Home | Classifieds | History | Technical | Links | Store | About Us | Email
Topics Topics Edit Profile Profile Help/Instructions Help Member List Register  
Search Last 1|3|7 Days Search Search Tree View Tree View  

Palmer P60 Seeking thoughts about how...

Old Marine Engine » Palmer Engine Co » Palmer P60 Seeking thoughts about how to analyze "clacking" « Previous Next »

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

ChipG
Visitor
Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 10:55 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Richard Shapiro
Advanced Member
Username: mainesails

Post Number: 48
Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 11:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

ChipG
Visitor
Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 08:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Richard Shapiro
Advanced Member
Username: mainesails

Post Number: 49
Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 - 09:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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!!
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Karl Burton
Member
Username: karl_burton

Post Number: 9
Registered: 11-2005
Posted on Sunday, October 05, 2008 - 11:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.

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

Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

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

Home | Classifieds | History | Technical | Links | Store | About Us | Email
&copy 2005 OldMarineEngine.com, P.O. Box 188, Forest Dale, VT 05745-0188 • Phone: 802-247-4864 • All rights reserved.
   Marine Engine Seloc Repair Manual Lookup Tool

marine gas engine repair and restoration