have to be a little person to squeeze into get it

[@jamesnoyes8569]

It’s like rotted wood you keep finding something else that needs replacing

[@PaulCheadle-w5v]

unfortunately for you guys, no CAT part is cheap anywhere in the world - especially in Australia - all imported form the USA normally. Great work on the engine repairs. Keep up the great work guys.

[@colinsutherland8965]

Hi Simon. Great work by the pair of you. If you can't get a replacement shaft it might be possible to recover the worn section with an SKF Speedi-Sleeve. I've used them before on sealing surfaces and do a great job.

[@keithchessun5085]

Besides pump, oil and raw water are close within the oil cooler.

[@keithfletcher5788]

Totally agree.

[@denis9450]

Hi guys if this one is that bad the other engine won't be far behind I would be thinking of doing both in time at least you will have the experience of doing this one regards from Liverpool

[@theconfessionsof_a]

You guys continue to amaze me, you’re both so versatile.

[@clivewiddall3430]

Now will you trust the other pump? You could get the shaft built up and turned back to specs at any decent engineering company

[@tobyz.3452]

I really really loved this video! Your water pump is in my prayers. Keep up the great work. OH OH OH . . . greetings from Arlington Heights IL USSA. (grin)

[@michaeljones6144]

You'll need to borrow or rent (or buy) a 3/4" drive torque wrench to put the bolts back in. If you go deeper into the engine, a 3/4" drive breaker bar would help, too. The headbolts have to be very precisely tightened. Getting a Caterpillar engine repair manual would help, too.

[@davidleake6491]

I look forward to your programme every week

[@MonkeySpanner498]

It's a friday go-to now. Well done SH!

[@dwansbo]

If left in this state the situation will only get worse, best to do whats necessary to preserve the engine until you are ready to return it to service at some future date. Both propulsion engines will need to pass an insurance survey, check with your provider what will be required, most likely a full stripdown and rebuild replacing any parts out of tolerance.

[@Mark.R_]

You could ask Caterpillar in Peterborough to sponsor you with replacement parts.

I love seeing Simon and Gemma working together. I have learned a lot about woodworking and carpentry. Especially improvised repairs that are brilliant. Simon is a very good engine mechanic. Have a great weekend.🙏

[@Sircraig7963]

Hey Simon , Your heat exchanger could also be the issue . A camera in the cylinders would be helpful, Both oil & water need to be checked for salt . I hope the damage is limited to the top end ,hope it cleans up OK guys . Respect.....!

[@Omri.Collects]

Old water pump was def manky, certainly time for replacing. Hope your budget will allow it soon. cheers

[@pk-teia6249]

In my youth I was an apprentice in the engineroom of a supertanker with a 26K horsepower Sulzer heavy diesel engine. There was a plethora of coolers and pumps for the cooling system, and the common theme was during regular maintenance we had to change out the anodes placed inside the pumps and coolers. In a pump such as yours, ithere will be metals of different types and maybe there was originaly an anode at one point of time that went bonkers a long time ago? We often found seashells and all sorts growing in the coolers, but the anodes kept everything from rusting up. Again, just a thought. Maybe you could find a way to install an anode in there somehow to help prevent any future corrotion.....

[@johnnunn8688]

I saw Simon remove the anode.

[@MrMattDat]

Simon, it is just great to see this side of you and thank you for walking us through your process on this. I've seen enough videos of people pulling old tractors that were stuck in the woods for eons and those old Cat engines are awesome! I am looking forward to seeing you repair/rebuild this one!

[@DWr_UK]

Just get the shaft fixed on the old pump, lots of companies refinish shafts with that kind of wear (and much worse..). Bearings won't be an issue, hopefully nor are seals (unless Cat are a pain)..

[@AbbeySnooks]

I wish I could be as calm and persistent as you guys! An example to us all.

[@davidlyon2690]

its a jabsco pump, have a look for your nearest stockists might be cheaper than Cat

[@ChrisDevismes]

I know a guy who can fix an engine. Simon!! Yay.

[@davidmontgomery6170]

You should look at MR Hewes videos on starting 40 year old tank engines and he gets them running without a full overhaul

[@frederickszalay1484]

Your talents are many! And it is a great joy to vicariously enjoy your work.

[@ShipHappensUK]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jamiekaye3680]

Just incase no ones mentioned it, try taking the shaft to a machinists, and stainless steel sleeve the seal surfaces, you will end up with a better product at a fraction of the price. 😊

[@kentauree]

Maybe it would be a good idea to have the seawater pumped by an electric pump so that it can't happen again.

[@01thomasss]

You caught it in time; that'll clean up nicely but you do need to find and eliminate the entry point of the water. Oh and (regular) oil analysis is your friend, even if the engines are only run once every couple of months.

[@ricksmith4736]

One might assume the pump on the other engine would have the same hours on it, so wouldn't you want to take it apart also to check it? Better now than in the middle of the atlantic..

[@johnnunn8688]

That thing that fell out, when you split those 2 pieces, looks like a carbon seal, which should be sprung loaded against a slip ring.

[@davidelliott5843]

A two foot long 1/2” drive “breaker bar” costs very not much and makes light work of tight bolts.

[@mustangbob51]

The little victories are the best...like when the bolt that you think are going to be a real plague, actually come out whole. Lol

[@richardstrong293]

Find a pair of the original Gardner engines and retro fit them

[@johnnunn8688]

Easily said…..

[@dennisbjones]

For the sake of a half hour can of worms, I absolutely think you should disassemble the rocker gear to clean it all thoroughly including the oil galleries. It's sitting on your bench man.

[@stephenadams9767]

service all the coolers

[@shelleyregnier6671]

My hubby and I both broke out laughing at the same moment when Simon was trying to get that worn, stubborn bolt off in the workshop. We thought it would be T.N.T. next if the hand torch didn't work! 🎆Once again, perseverance and proactiveness pay off.

[@Spotteroo]

Full head rebuild required, but I'll bet it's taken the crank journals too

[@keithweybury5212]

Well done Simon and your patience and workmanship together with the assistance of Gem comes through again. Great video and insight to the workings of the engine water system.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

The hole in the pump housing is a tell hole... The seals have gone ditto the bearings so the blue salts build up . The bolts will be AF. American Fine.. like older cars and some bikes. Typically.

[@johnbazaar8440]

Or find a machine shop that can repair the shaft.

[@davidelliott5843]

Salt will not boil away with the water. It will settle where the boiling is happening. I wonder if that charge cooler is the culprit.