1.7 dti diesel

[Arlon]

I recently got a boat with the 1.7 diesel. So far the little diesel has performed way outside what it specs would have you believe. My boat is a 27' "panga", not exaclty a RIB (my apology) but it is powered by an engine that seems somewhat popular in the RIB circles at least outside the US.. I was curious of any failures with this engine in a rib? I know there have been failures in heavy boats when the engines over boost.. Anyone run a boost guage on the little diesel? Anyone run a pyro to monitor EGT's? These are pretty important when running a diesel at high stress levels. I'm mostly curios about reliability of the 1.7 as my runs to offshore fishing areas are 50-100 miles each way.

First time post, nonRIB and from Texas.. I guess I'm starting with several strikes against me... Hmmm, that's 3 already... Arlon

[Nick Hearne]

Hi & welcome!
What make engine is it you have fitted?
Nick

[simmons0]

We have the same Mercruiser 1.7 in our boat, no problems with the engine yet, but it does seem to be running a bit smokey.

If you do a search on Mercruiser diesels there is a thread where a couple of people say their's has suffered holed pistons.

Edit: Found it: Mercruiser 1.7 dti engine failiure

[Andre]

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Hi & welcome!
What make engine is it you have fitted?
Nick

It can only be the Cummins Mercruiser 1.7 TDI (120HP)
a very good engine indeed

[Nick Hearne]

Sorry, thought Volvo did a 1.7
I will just take me coat!

[Arlon]

Originally Posted by simmons0

We have the same Mercruiser 1.7 in our boat, no problems with the engine yet, but it does seem to be running a bit smokey.

If you do a search on Mercruiser diesels there is a thread where a couple of people say their's has suffered holed pistons.

Edit: Found it: Mercruiser 1.7 dti engine failiure

As to running smokey, are you running any diesel fuel additives? Also are you allowing a cool down after running it hard? How many hours do you have on it?

I'm running a diesel additive that has definately reduced the knock/rattle of the diesel and I also let it idle for several minutes to cool the turbo oil before shutting it down. I only have 30hrs on the boat and no smoke at all. I've run about 500 miles (gps) so far. I do a lot of trolling which seems to use almost no fuel. Cruise speed is 28mph at 3800rpm, 5-6mpg depending on sea conditions, turning a mercury mirage 15.5x17pitch prop. Top speed is about 32 mph. No race boat but it sure does pass the fuel dock a lot!

I read the links and would love to figure out what the holed piston boat is turning for a prop/weight/length/ etc. He states several divers, gear, turning 3100rpm and NOT on plane? May just be a case of overloading the engine. I also hear a there was a problem with the waste gate shaft sticking that allows the engine to over boost when heavily loaded. Wonder if this boat is trailered or stayin the water? I would hate to loose a piston 100 miles out in the gulf of mexico! Arlon

[Arlon]

Originally Posted by Andre

It can only be the Cummins Mercruiser 1.7 TDI (120HP)
a very good engine indeed

well, really it's an isuzu NPR clone made in poland, purchased by mercury marine and supported/licensed/warrantied by cummins. I guess you could say it is truly a mutt.. I'm hoping service won't be a problem. Cummins though they are supposed to be able to suppot them seem to know very little about the actual engine (at least at the local cummins dealer here in Houston).

[Ezgoing]

Arlon

Have you considered an auxillary engine?

rgds

[Arlon]

Originally Posted by Ezgoing

Arlon

Have you considered an auxillary engine?

rgds

Absolutely. Have the bracket and have the cash for an engine, just not sure about details yet. The 9.9 yamaha high thrust would be nice but is over 100lbs. The 6hp tohatsu would be marginal but at 50lbs it would be no problem to handle. I have been looking locally for someone with a 6hp tohatsu to try before I buy. I have a 2.5 tohatsu that actually pushes the boat fine in calm conditions but when running offshore conditions are seldom calm.. Nothing like the North Sea (worked in Aberdeen for some time years ago) but not a pond either. Other issue is carrying two kinds of fuel. Would need enough for 100 miles range on the kicker for the worst of days. Wish someone made a little diesel kicker that was less than 75pounds...

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Arlon

...Anyone run a boost guage on the little diesel? Anyone run a pyro to monitor EGT's?

I run a combined boost/exhaust temp guage but it's on a Volvo not on a wee Merc. The boost gives a good indication of the load at a particular speed but, interestingly, exhaust temp doesn't always follow what you might expect. I better add that I'm measuring exhaust temp after the water injection. The exhaust temp is partly to warn of a water failure. The guage has settable alarms and is also linked to an external sounder.