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Old 16-04-2012, 21:03   #1
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Cummins Diesel Locked

We have a four cylinder Cummins / Onan 20kw gen set. The gen set is down low in the forward area. Recently a leak developed allowing water into the compartment. The engine was not running and no attempt to start it has been made as we feared water was in a cylinder. This was supported by the presence of a small amount of water in the intake area. Apparently water entered the engine and filled it to the top of the dipstick hole. At the same time (long story) the anti siphon valve failed and the aqua lift muffler filled and apparently backed into the engine and may have entered into at least one cylinder. The sea cock was open and quite a bit of water entered. The water was discovered and was in the engine for about six hours. We are not certain if water has entered any cylinder.

We removed several quarts of water with an oil change vacuum pump, along with the old contaminated engine oil. We changed the oil, removed the glow plugs and the injectors, used plenty Marvel Mystery Oil down each injector hole. After that we attempted to turn it over by hand using the nut on the front of the engine, without success.

We are thinking now that we may be dealing with a hydrostatic lock. What confuses us is how to remove the water or make sure none is in any cylinder. We are wondering if this will require us to remove the head or is there another way to remove the water for certain, if it is present? We also have been told that the lock could also be caused by the muffler itself if it is over full.
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Old 16-04-2012, 21:08   #2
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Re: Cummins Diesel Locked

You say you already removed the injectors? Did you try to turn over the engine with the injectors out? If you did and and no movement then you don't have hydrostatic lock, you have something else locked up, my guess the pistons seized in the cylinders. More oil and patience might cure that.
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Old 16-04-2012, 21:17   #3
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Re: Cummins Diesel Locked

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Originally Posted by skipmac View Post
You say you already removed the injectors? Did you try to turn over the engine with the injectors out? If you did and and no movement then you don't have hydrostatic lock, you have something else locked up, my guess the pistons seized in the cylinders. More oil and patience might cure that.
Yes, the injectors are still out and it was tried before and after they were pulled. More oil, blended with more patience for sure.

Thank You skipmac.
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Old 16-04-2012, 21:40   #4
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Re: Cummins Diesel Locked

Make up a mixture of 50%automatic transmission fluid and 50% acetone and pour it in the cylinders. Let it sit for a day, put old towels or rags over the injector holes and hit the starter. If that doesnt do it you probably have an overhaul to do. How long did it sit with water in it? Even if it does break free, if your cam lobes got rusted, they make go soft in a few hours.____Good Luck. ____Grant.
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Old 16-04-2012, 21:51   #5
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Re: Cummins Diesel Locked

Just reread the post and 6 hours should not cause enough rust to seize an engine. If the injectors are out , it should turn. How long did you let it sit after removing the water? That could make a big difference. ____Grant.
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Old 16-04-2012, 22:42   #6
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Re: Cummins Diesel Locked

This is my son's boat and he has been working on it continually. He just phoned me to advise that he thinks he has found the problem and has been able to turn the engine by hand, using the nut on the front of the engine. It seems that the muffler was keeping the pressure on and since he has disconnected it he has been able to turn the engine easily. I hope this is the beginning of the end of this issue. We will see for certain tomorrow. I am still concerned about some remaining water lurking around inside, and will proceed with caution before attempting to crank her..

Thank you all so very much for your interest in my problem. This forum is simply as good as it gets.
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Old 16-04-2012, 23:08   #7
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Re: Cummins Diesel Locked

When you get it started, run it for about 10 minutes and change the oil again , and then at about 25 hours have an oil analysis done and it may indicate if there is any real damage. I hope it all works out for you. ____Grant.
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