An improved method for detection of engine faults especially suited for use on ships. The method is in particular related to the detection of a fault in an internal combustion engine having within the housing a crankshaft connected to a piston. The method includes determination of a pressure difference between the housing and the area outside the housing. If comparison of the pressure difference with a fault indicating pressure difference limit shows that the pressure difference is greater than the fault indication pressure difference limit then the presence of the fault is indicated. According to the method is in the pressure difference determined by comparing the pressure existing in the housing with the pressure of the area outside the housing, while attenuating pressure changes of the area outside the housing, so that pressure changes having a duration equal to or less than a defined fault characteristic period of time are supposed.