Opti blew-up

FreeTrader · 22 April 2006, 21:11

So, feeling very big after yesterday, went to Carteret today in F5-6. Great blast, but engine cut out mysteriously a couple of times. Restarted fine though.

On way back blasting along at 40 knots, suddenly, engine starts running really badly only going to 2000 rpm, like a few cylinders aren't firing. 2 mins later, there was a loud bang, and then fire started coming out of the cowling.

Quick blast with fire extinguisher, anchor down, and then a half hour wait for a mate to tow us home. No real drama, but until I get the engineers to take a look, I'm not sure what to think.

Any guesses? My best guess, is that one bank of the V6 stopped getting oil, and then threw a piston.

Bit gutted really as re-engining the boat after 2 weeks use makes this the most expensive trip to Carteret I've done!

Rogue Wave · 22 April 2006, 21:15

Did you come down hard from the air just before the engine went to 2000 revs

FreeTrader · 22 April 2006, 21:25

No, that was the confusing thing. Engine cutouts on the way out were after hard landings, but on the way back it was pretty smooth.

Rogue Wave · 22 April 2006, 22:06

the opti compresser didn't used to like hard landings. I woinder if it failed. ? Did you overheat the engine....did you have no warnings from the system. i.e was the 2000 limit then engine going into Guardian mode?

Andy Moore · 22 April 2006, 22:08

Is the engine still under warranty?

Rogue Wave · 22 April 2006, 22:09

i hope so!

BogMonster · 22 April 2006, 22:10

Bad luck. I guess I am not the only one who has had a &&&& weekend with their boat

FreeTrader · 22 April 2006, 22:38

No warnings at all. Temp running at 113, oil pressure etc all looked normal.

Engine is 4 years old, so I'm goosed.

Richard B · 22 April 2006, 22:48

That's terrible news, really sorry to hear that.

It's also possible that a cooling fault caused the prob, although if the temperature was showing normal, that would seem to eliminate that. Is 113 normal for an Opti? I assume that's engine block temperature, not coolant temperature?

Was the tell-tale strong before the failure (ie. really jetting out into the sea, not just a limp dribble)? How many hours on the engine?

FreeTrader · 22 April 2006, 22:52

Checked tell tale on departure, and good stream. 436 hours on engine. Plus, when I bought the boat I had the local Mercury specialist check it all out, and he gave the engine the thumbs up - average rpm 4200 - a well run, well-serviced engine.

Sh*t happens!

Alex Brown · 23 April 2006, 20:47

Although I haven't had fire, my Suzuki gave its first splutter for the first time ever yesterday - upto 5000revs, and then down to 3700revs, then back up again, then down to 3700revs again. The engine was fine upto 3500revs, but above that, it felt like it was missing a cylinder - it must have known that it's going in for 200hr service tomorrow. Similar to you though, my warranty is now out, so if it's something more sinister, things could get expensive

-Alex

benc · 23 April 2006, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Brown

upto 5000revs, and then down to 3700revs, then back up again, then down to 3700revs again. The engine was fine upto 3500revs, but above that, it felt like it was missing a cylinder

I'm having similar issues at the moment, but I know what my problem is - cr*p in the fuel.. blocking the fuel filter and not allowing the clean fuel to get passed... I empty the filters, and its all ok again for a bit....

Nos4r2 · 23 April 2006, 22:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

Bad luck. I guess I am not the only one who has had a &&&& weekend with their boat

I've joined that club-my lower unit won't come off.

Bigmuz7 · 23 April 2006, 22:43

Free trader Sounds like you got some shagged injectors,... or one is enough,. to shut it down to guardian mode. Optis are well fussy bout fuel but great none the less

How did you winterize the opti? you didnt put some distillate stuff in the tank by any chance ??

pathalla · 24 April 2006, 01:02

It really sucks when stuff like that happens, not very many hours on the motor??

FreeTrader · 24 April 2006, 07:30

Boat was winterised by previous owner, so don't know if there's any distillate in tank.

Engine had 430 hours, and according to diagnostics had been well maintained and not over-revved. I just can't believe an Opti would blow out in these conditions.

Engineer's looking at it today or tomorrow, so will post results then.

Cheers

Phil

Bigmuz7 · 24 April 2006, 18:59

Yea I had a dealer put some quicksilver fuel additive in my tank for winterisation, but its not meant for fuel injection engines, only carbed ones. I'll get the name of it to be sure, but it ko'd one of my injectors, it bunged it up solid, and mine hadn't done that many hours either. Warranty took care of it but it was the hassle factor. I drained my tank, flushed and re filled, no problems ever since. Even if its not whats stopping yours now, Its worth noting for reference. I don't put anying in the tank, just leave it.

FreeTrader · 25 April 2006, 20:09

Local Merc guy has taken a look, and reckons it's the fuel rack that's gone. So we're talking a few hundred not a few thousand. I could have kissed the guy.

Hopefully the work should be done this week - just in time for the bank holiday. Big thanks to everyone for concern and advice.

MarkWildey · 25 April 2006, 20:36

Phil

Been holding off asking how the boat is since you posted the bad news.

That's great news.

Glad you found, another, nice Scorpion.

Regards

Mark

Rodan · 26 April 2006, 09:41

I am soon to be dusting off the cobwebs on my similar unit.
Couple of silly questions:
1) I left some fuel in the tank (actually more than I thought) but it has sat since late September. Should I dispose of this?
2) Should I and how do I clean the tank (underfloor jobbie)?
Engine was services and winterised, new fuel filter added.
Would be grateful for some advice...

Many thanks.