Emergency Measures - Perkins 4.10SM Handbook

emergency measures
If the engine stops the first thing to do is check that the fuel supply is ON: If the
fuel valves or taps are open then check level in fuel tank. If the engine has been run
until the fuel tank is completely empty there is a very good chance that there is a lot
of dirt in the fuel lines. Change the fuel filter and having refuelled, bleed the system
and re-start the engine.
If the engine slows down or loses power there could be something wrapped round
the propeller. Always check this first. Check air intake for obstruction and engine
compartment for good supply of air. The air intake mesh may be clogged with foreign
matter sucked from a dirty engine compartment.
If the engine coolant boils ease down the throttle and try to ascertain the cause.
The first check here is at the sea cock to ensure adequate cooling water supply, if
satisfactory, check raw water pump operation, perhaps the impeller has failed; if so
replace with the spare impeller which should always be carried as an on board spare.
Should one engine be shut down on a twin engined installation, see page 40 for
propeller shaft trailing.
If a serious leak occurs on a high pressure fuel pipe, disconnect and direct flow
into a can or other receptacle and run the engine slowly and carefully on remaining
cylinders. On NO account attempt to flatten the pipe as this will ruin the fuel in-
jection pump. Leaks in low pressure fuel pipes can be temporarily repaired by the
use of adhesive tape, hose and clips.
Coolant leaks can normally be dealt with by adhesive tape, hose and clips.
If a serious oil leak occurs shut down the engine immediately and try to find the
cause. Oil leaks are a lot harder to cure temporarily, because of the pressure in-
volved. However if the main flow can be stemmed to a drip or dribble place a can
underneath the leak and replenish the engine with new oil (from the spare oil can) at
the same rate as the loss and continually check the oil pressure gauge.
Drip trays of metal or glass fibre should be used beneath the engine to stop lubri-
cating oil or fuel oil dripping into the bilges. Care must be taken to avoid galvanic
action with the drip tray e.g. a copper tray should not be used under an aluminium
alloy sump. Remember to keep the drip tray clean as this gives an early indication of
leakages.