[jameswilson29]

Yesterday, I tackled a more challenging maintenance task: adjusting the valve clearances on the Vetus M3.10 inboard marine diesel engine, which the owner's manual recommends every 800 hours. It appeared it had not been done for 18 years, based on the yellow paint on the crankshaft pulley obscuring the marks, which I had to chip off with a screwdriver to locate the marks. The most difficult part was rotating the engine the proper 240 degrees each time to position the cylinder at top dead center for each cylinder. It was interesting to watch the intake and exhaust sequence for the entire engine as it rotates. The engine runs smoother now, especially in idle (less of a rattling sound). Here are my photos and videos:

Video:

Video test run:

Photos:

https://plus.google.com/photos/1019...ms/6022541993154908033?authkey=CPrwzZuE9vWpYw

 

[dabnis]

Yesterday, I tackled a more challenging maintenance task: adjusting the valve clearances on the Vetus M3.10 inboard marine diesel engine, which the owner's manual recommends every 800 hours. It appeared it had not been done for 18 years, based on the yellow paint on the crankshaft pulley obscuring the marks, which I had to chip off with a screwdriver to locate the marks. The most difficult part was rotating the engine the proper 240 degrees each time to position the cylinder at top dead center for each cylinder. It was interesting to watch the intake and exhaust sequence for the entire engine as it rotates. The engine runs smoother now, especially in idle (less of a rattling sound). Here are my photos and videos:

Important stuff. If there is not enough clearance the valves do not stay closed long enough to dissipate the heat and can eventually keep the valves from completely closing which will burn them. Timing can also be effected, being slightly retarded. Important stuff, probably ignored by some?

Engine sounds good

Paul T

 

[jameswilson29]

Thanks, I am scrupulous in my engine maintenance.

Yes, I read that in the worst case, without sufficient clearance, the valve may actually contact the piston head. That would probably occur from improper adjustments. With neglect over time, excessive clearance would seem likely to develop. Too much clearance and the timing would be off and the engine would not be operating at optimal performance.

The job was really not that difficult once I started.

As this maintenance is recommended every 800 hours, it is difficult to believe no one adjusted the clearances during the last 18 years. I easily put more than 100 hours on the engine every year.

 

[dabnis]

Thanks, I am scrupulous in my engine maintenance.

Yes, I read that in the worst case, without sufficient clearance, the valve may actually contact the piston head. That would probably occur from improper adjustments. With neglect over time, excessive clearance would seem likely to develop. Too much clearance and the timing would be off and the engine would not be operating at optimal performance.

The job was really not that difficult once I started.

As this maintenance is recommended every 800 hours, it is difficult to believe no one adjusted the clearances during the last 18 years. I easily put more than 100 hours on the engine every year.

With the advent of hydraulic valve lifters, "adjustment" was probably a forgotten issue. One of the Honda Accords I had went well over 300,000 miles without any adjustment being necessary. My VW diesel had "shims" inside the lifter that needed to be changed to correct clearances. Fortunately, in over 100,000 miles I couldn't detect any measurable change fro the factory spec

My new Honda CRV manual says, "adjust valve clearance if they become noisy" How "un-Honda"?

Paul T

 

[christian.hess]

I love VETUS

we cruised around on I beleive one size bigger or the same one, it was around 33hp or 40 cant remember

it was the most reliable(yes loud) engine I have ever used...this engine was 5 years old when it started an around the world trip and 15 years later not one thing was done to it except oil changes and filters, and impellers...

however the captain like you was scrupulous...

I miss the sound of it! jajja