Fuel for starting

[pcatterall]

Thanks to Mr Leyton C I now have my tank for starter fuel back. This is the old fashioned little tank that holds and supplies fuel for starting (Perkins 4108 in my case).
I guess that diesel is normally used for this purpose but could I add a little extra 'something' which will help firing up?
As there is a tap on the tank I guess that perhaps you just switch it on for starting ? is there a recommended procedure?
Thanks Leyton and thanks to all in anticipation of the usuall good advice.

 

[LeytonC]

I use soltron treated red diesel, with no problems at all - 15 seconds on the thermostarts and away they go (clouds of grey smoke go after a second or so)

Just make sure your batterys are full, the hot start takes a lot of power out of em.

 

[Piddy]

When I had a 4108 in my last boat, I found that the engine would start every time providing it was turned over fast enough. By adding a dedicated starting battery and keeping the starter leads fat and short, it didn't need any heat or throttle to start, cutting out all of the unpleasant fumes and unnecessary smoke.
It did take me a season to discover this as bad habits take time to cure. I would only use the hot start in the depths of winter and I never used any additive.
My engine had the fuel pre-heater in line so it had unlimited fuel rather than the tank that was on the older 4107.
Cheers

 

[PCUK]

It is easy to do away with the little tank. Simply pipe the thermostart direct to the unused outlet on the engine fuel filter. If the engine is still a bad starter with the thermostart working properly it (the engine) is probably in need of an overhaul.

 

[pcatterall]

Thanks guys, touch wood the engine has always been a good starter, I have never had the preheat working with fuel. However now that I have the facillity it seems sensible to understand its use. I do have a dedicated cranking battery, short leads etc.
Thanks again.

 

[Guest]

Preheat etc.

The Perkins Air Intake preheat was designed to go with their switch / key panel ... (wish I could find one now !!)
That key had turn to left for 20 secs and then turn to right to engage starter.

The pre-start being a bi-metal valve with fuel supply. A small drop only is needed to pass the valve when 12v applied - note it takes a lot of amps !! - and then the fuel literally ignites ... takes about 15 - 20 secs ... mine actually longer cause the element is coked ....

Early engines especially the 4-99 and 4-107 were fitted with a small reservoir to supply the plug ... it can be as small as a a 100ml's .... but recc'd at least 7" above to provide the head. later engines then had either feed from the filter - as another advises - or branch of the fuel return to tank.

2 Perkins I have had - I have even used as temp measure a length of plastic pipe fitted to the plug, then clipped up vertical ... (3/8 clear fits .....) But be careful as the plug gets very hot and can melt the pipe if left too long ! I know !!

My 4-108 presently will start with heat .... and fuel not really needed ... but its quicker.

As many know - best is not to time the heat - but watch for the wisp of white smoke curling out of air-intake or if you have a really good fuel supply to it ... the POP as the fuel ignites !! Hit the start then ... the flame will then be sucked in -- she starts !

Even if engine starts without - IMHO - when engine is cold it's easier on the starter battery using it as engine starts quicker without dragging down the battery ...