So we are in Marathon for another week and will have to vacate our slip next Wednesday. I have a motor issue that I want to get sorted before we cross to the Bahamas, but I don’t know if I need to get it fixed here in Marathon or if we can go north to Stuart, Lauderdale area where it will be cheaper and there are more service choices.
The problem is an air leak from a turbo that is putting out soot at the flange where the turbo connects to the exhaust pipe. The clamp was a bit loose and I snugged it up, but I know the turbo needs to be demounted, have the surfaces cleaned and then be reinstalled. I would start the job today, but I am concerned about breaking hardware and getting stranded with only one engine and I would prefer to assist a tech as opposed to doing it myself for the first time.
Like I said, I have snugged up the clamps, the large one on the compressor flange was not loose, but I was able to get 1/4 turn on the bolt. The smaller clamp was definitely loose and I got perhaps a turn and a half on it. Is it safe to run up north at 1050 rpm to get somewhere we can have it repaired or are we stuck here? I have the turbo blanket removed now and there is no oil on it, just some scorching. Should I reinstall it for the trip north or leave it off. I intend to clean the soot off to be able to see if I have stopped or slowed the exhaust leak, but is there anything else I can do? I would prefer to leave the turbo attached to the engine exhaust manifold with the bolts as I don’t want to break one and disable the engine until I am somewhere I can stay while I wait for parts.
I guess what I am asking is if a exhaust leak from the turbo flange is enough to keep us from running that engine for a couple or three days at low rpm to get out of the Keys. And how can I check to see if I’ve minimized it by tightening the clamp?
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Thread: Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
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04-16-2019 12:13 PM #1Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
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- 1,001
Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
Michael & Beth
Hull Number CV312
63’ Cockpit Motor Yacht
1986 model launched in August 1987
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Re: Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
Aside from the mess that the soot makes in the ER, you do not want your machinery ingesting airborne soot. It eventually makes the engines self destruct. One more after thought - if that clamp breaks and the turbo comes loose you've really got big trouble. Inspect that clamp carefully and monitor frequently while underway.
Last edited by SeaEric; 04-16-2019 at 12:19 PM.
Eric
41TC 1966 Hull #53 "Requisite"
Kent Island, MD/Ft. Lauderdale, FL
"Though she creaks - She holds"
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04-16-2019 01:09 PM #3
Re: Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
Yes, beware of removing turbo from exhaust flange. I removed mine (1976 Cummins 903) a few years back to facilitate replacing exhaust hose. The flange on the turbo side crumbled in several places, rendering it useless. Thanks to Avenger I was able to find replacement turbos. Turned into big job.
There is a special, and expensive, high heat sealant you are supposed to use on the Turbo to Exhaust Flange union. I tried finding name of in my archives but am at a loss. Perhaps you could carefully remove clamp, spread this sealant along outside of union, and reassemble? Wish you Best.Scott
1976 43DCFB ,Hull #428, “Exodus”
Long Island, NY
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04-16-2019 01:29 PM #4Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jun 2015
- Posts
- 339
Re: Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
I had a turbo and other exhaust leaks and engines sucked up soot. Expensive repairs try to get fixed asap
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Re: Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
May seal itself when it heats up.
Semper Siesta
Robert Clarkson
ASLAN, 1983 55C #343
Charleston, SC
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04-16-2019 02:21 PM #6Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
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- 1,001
Re: Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
What is the best way to check it? Run the engine without the blanket and use a piece of paper along the flange to show gas leakage? I know better than to use my hand to look for 1500 degree exhaust gas leaks, but what do you guys do?
Michael & Beth
Hull Number CV312
63’ Cockpit Motor Yacht
1986 model launched in August 1987
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Re: Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
Semper Siesta
Robert Clarkson
ASLAN, 1983 55C #343
Charleston, SC
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04-16-2019 02:42 PM #8
Re: Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
I think it was Silkolene 762.
https://www.silkolenestore.com/produ...ting-compound/Robert
MANCHIONEAL
1973 43DC #365
Mattox Creek, VA
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04-16-2019 03:40 PM #9
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04-16-2019 04:41 PM #10Senior Member
- Join Date
- Jul 2005
- Posts
- 130
Re: Turbo exhaust leak, how serious?
I had a similar issue two years ago and found the v-clamo was fatigued but not broken. Replaced the clamp and all was well again. Not a bad spare part to keep aboard and not all that expensive.
1987 41' CD832
Giddy Up
Niantic, CT