volvo 290DP steam engine

[pine island fred]

After replacing friends complete ignition system, got engine running real good. While having one valve cover off did not look good in there. Thin coat of mud all over plus a loud lifter. Checked oil and it definately had water but the oil level was normal. <br /> Had friend get an arm full of filters and gallons of cheap oil and marvel mystery oil. Ran engine, pumped out oil, changed filter. Did this 3 times and it looked like oil was safe for a power up run. Had the floor hatch off and after some running at 4,000 noticed drops of water spitting out the flame arrestor. Removed the two valve cover breather tubes going to the flame arrestor and lots of steam and condensed water kept poaring out at 4,000. Went back to the dock at reduced power and steam kept poaring out. <br /> Shut engine down and checked oil. Expected to find the oil overfull with added water but it was normal level and milky. Oil press. and engine temps were normal during operation and engine ran smoothe. Noisy lifter went away also. Not quite sure what I am looking for here guys, any input would be appreciated. Early 90s 305 chevy salt water cooled. Tasted water condinsation, could not tell if it was salt or water setting from MONTHS of not operating. thanks fred.

 

[LuckyPenny]

Re: volvo 290DP steam engine

sounds like a cracked head

 

[Don S]

Re: volvo 290DP steam engine

When the oil is milky, it may take a long time and a few good runs to get it all burned out. I like to drain a quart or 2 of oil out, then stick a quart or 2 of diesel in run the engine at idle for a few minutes then drain the oil completely, refill with new filter, and run it again. Then do the diesel thing again. After a couple of times of that, the oil cleans out. <br />Then take it for a run out on the water. Check every now and then and make sure it's not "Making" oil and getting overfull. If it is, you still have a leak. If the level is staying at the same spot, then the steam is just from burning off the water left over from the old oil.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: volvo 290DP steam engine

Thanks don, was going to suggest to him that he get more filters and oil. Is the kero used to clean the engine or absorbe the water or both? <br /> I was happy that it was not making oil. I bearly remember big old air cooled radials had an oil dilution solenoid. Ran straight 40 wt. Crew would energize the solenoid before shut down to dilute the oil and gas would burn off on start up the next morning. Was used a lot up in your neck of the woods. regards fred

 

[Don S]

Re: volvo 290DP steam engine

I don't think the diesel does anything but thin the oil down and allows the water to drain from the valve cover area and valve lifter are under the intake. Never tried to figure out WHY it worked, but I do know it helps clean it up a LOT faster.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: volvo 290DP steam engine

It's simple acts as a degreaser but has the added benefit of some lubricating properties.<br /><br />I wouldn't use kero, it has a lower flash point than diesel.