Perkins 4108 Smoking and Fuel in Exhaust

[JPT]

Hi,
I don't know the engine year model, but it is fresh water cooled and claimed to be overhauled around year 2000. The hour meter states 4500hours that can be either the earlier engine (the original was replaced) or hours from the current one. I have had the boat two summers now and before the first summer I replaced the fuel injection nozzles. I bought regular 4108 nozzles, not the marine stamped hence I thought it doesn't matter. The nozzles were adjusted in Diesel shop to the value indicated on the user manual (marine version). The first summer went just fine. Engine started 1-2 sec without any problems. Only in later autumn I needed to start 5-10sec, but the weather was close to 5C or less. Now, during the second summer I think that the engine has started to smoke more. The smoke color is white (not black or blue) and when the second burst of cooling water comes out it makes oil/diesel film to the water. I guess it is diesel. The smoking reduces after running 10-15min clearly, but still smokes. Also the exhaust gas makes the surrounding of the exhaust hole "black". I've seen this in almost every sailing boat, but I have more than others. I do not have to add more oil to the engine, at least the level stays between the right are on the oil measuring stick. I run about 70 hours per summer. Also the idle speed is lower than first summer and when starting hardly can keep the engine running.

Could the “wrong” nozzles create problem. I have not adjusted the valves and I presume that the last time can be long time ago. Also I have not checked the air fitter either.

Any comments are most welcome and valuable!

[perchance]

Was the injector pump re calibrated after the alleged overhaul?

[JPT]

No idea what has been done after assumed overhaul

[JPT]

I would presume that if it has been overhauled it has been done properly?

[captain465]

Cleaning the air "filter" takes no more than a few minutes.....you will be surprised at how much "gunk" will build up on the screen. My 4-108 was smoking some and leaving a smudge on the hull (port side exhaust outlet). Cleaning the screen stopped the smoking and smudging.

[JPT]

Thanks for the supporting advice. I hope that this helps as it is rather easy and cheap solution and also make sense!