Yanmar Diesel - Black Smoke and No Power

[Buttercup]

Hi All. I have a 4JH2-HTE and have seen a few posts on this board about black smoke and lack of power. Well, two weeks ago, it happened to me. Engine had been running ok, but last time out I topped out at 2,600 rpm and black smoke was bellowing out the exhaust.

We limped back to the boat ramp, and when I got her home I took off the exhaust elbow, but it was in great shape. I took a look at the turbo, and was unable to rotate the fins with my finger. I took the turbo off and got a better look at it, and it was definately frozen up. I took it to a turbo shop, and ultimately bought a new turbo from them.

I installed it, and we sea trialed it yesterday. The boat ran better than ever , much quieter and more power.

The engine has about 650 hours. I believe the problem resulted from poor maintenance by the previous owner. There was a leaky stuffing box which they did not fix. Salt water was slung around the engine box and I believe sucked up in the air intake, causing corrosion in the turbo.

One more piece of trivia. The engine model plate on my engine actually says 4JH2M-HTE. The extra "M" has caused lot's of confusion when ordering parts, but I recently found out that it means that my engine was originally sold "bobtail" without a gearbox.

I hope this info helps someone!
Steve

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Steve.

Thanks for sharing that information.

[SkiprJohn]

Just a question. In an emergency will your engine run without the turbo?

kind regards,

[capngeo]

You might also check your mixing elbow..... In my experience, THEY have caused the demise of many turbos

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by capngeo

You might also check your mixing elbow..... ...

Originally Posted by Buttercup

......when I got her home I took off the exhaust elbow, but it was in great shape. ....

How many elbows do you think the engine has?

[Chief Engineer]

I think the OP answered that question....i.e. "limped"

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by Chief Engineer

I think the OP answered that question....i.e. "limped"

Yeah he did

[SkiprJohn]

Hmmm? "Limped" means motoring?
Ok.
Regards,

[Chief Engineer]

I interpreted limping to be motoring poorly

[Buttercup]

Yep, I limped the boat back to the boat ramp. As long as I kept the revs under 2K, I was able to motor back to the ramp. Regarding the mixing/exhaust elbow, it was in good shape, so I reinstalled it.

[Chief Engineer]

B-Cup....just a note......I am sure you probably already know this, but it bears repeating.....

If you have an extended period of motoring, when you get to the dock/mooring/anchorage allow the engine to idle for about 15 minutes or so......this allows the oil that is lubricating the turbo to cool down a bit...and draw heat from the area of the "bearing". Many turbos do not have a bearing per se....the shaft "floats" on a film of oil

I know some will say this is an old wives tale.

[Buttercup]

Old wives tale or not, it's a practice I believe in. As it is, I have to motor at least 20 minutes at idle through a no wake zone to get to my ramp. I leave her idle at the dock while my wife gets the truck and trailer and backs down the ramp. She's about as cool as she's gonna get by then.

[rusky]

Well, we have the 4JH2-UTE, so have really appreciated listening to what you people have been saying about the engine.
regards

[zeehag]

having driven turbo sports cars and turbo diesel cars, they tend not to leak as quickly when cooled down prior to being put away. also warm it up slowly before placing a heavy load on it.; you will enjoy it longer with good care and easy starting and stopping .... turbos also help make engines run hotter-- be aware of that as well. they are excellent at boosting thr hp of the engine ... but there is a price.. have fun and smooth sailing!!! dont have to sit and idle--isnt good for it--just return and leave slowly and with mellow thoughts--lol isnt magic nor voodoo--is just easy use before you go for it..
buttrcup--sounds like ye got it right....