T&T: Caterpillar 3208

[Jim Curley]

Are Caterpillar 3208 engines (turboed,435 hp) any more prone to smoking than
other marine diesels?  A cold-start on a boat I am considering buying produced
quite a large amount of bluish smoke (not black), but the engines were cold
and the owner explained that as soon as they heat up, the smoke disappears,
and claimed that they do not use oil (the engines have about 2000 hours on
them).  This was merely dockside, not on a sea trial (yet).

Should an engine survey include a compression test on each cylinder, and will
that give a reliable indication of ring/cylinder/valve condition?

Any 'heads-up' will be appreciated!

Jim Curley
(Presently 'boatless', searching for a 55 Fleming)