Sailboat on trailer

[sac4440]

Hi, I have a 1973 pearson 30 sitting on a trailer. Can I somehow start diesel motor without hurting boat or motor?

[Lake-Effect]

You can usually start and run a small marine diesel for no more than 20 seconds, near idle, with no damage. Be sure it's got engine oil, obviously. when I worked with a mechanic, that's how we'd "test-fire" engines during spring commissioning, after changing fuel filters and priming.

[fgd3]

Can you get cooling water to it?

[boatman61]

See if you can remove the strainer for the raw water intake on the bottom of the hole..
If you can shove a hose right up it and wedge it in then get someone to turn it on as you fire up the engine..

[sac4440]

Thanks everyone for all the help.

[thomm225]

Run the water intake line to a bucket of water. Have hose in bucket to continue to fill. Folks do this all the time with various types of engines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBtUGpTOE2s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmMWO1I9lys