Visit our Popular Forums

benzy · 08-09-2016, 12:29

Our Thronycroft T80 has developed a small oil leak. Not sure from where but seems to be from near bottom of sump.

Regardless, will probably only run for another 15 hours before hauling out for winter. So want to wait until then to fix.

Question is: as long as we keep oil level topped up, is there any danger to the engine by running it with the small leak?

Thanks

model 10 · 08-09-2016, 12:43

You should see an Old Perkins. Oil leaks always start sometime. You can go for years and years sometimes. Of course Hope it's not your sump plug.

DougR · 08-09-2016, 12:45

It should be OK if its only a small leak......keep an eye on the oil level.

If running with a leak was a problem, most 4-108 engines would never make it out of the slip.

DougR

**tkeithlu** · 08-09-2016, 12:48

Or old Detroit Diesels like mine - you add oil when it STOPS leaking.

benzy · 08-09-2016, 12:52

Haha ok thanks! Will keep an eye on the level.

**tkeithlu** · 08-09-2016, 12:54

Second thought. It will be easier to determine the source while you can run it before haul out. Clean the engine and bilge under it, put down some oil mats or even just paper towel, wrap suspect fittings in folded towel with a wire tie to hold it in place, and chase down the leak. It may only occur when the engine is hot. You may just have a loose gasket.

**a64pilot** · 08-09-2016, 13:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guy

You should see an Old Perkins. Oil leaks always start sometime. You can go for years and years sometimes. Of course Hope it's not your sump plug.

That is what I was thinking, when boat shopping you would usually find a turkey basting pan under a Perkins

Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum

**sailorchic34** · 08-09-2016, 13:51

I had a loose Screw, er, a Bolt on the timing cover that left it's mark on the timing cover. Probably a crank oil seal leak, which is not uncommon.

reed1v · 09-09-2016, 09:07

Leaky old engines is more the norm than the exception.

mikeeeee · 09-09-2016, 09:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Or old Detroit Diesels like mine - you add oil when it STOPS leaking.

ever check and see if your airbox drain pipes are clear?

jkindredpdx · 09-09-2016, 10:04

I agree about finding the leak while you can run the engine. I'd also ask that you put oil absorbent mats in the bilge to reduce pollution... a little bit of oil really spreads when it hits the water.

Cadence · 09-09-2016, 10:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Or old Detroit Diesels like mine - you add oil when it STOPS leaking.

You know old Detroit's in the same category as old Harley's. If I were the OP watch the oil pressure. If it is good no problem other than a nasty bilge.

**a64pilot** · 09-09-2016, 10:16

Yes, but the 2 stoke DD's will really make a mess if the oilsep clogs, and not so bad if it's not.
I think its a good tip, easy to fix and no money even required.