Hi Robin



Having the exact same engine I have experienced the same problem with the
electrical Stop-bottom.

Can you tell me what that problem turned out to be caused by?



Was it the bottom itself or the Diesel-stop-valve on the motor?



I’m still having trouble finding the cause…



Cheers,

Lars

Santorin Salvagny #79



Fra: amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com] På vegne af Robin Cooter
Sendt: 23. juli 2009 17:00
Til: amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com
Emne: Re: [Amel] Perkins Prima 50





Hi Graham,

We have a 1989 Santorin with a Prima 50. It is now approaching 5000 hrs
and starts first time, even after a winter lay up, uses 0.25 ltr oil every
100 hrs, runs at about the right temperature. We have had problems with
oil and fuel leaks ALL of which were the result of engine parts working
loose, eg. the mechanical lift pump nuts worked loose and oil seeped out
from the rocker box. All these were fairly easily fixed by me. Some
problems with injectors as they got old and some wireing problems- i.e.
electric stop failed and it needed to be stopped manually (lever on injector
pump) but I guess that is par for the course after 8 years of our use. I
did worry about the age of the engine and talked to Perkins. They asked if
it started ok, did it smoke a lot, did it burn oil and did it use cooling
water or overheat. When I said no to all the questions they said that at
around 7000 hrs I might need to have major work done on it!
In fairness it is well looked after with regular checks and maintenance and
has never gone more than 200 hrs without an oil change, now down to 100/150
hours or every season if less. (Highly recomended by every engineer I've
ever talked to). It is also easy to work on with all major parts being
accesible. Spares are reasonably priced if purchased in England and just
about everything is still available. Another plus point is that the same
engine was badged as a Volvo (An MD? - I can't remember the exact number) so
that if you are stuck for parts in some remote place with no Perkins agent
you may be able to get Volvo parts, they are more expensive though.
Bottom line - it's not a bad engine.

Regards,

Robin Cooter,
Santorin 004.