Engine overheated?

Question

i have a lister sr3 air cooled deisel on my boat and the other day it over heated and stalled on way back from fishing trip, i let it cool down and then re started it and run it with engine box lid off and it was fine again and running normally, now my question is , as it overheated will this harm the engine in any way ? or will it be ok if i just make sure its got plenty of air getting round it ?

Answer 1

Actually, I would be worried about stress cracks. I would hate to be out in heavy chop and find out then. Get it checked.

Answer 2

Listers are prone to doing this - and very tolerant of it !

As long as it is running normally and not blowing out anywhere,it should be fine.  Make sure the air vents in the engine box are not covered.

Answer 3

At the rear of the engine, on the bellhousing, there is a grill through which the cooling air is drawn. Ensure that this is clear and not covered in bits of rag and dead leaves. the air is exhausted through a duct on the port side of the engine which MUST take the hot air out of the boat, if it doesn't it will be sucked back through the intake getting hotter with each lap! to break a lister generally involves running it without oil or attacking it with a sledge hammer! On the subject of oil, run it on straight 30 and NOT multigrade.(Applies to most aircooled engines including V.W. and lawnmowers)

Answer 4

I think any damage would have been apparent by now. One risk is blowing the head gaskit and/or warping the head but as you have it running I suspect no harm was done.

Answer 5

You should look for the cause of the overheating.  It could have been as simple as a plastic bag over the intake.  Check out the strainer and hoses for problems.  Check your impeller in case it ran dry.

Answer 6

The question is-: Why did it overheat?

If it were mine, I would check the timing, if that is OK, change the oil and put in a decent oil additive Molyslip etc. for deisels.

(A very long time ago I saw a demonstration of a similar product called Carburol Super. This convinced me of the value of these.)

Then run the motor in safe situation for while. If it`s still Ok go out with a friend who can offer a tow.

It`s one thing to try a motor in Harbour but quite another against a tide with a heavy swell. This puts a real strain on boat engines and is a dangerous situation where if something is going to give. That is where it will happen.