BIG engine trouble

[bamboo]

Hello all,

6 weeks to go before our 5yr plan to go cruise is suppose to happen, and now we have big probs. We have a 1976 80h.p. Ford sabre 4cyln. and I found that we have a dead cylinder due to a burned valve and the head needs to be rebuilt but the machinist is requesting specs and I have no idea where to get those. Also I found what I think is sea water in the oil pan because its grey and milky. When I removed the exhaust manifold from the head I got sea water out of the exhuast port on the end. Is this suppose to be there? or is this where the sea water came from and the manifold junk? Im overwhemled and lost any input we be apprec. Thanks Randy

[donradcliffe]

The symptoms point to water coming back up the exhaust. This can happen three ways:

1. Lots of cranking the engine trying to start it or bleed it with the engine thru-hull open. You pumping water into the exhaust injection elbow as you crank the engine, and there is no exhaust to carry it overboard. Eventually it will fill up the exhaust and get into the last cylinder. If the valves in the last (lowest) cylinder were corroded, that's because they sat in water for a while.

2. Sailing in rough weather with the motor off, where the waves force water back up the exhaust pipe with the same result.

3. Loading up the boat to go cruising, so that the exhaust is now in the water and can syphon water back to the engine.

[ausieman]

Bamboo,
sorry I can't be of assistance with any engine specs (maybe a Google search who knows) but any water fresh or salt mixed with oil turns a milky grey/white colour. If planning a cruise soon the source should be thoroughly investigated.

[noelex 77]

Dear Bamboo
You have my sympathy. I have exactly the same problem (see recent posts "new engine and re powering"). I know it won't be of much comfort but believe me you are much better to have these problems at home. I am in Croatia and having great difficulty finding a mechanic that will look at the problem. The waiting time for parts or a new engine runs into 2-3 months. Why so long when the part is available in say Greece I have no answer customs maybe ? Space in a marina costs about $80 a night and there is no room on the weekend. As we speak I am sitting at an anchorage hoping if the wind swings around to the south the engine will start one more time.
Sorry to bitch and grumble and I know you must be feeling a bit despondent but hopefully my situation has made you fell at least it happened in a place where I can get the problem fixed.
Cheers John

[bamboo]

Im sorry for your trouble, I really hoping to save this engine.

[btrayfors]

Bamboo...

Where are you located?

Bill

[bamboo]

Im on Cape Cod in Provincetown Ma

[hideaway]

HI, I think you have what we in the UK know as a 4D; this is Ford Motor Co standard industrial engine. Sabre produce Ali. castings like exhaust manifolds and bellhousings, bolt them onto the standard Ford engine and sell themm to the boat trade. If you note the casting No. on the side of the engine then contact your local Ford engine dealer you should get any information required. Beware people have taken the Ali castings from blown engines and transplanted them onto what ever 4D engine they could find; the 4D engine has been in use for ever farm tractors was first use back in 1940s. Get a farm engineer and you will have no trouble mind not many farms at sea. Calm seas and fair winds Peter

[stevensc]

These people are very good with advice for Ford, Lehman, Perkins marine engines and have spares. You can give them a call or email
American Diesel Corporation

Good luck,
Steve

[fcsob]

Bamboo,
I have the factory manual for the 134g,172g,172d,192g & 192d. the spec are the same for the cylinder heads. Ford Power did not have any info or parts for these older engines. American Diesel Corp also did not have parts but were very helpful in steering me in the right direction. If you want the specs pm me. I have a couple of places that have parts or can find parts, were in the Rocky mountain area.
steve

[fcsob]

http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/fordlehman/.
I don't know your engine model but they have Saber manuals or they can get them.

[bamboo]

Thank you all for the support, I did find a ford manuel with the head specs, I should have the rebuilt head back this week. Then I will install and run, Im going to keep the oil cooler by-passed as a first test, then if seems o.k. I guess I will look into the exhuast siphoning after that? Wish me luck I will post my outcome. Thanks Randy

[S/V Antares]

Bamboo, Thoes engines were used extensively in small buses and industrial applications. There are a few ford industrial dealers in Mass. as well Foley eng. is a good source.

[stephenmartin]

Try here for the manuals....they are very good http://www.motoren.ath.cx/

Hendy Ford Cosham Portsmouth I beleive the Guru's name is Peter General Enquiries
02392 322900

Lancing Marine, 51 Victoria Road, Portslade, Sussex BN41 1XY, United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (01273) 410025 - Fax +44 (01273) 430290

Freedom Marine Westfield Lane, Etchinghill, Nr Folkestone, Kent CT18 8BX
Telephone 01303 862215 mobile 07860 683606 Colin....I once bought a second hand ford d type cylinder head off him for £80...and he will ship it

The engines are dead easy to work on...I have a spare d type head lying around...half a days work to swap over

Good Luck

Steve

Freedom Marine. Westfield Lane. Etchinghill. Nr Folkestone. Kent CT18 8BX.
Telephone 01303 862215. Fax 01303 863066. Mobile 07860 683606 or 07711 216971

Freedom Marine. Westfield Lane. Etchinghill. Nr Folkestone. Kent CT18 8BX.
Telephone 01303 862215. Fax 01303 863066. Mobile 07860 683606 or 07711 216971


Freedom Marine. Westfield Lane. Etchinghill. Nr Folkestone. Kent CT18 8BX.
Telephone 01303 862215. Fax 01303 863066. Mobile 07860 683606 or 07711 216971

[Chief Engineer]

It is a good idea to take the oil cooler out of the loop. You might want to have it pressure tested...any radiator shp should be able to do it for you.

Take a strong look at your exhaust elbow also.....they have a fairly limited life span in saltwater.