Westerbeke Glow Plugs 24353

[marvinjansen50]

I think I need some new glow plugs. The 4-91 Westerbeke 25hp started fair in warm weather but now it's cooler here in Mobile, Alabama it is difficult to start. Hits on one cylinder and finally starts blowing black smoke. Any suggestions on good place to get plugs reasonable or anyone have some spares left over?

[S/V Antares]

Westerbeke uses Mitsubishi base engines for some time now.(+- 1983) If it is a Mitsi you can get parts much cheaper from auto parts stores etc. Many of the base engines are used for fork lifts and other industrial applications. Looking from the front ... check out the left side (Intake) and look for casting marks like "L" or "K" then google. I bought glow plugs for 1/3 price for my 1.3 liter 27 HP from a tractor dealer.

[marvinjansen50]

Thanks for the info. This is an older one, a 1971 that I think is a Perkins. Like a 4-108 but smaller bore. I found some at WM for around $34, a Sierra 23-1000. But I see glow plugs for less that look about the same. Will pull one of mine and see what it says and check them all to see how many I need. One must be working as it does start. I can also try putting some heat into the intake manifold as someone suggest in another tread. They said a heat gun or a propane torch on (or in) the intake would help it start better when cold. Wonder if he meant to put the heat in through the intake at the filter like you would starter fluid (just not at the same time or boom). My Grand Father in Norway used to heat a ball till red and slap it on the head and spin the flywheel and it would start. Simple and worked back then. Read somewhere that a Champion CH32 might work but haven't found any online. Any help appreciated.

[zboss]

I assume the black smoke stops after the engine has warmed up?

[marvinjansen50]

Yes, the black smoke stops soon after the engine is running on it's own. It runs great when warmed up. I suspect the cylinders without a hot glow plug build up fuel and then when the rpms pick up they burn it off. I will pull the glow plugs this week and replace any bad ones.

[lonesoldier0408]

May need a valve adjustment as well, to improve compression.

[marvinjansen50]

Previous owner had engine rebuilt probable less than 100 hours ago. Runs so good after starting. But wonder about torqueing the head and adjusting the valves sometime soon. But it's 72 degrees today and think I will go out and sail.

[sanibel sailor]

What you have is a BMC (British Motors Corp) B series block.
BMC B-Series engine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Less expensive cross overs were Leyland tractors, specifically the 154 model and 25/4 model. Also used in Austin FX/3 cars I think, but they are rare. Those saw service primarily as London taxicabs.

If you need parts not specific to the diesel model, the gas version of these engines were used in '56-'62 Nash Metropolitans and some parts are available at the local auto parts store or at Metropolitan Auto Parts | Used NOS Nash Parts, Restoration & Repair | Metropolitan Pit Stop

Here is a tractor site that sells glow plugs for $55 each or $200 for a set of four, a bit less than $260 per at Westerbeke. http://www.importtractorparts.net/154.html

[lonesoldier0408]

Certain Mercedes model engines require valve adjustment at 15,000 miles. That's a daily driver model. Just saying.! 😏

[marvinjansen50]

I remember the old VW air cooled needed to be adjusted every 15k miles too or they would burn the #3 exhaust valve. I will check on re torqueing the head and adjusting the valves soon. But will check out the glow plugs first.

[sanibel sailor]

Originally Posted by marvinjansen50

I remember the old VW air cooled needed to be adjusted every 15k miles too or they would burn the #3 exhaust valve. I will check on re torqueing the head and adjusting the valves soon. But will check out the glow plugs first.

Actually every 3,000 miles. It is quick and easy, but quite frequent.

On this engine, you need a special offset wrench (18G694) to torque the cylinder head bolts, no longer available from Westerbeke. There is a Snap-on equivalent # S-8663-A , it is expensive.

There is one on eBay now Vintage Snap on Tool s 8663 A Head Bolt Wrench | eBay

I am not aware of any Westerbeke recommendation for routine valve adjustment on this engine.

[a64pilot]

Just guessing here, but maybe the lifters are hydraulic? Those shouldn't require adjustment

[marvinjansen50]

Hydraulic would be nice, my 86 VW diesel had mechanical and my 91 had hydraulic. It is running good now except for cold starts, so I am going sailing in 75 degree F and about 10mph wind.

[marvinjansen50]

On the head bolt wrench, will have to check clearance under there, may only be able to torque the head when the motor is out of the boat.

[sanibel sailor]

Cannot do it without the wrench as the rocker arm is in the way, and you cannot do it properly with the rocker removed. I measured it and it is 8" tall.