Nanni N2.14 glow plugs (small Betas too)

JumbleDuck

JumbleDuck

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My (accursėd) Nanni N2.14 is a pain to start first time each day. From the way that the engine battery voltage doesn't shift an iota when I press the glow plug button, I suspect that they are not operating. The panel light comes on for them, the operating fuse is OK and the yard at Port Bannatyne checked the relay before we left, this having been a problem for some time.

Can anyone familiar with these, or perhaps with the Beta 12/16 (same Kubota base) let me know where I might usefully look for a break in the glow plug circuit? I can get in there with a multimeter, but access is abysmal and so suggestions of likely spots would be very welcome.
 
JumbleDuck said:
My (accursėd) Nanni N2.14 is a pain to start first time each day. From the way that the engine battery voltage doesn't shift an iota when I press the glow plug button, I suspect that they are not operating. The panel light comes on for them, the operating fuse is OK and the yard at Port Bannatyne checked the relay before we left, this having been a problem for some time.

Can anyone familiar with these, or perhaps with the Beta 12/16 (same Kubota base) let me know where I might usefully look for a break in the glow plug circuit? I can get in there with a multimeter, but access is abysmal and so suggestions of likely spots would be very welcome.
Click to expand...

Take them out and connect directly. Multimetering them in situ is not very definitive, If they burn out they can give false readings. Put em on a battery, if they glow red they are good!
 
Yes, only sure way is remove them. But if voltmeter doesn't move one bit when button is pressed I would suspect they are all not working. A quick check then is to run a wire from a battery positive and touch the bare wire on the end of one of the glow plug terminals. If it doesn't spark they are all kaput.
 
Before removing I would check for voltage at the plugs when button pressed. On my Beta the plugs are connected in parallel by a copper strip. Should be voltage between this and engine block.
If no voltage, perhaps check multiplug/socket in engine panel harness, if there is one.
On Beta there is no relay for the glow plugs, but Nanni might be different.
 
I had this engine on a previous yacht. Also with glow plug troubles. From memory you could check if the glow plugs were heating just by checking with a finger or IR thermometer on a cold engine above where the glow plugs are located.

The start voltage should drop. They have a significant power draw, so it does not sound promising, but the above test is double check.

In my case I did not think the wiring for the plugs was adequate anyway so rather than troubleshooting the system I just replaced all the glow plug wiring and relay.
 
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BabaYaga said:
Before removing I would check for voltage at the plugs when button pressed. On my Beta the plugs are connected in parallel by a copper strip. Should be voltage between this and engine block.
Click to expand...

Many thanks everyone, and especially BabaYaga. My engine also has that copper strip and there was no voltage at it. After a bit of investigation I have discovered that the miniature blade fuse in the operating circuit has a faulty contact inside it, and it seems that the holder for it neatly held it open circuit. Taken out for testing the pins moved slightly and continuity showed. Luckily I have a spare fuse aboard, so I have fitted that and the connecting strip now shows 11.2V, which is low enough to suggest a good drain through the glow plugs. I've done test start which went fine but the engine ran for an hour earlier and was warm. I look forward with some optimism to tomorrow morning's test. Watch this space, and thanks again.
 
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