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Yanmar 2GM Oil leak

7K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  bclay3 
#1 ·
I just got back from a trip in the Gulf - Motor Sailing most of the way. I had the engine running about 2300 RPM for 10-12 hours some days - 24 hrs some days. The Gulf was very rough so the boat was heeled and had the rails in the water a good portion of that time. Every 12 hours I would shut the engine down to check the oil level and add oil- most of the time it was about a pint to a quart low. When returned to the slip, noticed that there was about a quart of oil in the pan below the engine - no obvious signs of a leak. Is it possible that the oil could come out the dipstick tube when the boat is heeled?
 
#2 ·
I am puzzled why you are running the engine if there is enough wind to put the rail in the water. Running the engine at that angle for hours on end is not good for the engine. I suspect operating the engine that way is the cause of the oil loss.
 
#3 ·
Why run the engine with the rail in the water?

The Gulf is often frustrating sailing. Takes about 4 hours to get it kicked up - 4-5' seas - with 6 sec period. Then the wind dies completely - it often takes 18 hours for the seas to settle down so unless you want to bob for 12 to 18 hours - you fire up the engine and if you were on a reach then the rail is in the water with no wind - even with the waves on the stern, the boat is anywhere but level for idea motoring.
 
#8 ·
Well I don´tsee much reason for concern at running the motor heeled over. Look at the design of the motor (what type is it?) . The oil sits in a pan underneath the crank and pistons etc and the oil pump lifts oil to all the points it is needed.

So if the oil pressure gauge is where it should be for your motor then you will do no harm.
If pressure falls you must stop it immediately as the bearings run on that oil pressure between the parts.

The only other consideration is the lower portion of the bores and the piston pins are splash lubricated by the churning parts and oil returning to the sump. I don´t see that this would cause you any concern as your whole motor would be on the move all the time.

As far as leaks are concerned you must clean up the motor nicely everywhere ,put some paper or white rags down ,run it and look for leaks . My suggestion is put paper under the front pulley and under the bell housing . Oil seals may be worn or blown from overfilling.

Usually dip stick tubes are long enough to accommodate almost sideways running. Some out the breather is also possible on older engines or modified engines .
 
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