For many boat owners, the engine is the heart of their vessel, providing reliable power for countless adventures. Not only does the engine allow you to anchor and enter marinas safely and quickly, it also charges the batteries for all the electrical needs of a cruiser. Such was the case with our trusty 1977 Perkins 4-108, which served us flawlessly for several years until an unfortunate incident changed everything. In the videos below and subsequent posts, we recount our experiences with the Perkins 4-108, from its initial performance to the challenges we faced after running aground near the Antioch Bridge. We will also delve into our attempts to diagnose and fix the overheating issue, the unexpected setback we encountered during the rebuild process, and the ultimate decision to replace our beloved Perkins with a new engine. Join us on this roller coaster ride through triumphs, obstacles, and an exciting new beginning.
Smooth Sailing
We were fortunate to acquire our sailboat with a 1977(?) Perkins 4-108 that ran flawlessly. It faithfully powered our sailboat in and out of our marina and off and on anchor on numerous voyages without a hitch. Its performance was nothing short of exceptional, embodying the reliability and durability associated with the Perkins brand. However, our idyllic journey took an unexpected turn in 2019.
The Grounding and Overheating Puzzle
During an unfortunate mishap near the Antioch Bridge, we found ourselves stranded on a sandy shoal. Although we managed to get towed back to safety, our engine started experiencing persistent overheating issues ever since that incident. Perplexed, we embarked on a quest to identify the root cause of the problem.
Perkins Troubleshooting Efforts
We left no stone unturned in our search for a solution. We meticulously inspected the sea strainer, raw water and coolant systems, eliminating any potential obstructions or blockages. Additionally, we replaced the raw water impeller and the thermostat, hoping to resolve the overheating problem. Despite our best efforts, the issue persisted, leaving us frustrated and concerned about the engine’s longevity.
The Perkins Rebuild Plan
Realizing that the overheating problem remained unresolved, we made the decision to undertake a complete rebuild of our Perkins 4-108 in 2021. We were willing to completely dismantle the engine including removing it from the boat and taking it to a machine shop to hot-tank the block. However, fate had other plans in store for us.
To Be Continued…
