Ahoy there.
I may have a major problem.
My Swanson 28 has a 28hp diesel with about 700 hours on it from new.
After motor sailing up to Port Stephens last week, I checked my oil before my next leg north. My oil level was about 5mm above the 'full' mark on the dipstick and it was slate grey in colour.
I then noticed that it was oozing out of the dipstick tube.
I immediately thought 'overfill' but the level was OK when I checked it in Newcastle, so this extra liquid must be coming from somewhere, so now I'm thinking a blown head gasket (or worse).
There is no oil in my coolant, there is no smoke in my exhaust (except for the usual) and there are no unusual engine noises.
She started OK the last time I fired her up and apart from the oozing grey oil, which doesn't have any grit, metallic or carbon deposits, my engine seems great.
I change the oil every 100 hours and use the best synthetic oil I can get ... I last changed it about six weeks ago and it has just under 80 house on it since then.
The local mechanic has taken Easter off and Google Search seems inconclusive as to what may be going on.
I'm on a public mooring and don't feel like starting the engine to move ... and where would I go anyway?
I am halfway from Tasmania to FNQ so I don't know anyone local who might offer me some advice.
I'm stranded in admittedly lovely spot, but I'm stranded nonetheless.
Has anybody else had a similar experience?
Without actually looking at the engine, does anybody have any ideas or think these symptoms sound familiar?
?