Hello, I'm NEW.. Survey/Sea trial Today

[Fitter]

Hello All,
Going through the process of owning a 1994 28 TE. Our first sea trial was inconclusive as 2800 on the pin was all "The Beast" had and it was unclear if the Turbo was spooling up under load. After a haul and a good cleaning of the bottom and running gear trial #2 was much better at around 3450 +/-. One concern was a bit of blue blow-by when revving un-loaded however not excessive. The boat has not been used much the last couple of years and oddly seemed to run better the more we hammered on her. I think a bit more investigation is needed at this time. I have been cruising this site as a visitor and there seems to be alot of great information and people as well. Please feel free to put in your 2 cents, greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mark G.

[DougSea]

How many hours? If you have any doubts I'd consider doing an oil analysis. Depends on when the oil was last changed if it's worth doing or not. (New oil sometimes hides problems as the trace elements haven't had time to build up) You can also call Matt at Penninsular, he's been very helpful in the past and knows these engines like the back of his hand.

They do quiet down and smooth out after they run for a while. At least mine did.

[DougSea]

And I almost forgot! Welcome!

[jleonard]

Yes welcome.
Blowby at no load is not a good sign. Just think under load you will be adding boost (not sure what a Beast pumps but probably close to 20 psi). So add that under load and I'm guessing you won't like the amount of blowby.
Now maybe if the engine's vent system is plugged up that could be a cause that could easily be fixed. Some engines will blowby with too much oil in the crankcase, but that's usually due to running angle.

[Fitter]

How many hours? If you have any doubts I'd consider doing an oil analysis. Depends on when the oil was last changed if it's worth doing or not. (New oil sometimes hides problems as the trace elements haven't had time to build up) You can also call Matt at Penninsular, he's been very helpful in the past and knows these engines like the back of his hand.

They do quiet down and smooth out after they run for a while. At least mine did.

Thanks for the welcome.... 815 hours that appeared to be trouble free from the maintenance logs. My Surveyor(Albin owner) took samples and the jury is still out. Hopefully no issues!!! Thanks..

[Fitter]

Yes welcome.
Blowby at no load is not a good sign. Just think under load you will be adding boost (not sure what a Beast pumps but probably close to 20 psi). So add that under load and I'm guessing you won't like the amount of blowby.
Now maybe if the engine's vent system is plugged up that could be a cause that could easily be fixed. Some engines will blowby with too much oil in the crankcase, but that's usually due to running angle.

Thanks for the welcome.. I'm not completely sure that blow-by is the right description? Thats what I assumed as Blue smoke would point to oil. At free rev one big puff and it's done followed by unburned fuel. I have NO prior experience with Diesels so I'm looking for input from those who have the same power. 300 TA. Thanks, Mark G.

[jcollins]

Hi Fitter,
Wecome to Albin Owners Group.
I have the same engine with 1100 hours. Be sure to ask the owner if he took care of the clum relay / hot starting problem. If your not familiar with it, search around. You'll find it.

[Fitter]

Thank you: Yes the relay has been changed and she starts well cold or hot. I have no history owning a diesel and I'm trying to take in all the info. I want to feel comfortable moving forward with the purchase. Do you notice any puffs of blue smoke from time to time? I'm hoping lack of use is the problem considering the engine runs excellent otherwise. Wait and see what the oil sample says!

[DougSea]

What did your surveyor say about the smoke? An occasional bit of smoke is, in my opinion, normal depending on the circumstances. For example, if you get on a turbo-diesel really hard she will almost certainly blow some black smoke, since it's getting more fuel than it can burn until the turbo spools up. I've seen boats that smoke on startup but as their parts heat and expand, the smoke diminishes. some just smoke a little bit all the time. It's a different world than gas...again, really interested in the surveyor's thoughts.

[jcollins]

Do you notice any puffs of blue smoke from time to time?

At startup mine will smoke for about 15-20 seconds. Blue/white.
At higher cruise, 2700-3000, I have steam. Also black, as Doug mentioned, but I can't say I've noticed blue. The key here is that I haven't noticed it. I may not be looking as closely as you are.

Perhaps an engine survey would be worth it? What does the owner say? Others mentioned to call Matt at Peninsular.

[jleonard]

Thanks for the welcome.. I'm not completely sure that blow-by is the right description? Thats what I assumed as Blue smoke would point to oil. At free rev one big puff and it's done followed by unburned fuel. I have NO prior experience with Diesels so I'm looking for input from those who have the same power. 300 TA. Thanks, Mark G.

Blowby is when you get pressure INTERNALLY inthe engine. Crankcase vents sometimes lead into the turbocharger and the fumes (and oily mist) get sucked back in and burned. Some use a "catch can" so the yuck doesn't crud up the intake manifold and turbocharger.

Your further description tells me it is comming out of the exhaust. Blue smoke at start up is fine as long as it dissipates fairly quickly and it does. Watch other diesel boats onyour dock and you will start to understand a little about diesel exhaust and what is and is not normal. You also may want to start reading a forum such as http://www.boatdiesel.com and lurk while you learn. Actually I think there may be an article in that site that talks about smoke color and what it means.
Hope this helps

It's a different world than gas...again, really interested in the surveyor's thoughts.

Many surveyors don't understand what it means.

[DougSea]

It's a different world than gas...again, really interested in the surveyor's thoughts.

Many surveyors don't understand what it means.

He mentions above that his surveyor is an Albin owner...hence my interest in his thoughts, as I'm viewing him as an owner of a diesel boat...

[Fitter]

It's a different world than gas...again, really interested in the surveyor's thoughts.

Many surveyors don't understand what it means.

He mentions above that his surveyor is an Albin owner...hence my interest in his thoughts, as I'm viewing him as an owner of a diesel boat...

Yes he has a 35 Command Bridge with a Cummins I believe. He didn't seem too concerned as it was only one good puff and then cleaned up however he said we are in a holding pattern until the engine/trans oil samples come back from HO Penn. I got a call from the broker today and the current owner has scheduled a Peninsular mechanic to go through it this weekend. I really can't ask for more than that.... He is just as concerned as I am and is really stepping up. Thanks all for the advice, I will post the results. Mark

[jleonard]

Just remember that oil samples are just that...only samples and only a photo. To really do an oil sample justice you must take several thru the life of the engine or tranny to learn the trend.
If you doubt that I have a long story about oil samples.

[Fitter]

See Matt at Peninsular reply regarding THE "Beast" Good info. for newbie's like me! I believe some of you may know the boat.. (Red Stripe)



Dear Mark The 1994 engines did not have the cylinder block problems the the 97 - 99 engines did.

Regards Matt Koning

Peninsular Engines, Inc.
3056A Dixie Ave S.W.
Grandville, MI 49418
616-530-1298 Phone
616-530-2567 Fax
Matt@peninsulardiesel.com e-mail
http://www.Peninsulardiesel.com internet




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Mark Gagnon [mailto:mgagnon@grodsky.com]
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2011 2:47 PM
To: sales@peninsulardiesel.com
Subject: 1994 Peninsular 6.5 "Beast"


Hi Matt,



I am currently in negotiations on a 1994 Albin 28 TE with above power. All the chatter sites say to check model numbers to see if this engine was the one prone to failures. To be honest the currant owner has approx. 800 trouble free hours on it and I am comfortable with the boats history. Any input would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks, Mark G.



Thank you,


Mark Gagnon
Harry Grodsky & Co., Inc.
Mechanical Contractors & Engineers Since 1918
Cell: 860-250-5181
Fax: 860-560-1216
MGagnon@Grodsky.com
http://www.grodsky.com