Flipping engine won't start

[richardh10]

So the boat finally went back in the water after 2+ years out.

No water coming in so that's a result! Thought I would try the engine so bled the fuel through, and nothing. Checked the fuel lift pump, made sure everything was airtight, and nothing.

Seemed to be turning over slowly, so new starter battery, and nothing.

Consulted the wise men at the marina who said maybe an electrical/wiring problem so got an electrician to look at it and although the wiring was rather "strange", this wasn't the cause of the problem.

He thought there was a lack of compression, which surprised me a little, especially as it was running ok when I took it out of the water. Is this likely?

The engine is a Perkins Perama 3cylinder job, so nothing too sophisticated there, but I have run out of things to try. Any suggestions?

Or can anybody recommend an engineer in the Ipswich area who could get it sorted.

Cheers

 

[Puggy]

I know I am going to get shouted down, but a decent squirt of easy start in the intake gets the engine firing and drawing fuel and always gets it running for me....

 

[Tradewinds]

Lindsay Rufford - Seapower: 07768 772359

Not used him myself but seems to have a good reputation - often about at SYH Levington.

 

[richardh10]

I know I am going to get shouted down, but a decent squirt of easy start in the intake gets the engine firing and drawing fuel and always gets it running for me....

I tried that, and although it sounded promising - nada! Although I didn't try it with the new battery, so maybe that should be my next attempt

 

[colvic987]

you say the engine was ok when taken out of the water, I would make sure that the stop cable/or solenoid has reset back to the correct positon for starting... or you will never start it ....

check the simple things first, before calling in an engineer...

 

[sailorman]

I know I am going to get shouted down, but a decent squirt of easy start in the intake gets the engine firing and drawing fuel and always gets it running for me....

Dont be so stupid

 

[richardh10]

you say the engine was ok when taken out of the water, I would make sure that the stop cable/or solenoid has reset back to the correct positon for starting... or you will never start it ....

check the simple things first, before calling in an engineer...

Oh good one! I hadn't thought of that. Thanks

Any more ideas welcome

 

[lpdsn]

Eliminate the possibility of a fuel pipe or primary filter being blocked by gunk in the tank by running from a jerry can. Disconnect the line running to the lift pump and stick it in a can of fresh fuel.

If it doesn't runs OK, you've got a fuel line problem. If it doesn't the problem is after that. The engine won't run for long from the can as fuel will be transferred to the tank via the return pipe, but it'll help narrow down the cause.

 

[cimo]

I would verify the three must haves

1. air.
air intake filter/manifold is clean & unobstructed.

2. fuel.
you've already bled the fuel & verified fuel present at the injectors?
stop solenoid working & disengaged as mentioned.
govenor cable set up & working as intended.

3. compression.
cranking okay now with the new battery?
have you checked/set the valve clearances.
does this model have a hand start? "feel" for compression this way.

going in myself shortly after a two year refit including an engine rebuild.
good luck & keep us posted.

 

[richardh10]

Cimo - thanks for that.

Definitely got fuel to the injectors.
Air intake ok
Will check the stop solenoid
Will check govenor cable set up
It's cranking just about ok, but not really what I would expect from a new battery
Haven't checked the valve clearances, but should learn how to do this!
Can turn it by hand, and there seems to be enough compression.

I can't believe it can be anything too serious, but I just can't work out what it actually is. I will certainly let you know

 

[Blueboatman]

Ok . Is the exhaust thruhull open? Excess back pressure n all that. Just a thought

 

[richardh10]

Ok . Is the exhaust thruhull open? Excess back pressure n all that. Just a thought

Nope. I checked that.

 

[duncan99210]

Does the engine have glow plugs? If so, are they working properly?

 

[cimo]

post deleted - duncan said it.

 

[richardh10]

Does the engine have glow plugs? If so, are they working properly?

Checked them individually with a multi meter, and all ok

 

[Blueboatman]

Electrical or mechanical fuel shut off ?

I know you've had the electrics looked over but, specifically....?

(Not an engine I am familiar with)

 

[richardh10]

Electrical or mechanical fuel shut off ?

I know you've had the electrics looked over but, specifically....?

(Not an engine I am familiar with)

Nothing as advanced as that! We're talking basic here!

 

[stevd]

You can connect a battery directly to the starter motor if you think you have suspect wiring. Connect the negetive to anywhere on the engine block and the positive to the connector on the starter motor. You will need either a seperate connection from the positive to the pulse on the starter motor, or do what I do and arc it across with a spanner to engage the starter motor.

 

[stevd]

If you are getting fuel at the injectors it won't be your stop solenoid. Check valve clearances. Really easy to do, just get your hands on a feeler gauge, very cheap to buy.

 

[alahol2]

If you keep turning the engine over make sure you aren't filling the exhaust with water, it could end up back-filling into the exhaust valves depending on the geometry of your installation.