The Injector Pump

After a wonderful two week stay in Cartagena, I set off to continue on my Winded Voyage last Sunday. My neighbors Jos and Ilye and family were also going and I wanted to sail along and take some pictures of them sailing.

As we cruise out of the bay, I turn to the wind to hoist my main sail, when suddenly Simone, my Perkins 4108 goes crazy. Accelerating uncontrollably spitting a huge cloud of white smoke. I could not turn her off! It seemed like it was going to explode at any moment. I came out of the engine compartment and jammed it into reverse, and thank the Diesel gods, it stopped and died.

Jos came around to tow me back to port and said “That’s why we sail together, to help each other out”. It was truly admirable. Meanwhile he called the marina and next thing you know George, Pete and Ray, a delightful trio of brits were towing me back with George’s big motor boat as we watched Jos sail off in the distance.

It turns out Simone was leaking diesel into the oil. Another neighbor of mine, John a retired diesel mechanic came to investigate. He said turn it over, and Simone spiked right up and purred. She seemed OK. We turned her off and checked the oil level. It was way to high. I’d been noticing this for a while and thought I had just put too much in. So John told me to take it all out and see how much was in her. Turns out there was 3 litres more than the maximum. John took look at the oil and didn’t see any water traces, so we ruled out that coolant was getting into the system.

Simone had been leaking oil, which is common for Perkins, and I had not worried much about it. Earlier, I decided I should check on my oil leak. While running the engine I found the leak. One of the oil pan bolts was dripping quite a lot. I tighten the bolt and it stopped. What I did not realise, was that the leak acted as a pressure valve for the extra diesel seeping into the system. And when it was not leaking, the pressured oil and diesel fumes ignited and sent Simone on an uncontrollable rampage.

John offered to check the fuel pump for a leak. He meticulously took it apart and found no problems, (aside from a valve which had popped out of position, a future problem which was remedied). He then told me to put in new oil and an oil filter and wait twenty-four hours and check the oil level. Next day I checked. And the level was up. John said it had to be the Injector Pump. 

Today I got a local mechanic to come and take the pump out to send out for a rebuild. Once out, it was clear that the pump seal was gone. Problem found. Now I must wait for the newly refitted pump so that it can be put back onto Simone. At the same time the injectors will also be checked.

I was very lucky things happen as they did. And being stuck in Cartagena is pretty cool. I really like it here. Yacht Port Cartagena is the best marina I’ve stayed at. The least expensive so far, with a super friendly ambiance and great boat services. The downside is that this near disaster will take a bite out of my budget. I want to thank you immensely  for your support, as it will greatly help me, Simone and Galopin.

Much love from Cartagena, Alex.