My new-to-me 20-year-old diesel engine sends up a waft of black smoke during acceleration, and doesn't reach the recommended RPM at WOT. Based on what I've read, the most common causes are restricted airflow, or overloading (such as overpropping).
The boat has new fuel, new primary and secondary fuel filters, new air filter, and 10 hrs since last oil & filter change. With my 18x18 prop, I'm getting 3200 RPM, about 400 RPM below the recommend range at WOT.
My feeling is I should take at least 2" of pitch off the prop, immediately (or whatever the prop shop recommends). However, the yard manager at my marina discouraged me from taking any immediate action on the prop until I've checked out the engine more thoroughly, or at least had a chance to settle in with the boat and gotten more comfortable with the engine, our typical running weight, etc.
Thoughts?
The boat has new fuel, new primary and secondary fuel filters, new air filter, and 10 hrs since last oil & filter change. With my 18x18 prop, I'm getting 3200 RPM, about 400 RPM below the recommend range at WOT.
My feeling is I should take at least 2" of pitch off the prop, immediately (or whatever the prop shop recommends). However, the yard manager at my marina discouraged me from taking any immediate action on the prop until I've checked out the engine more thoroughly, or at least had a chance to settle in with the boat and gotten more comfortable with the engine, our typical running weight, etc.
Thoughts?