Lister Engine Forum

How to / DIY => Engines => Topic started by: Help I have a Lister on August 03, 2018, 08:26:05 AM

Title: SR2 bad vibrations
Post by: Help I have a Lister on August 03, 2018, 08:26:05 AM
My SR2 is solid mounted on a boat. It vibrates like hell is there anything that can be done.
Regards.
Title: Re: SR2 bad vibrations
Post by: dieselspanner on August 03, 2018, 09:42:51 AM
Yes, but it ain't cheap.......

Pull the engine and gearbox, alter the engine beds and re fit with flexible mounts and a flexible coupling to the propeller shaft.

You might well have to slip the barge and have the prop shaft machined to suit, so fit a ceramic shaft seal (assuming you don't already have one) at the same time.

If you're not desperately in love with the Lister and have the budget then there are quieter modern engines.

See your local boatyard for details, some times second hand engines pop up.

Cheers Stef
Title: Re: SR2 bad vibrations
Post by: Help I have a Lister on August 06, 2018, 10:27:35 AM
Thanks for your replies. The vibrations seem engine related as it is evident when revving in neutral. Engine mounts seem fine. I’ve looked at flexible mounts but it is a heavy engine and there is not much clearance to the mounting beams to fit anything substantial. If there’s nothing I can do with the engine then might just have to start saving up.
Title: Re: SR2 bad vibrations
Post by: cobbadog on August 07, 2018, 02:32:05 AM
I would start by doing a full service on the engine and a compression check to establish where the problem lies. Hopefully it is just as suggested a fuel system issue and not rings and bearings. Either way it is a time thing more than anything else.
Good luck with the trouble shooting.
Title: Re: SR2 bad vibrations
Post by: Hugh Conway on August 08, 2018, 11:26:01 PM
Once upon a time I had a sailboat with an SR2. The engine was lag bolted to wooden bearers, had the then usual non-flexible coupling that required a lot of shimming to align gearbox output and prop shaft. Had the old style stuffing box.
When running, inside the boat, it sounded like a destroyer running at war emergency power, but the vibration was not excessive.
I would look for some of the suggested causes, but would bet it is not the basic engine design. There things were a common life boat engine, and were reliable and trouble free.
Cheers,
Hugh
Title: Re: SR2 bad vibrations
Post by: Help I have a Lister on August 11, 2018, 03:06:43 PM
Thanks for your replies folks. Sorry for the delay in getting back. When I got the boat the engine was a poor starter and guffed like hell. I had the bores polished, new rings, a new valve, injectors checked, new crank shims and now it starts second turn, idles nicely  and is much cleaner. I’ll get a compression check and let you know. Cheers.
Title: Re: SR2 bad vibrations
Post by: cobbadog on August 12, 2018, 05:32:39 AM
Sometimes 'terminology' can get lost when making a description on things done. "Polishing' the bore would be something I would avoid but having it lightly honed would be better especially when fitting new rings. the rings need something to 'bite' into so that they can seal and give good compression. doing a compression test on a new engine may not achieve much as the rings have not been bedded in and once they do you should have no issues there. With all that work done you need to look at other sources of the problem. Have a very close look at what the engine is mounted to. Is it solid and strong and not rotting away?

I just re read your last post and you say that with the upgrades to the engine it now starts on the 2nd turn and idles nicely and is much cleaner. SO does this mean the problem has gone?
Title: Re: SR2 bad vibrations
Post by: Help I have a Lister on September 01, 2018, 08:44:31 AM
Thanks for your reply coopernook no it’s still the same. I guess it’s just a characteristic of the engine. It’s funny how some people approach me with compliments on how nice it sounds etc then going back to their smooth quiet modern engine brimming with the latest technology. Anyone want to make me an offer for this monster.