Martini not very well - rattling Opti

martini · 05 July 2009, 22:11

On my way to Sark on saturday, saw someone I knew, went alongside him and gave the motors a handful of reverse to stop. (twin Optimax 225)

The moment I did this, the starboard motor started to rattle really loudly. Wondering what I had done I stopped the motor, took off the cowl and had a look around for anything unusual.

All looked ok so I restarted the motor and had a look to see if I could find where the noise was coming from. Couldnt tell much except it seemed to be internal.

Nothing much I could do so refitted the cowl and carried on. Sometimes, under load, the noise would almost dissappear but after a further 40 miles or so before I got home it didnt get any better or worse.

I figure if it was a big end bearing that had spun etc., it would've completely destroyed itself by the time I got home so maybe the lower crankshaft bearing? Any other ideas anyone?

Poly · 05 July 2009, 22:30

Martin,

I seem to remember some people had problems with bolts failing (was it alternator? or compressor?) on optis - not sure if that would give you the sort of rattle?

A search should find it - I think Bruce Hawskter (sp?) had the problem - but others then said they had too although memory is vague?

Nos4r2 · 05 July 2009, 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

On my way to Sark on saturday, saw someone I knew, went alongside him and gave the motors a handful of reverse to stop. (twin Optimax 225)

The moment I did this, the starboard motor started to rattle really loudly. Wondering what I had done I stopped the motor, took off the cowl and had a look around for anything unusual.

All looked ok so I restarted the motor and had a look to see if I could find where the noise was coming from. Couldnt tell much except it seemed to be internal.

Nothing much I could do so refitted the cowl and carried on. Sometimes, under load, the noise would almost dissappear but after a further 40 miles or so before I got home it didnt get any better or worse.

I figure if it was a big end bearing that had spun etc., it would've completely destroyed itself by the time I got home so maybe the lower crankshaft bearing? Any other ideas anyone?

Aren't they still under warranty?

codprawn · 05 July 2009, 23:38

Doubt it's the powerhead - more likely prop/gearbox related.

Could even be mountings or brackets. How much did the engines kick up on reverse? How much throttle did you give?

tim griffin · 06 July 2009, 06:03

I had the compressor bearings go also alternator bracket bolt and belt tensioner spring

If compressor take cowl off stick a screwdriver on the unit and stick your ear on it you will know if it is wearing .

Could be gearbox if only happened after whacking it in reverse .

How old engines ?

If in doubt get the mech to look it over as only guessing and going from my own experiences.
Tim

Channel Ribs · 06 July 2009, 06:41

I hope it is nothing too serious.

Mel said she thought she saw a big RIB to the south might have been you? We were on the way back from St PP.

Erin · 06 July 2009, 11:10

You must have been a bit off course if Martini was in Sark

Channel Ribs · 06 July 2009, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

You must have been a bit off course if Martini was in Sark

We came back a fair bit to the south of the straight line course, plus Martini II does have quite a distinct profile. (Mind you, with my eye sight it could have been the Commodore Clipper for all I know!)

Erin · 06 July 2009, 11:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by malthouse

(Mind you, with my eye sight it could have been the Commodore Clipper for all I know!)

Yep, easily mistaken

After a day in Guern, you can be forgiven for hallucinating. Both are desirable vessels mind you. One quite cool and fast, but the other has a bar on board.

Channel Ribs · 06 July 2009, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

... the other has a bar on board.

I think that qualifies as giving him ideas!

Seriously though, I hope the engine is ok and that it was just a lose bracket.

martini · 06 July 2009, 20:22

Nos - I bought the motors second hand, they're '03

Tim - Spot on mate, took the belt off and spun the compressor pulley by hand, lots of clanking

Just stripped it and found the big end bearing in a million pieces, half the skirt missing off the piston and the bore is scored to buggery! New compressor on order

Martin - Sat afternoon I went round south of Sark, through the Gouliot and across to Herm so may well have spotted me! I'm easier to spot in port, just look for the crowd of open mouthed frenchmen, it was nice at first but starting to get embarrassing! I'm just kidding of course, I've been amazed at the reaction and the comments I've received, made all the hard work worthwhile!

Keith - Don't worry I'm a long way from installing a bar I think, I got told off for not having cupholders the other day! But I have been in discussion recently with someone about a deactivated Browning .50cal, certainly will have a distinct profile with one of those mounted up the bow!

Turbodiesel · 06 July 2009, 20:22

Bugger!

martini · 06 July 2009, 20:25

One of these days I'm going to have to buy you a pint Mr. Turbodiesel!