Cold Engine Starting Problems

[billwa]

Originally Posted by Astrid

Ether has a much lower flash point than diesel fuel, and if you have cycled your glow plugs, the ether can cause preignition, firing the cylinders at the wrong time--ie before the compression cycle is complete, or even during the intake cycle, in which case it can backfire through the intake line to the air filter and cause damage there if their is lingering ether present.

Fair enough. I have an old PERKINS 4107 which refuses to start in cold weather without a shot of ether.

Has no glow plugs, bit will not activate the "hot diesel" electrical element while using ether in light of CHIEF ENGINEERS cautioning.

[Ex-Calif]

I have never used the glow plugs to start my enigne. Ambient temperatures are around 90f and starting was never a problem.

Lately it's gotten worse. My plan is to clean the injecotrs and replace all flexible fuel lines and clamps.

I suspect air is getting into the fuel system through a pinhole leak on the suction side - upstream of the injector pump or in the tank return line.

You should be able to tell if the glow plugs are drawing current. Turn on a cabin light and hit the glow plugs - the 30 amp draw should noticeably dim the light.

[FxdGrMind]

Ok not a Marine Diesel mech... But I've got 220K miles on my VW TDI.
Kubota 4cyl tractor.
I've helped my neighbor with his Albin 2 cyl Diesel. Easy peasy thing to work on I've ever seen!

The thoughts are for me when/if there is a starting issue.

1) fuel flow.... "Verify" test for flow, no air in the lines, no water in the lines etc etc etc.
2) Preheaters... "verify" if you have them. If so, verify draw and measure against either the known draw or one against the rest. If you have them having spares arround that are Known good (measure them and compare to the readings on the ones in the engine)/ Swap and use.
3) Compression... if you have a manual crank, take the injector out and measure pressure with guage, compare to new/cyl to cyl (balance) by cranking manually to TDC.

4) check for water in the block and the water pump for a leak...if you find sludge in the case (water foam) and no leak in the pump.... ooooops, better think about a re-engine. But pull the head and check for a head crack vs a block.

Diesels are easy/simple principal engines. They shouldn't take all that much time to start if you have, "heat" (pluggs), Proper fuel pressure and good injectors, compression. A little smoke at start up is normal.

I'd say give it more fuel and air as. Some "Require" priming. The Albin does, but runs like a Champ!