Yanmar: what does this do?

[Tortuga331]

Originally Posted by Boatyarddog

A basic mistake in starting a diesel when cold is over cranking, with no starting.
This is how sea water can enter the combustion chamber.
It can be damaging to the engine to have this occur.

The trick that has not been mentioned yet is to shut off your intake to the engine till you get it to start, once it starts turn the intake valve on, and check for flow out the exhaust.

This procedure is nessessary when cranking the engine without starting, as water will back up in the water muffler and into the cylinders.
Important step!
Boatyarddog

I think this is what recently happened to me!
I tried starting it from the long winter rest about 10 times.
I have no other explanation of how water got into my engine and into my oil. I was able to start and run it with no problems so far after removing the water and changing oil and filter.

Bill

[Wolfe10]

The key to cold weather starting is to operate the GLOW PLUGS long enough to assist with starting. On some models, that just means leaving the key/button in the glow position longer, on others cycling the key off and immediately back to glow position.

[hugosalt]

Almost certain that most small Yanmars do not have glow plugs.
My 3 GM does not. We sail all winter here in New York and I follow Yanmar recommended starting procedure and never has failed to start.
Bring throttle up to 3/4 or so and crank, then when started reduce throttle.
(sometimes have to do few times and sometimes flip the decompression levers and turn over motor 1st)
Over many years of cold weather starts with diesels I find a fully charged battery is essential. Very easy to have partly discharged battery in winter/spring starts.
Love my solar panels.