Engine not starting.

[Little Ricky]

So, Ive got two Volvo D3 220's, both low hours (50). The stb engine fires up straight away, the port doesn't. In fact, oddly, the stb engine needs to be on for about 30 minutes, then I try to start it, and then the port engine starts (as though the engine bay is warm enough). A sailor friend suggested could be glow plugs on the port engine need changing? Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Seastoke]

Battery

 

[PaulRainbow]

So, Ive got two Volvo D3 220's, both low hours (50). The stb engine fires up straight away, the port doesn't. In fact, oddly, the stb engine needs to be on for about 30 minutes, then I try to start it, and then the port engine starts (as though the engine bay is warm enough). A sailor friend suggested could be glow plugs on the port engine need changing? Any advice greatly appreciated.

Check the glow plugs ?

 

[Little Ricky]

Battery

So. Stb battery reads 14v, port battery reads 12v. Even when port engine finally turns over, the battery is still reading 12v. Why do you think it is not the glow plugs?

 

[Little Ricky]

Check the glow plugs ?

My feelings too, but happy to be corrected.

 

[Seastoke]

STBD engine is boosting voltage,if glow plugs don't work 3hy would they 30 min later

 

[PaulRainbow]

So. Stb battery reads 14v, port battery reads 12v. Even when port engine finally turns over, the battery is still reading 12v. Why do you think it is not the glow plugs?

My feelings too, but happy to be corrected.

12V is a flat battery. Does the port voltage increase when the STB engine is running.

 

[Little Ricky]

12V is a flat battery. Does the port voltage increase when the STB engine is running.

Alas I cant answer that, BUT, when the port engine kicks in the voltage rises to 14.1v. BTW, when both engines switched off, they both went to 12.1V, when I switched them both back on, they both creeped upto 14.1V.

 

[mrangry]

Does it crank at normal speed or does it sound slow?

I would be surprised if it was due to heater plugs as most common rail diesels can start easily without them unless the temperature is very low. Each plug can be checked in situ by checking its resistance with a multimeter. I dont have the figure to hand but a quick google will give the correct parameters for the resistance readings.

Check you are getting fuel to the injectors, has there been any work done recently, filters etc? My money is on fuel.

 

[Little Ricky]

Does it crank at normal speed or does it sound slow?

I would be surprised if it was due to heater plugs as most common rail diesels can start easily without them unless the temperature is very low. Each plug can be checked in situ by checking its resistance with a multimeter. I dont have the figure to hand but a quick google will give the correct parameters for the resistance readings.

Check you are getting fuel to the injectors, has there been any work done recently, filters etc? My money is on fuel.

Popped some Redex into the tank a few weeks ago. But if it was fuel, would it not affect the stb engine too?

 

[mrangry]

Popped some Redex into the tank a few weeks ago. But if it was fuel, would it not affect the stb engine too?

By fuel I mean supply to the affected engine which I have presumed each has separate filters

 

[Seastoke]

Swap batteries,or do you have a clip on ampmeter

 

[Little Ricky]

Swap batteries,or do you have a clip on ampmeter

...is this something Santa needs to get me before next December?

 

[PaulRainbow]

...is this something Santa needs to get me before next December?

You want a multimeter with a clamp ammeter that does DC amps.

 

[Little Ricky]

You want a multimeter with a clamp ammeter that does DC amps.

Consider it done.

 

[Momac]

As suggested swap the port and starboard starter batteries and see if the problem stays with the battery. If no difference it shows the problem is not the battery so the next step is think of some other possibility.

 

[Little Ricky]

As suggested swap the port and starboard starter batteries and see if the problem stays with the battery. If no difference it shows the problem is not the battery so the next step is think of some other possibility.

Good call. Will do.

 

[Boaty_Pete]

Don't forget it's a good time to double check and double clean all your battery terminals, teminal connections and cable connections if you're going to swap out your batteries.