Perkins 4.108 Thermostart

[Dougal]

Took the air filter off to check the thermostart was working correctly. Noticed than when I ‘rev’ the engine, droplets of diesel escape the thermostart and get sucked into the inlet manifold.
Should I just replace the item, or is this ok?

 

[wully1]

Took the air filter off to check the thermostart was working correctly. Noticed than when I ‘rev’ the engine, droplets of diesel escape the thermostart and get sucked into the inlet manifold.
Should I just replace the item, or is this ok?

I'm not understanding this..the thermostat monitors engine water temperature. No?

 

[srp]

I'm not understanding this..the thermostat monitors engine water temperature. No?

Thermostart not thermostat - the fuel heater coil in the inlet mainfold that is used for cold starting.

 

[wully1]

Thermostart not thermostat - the fuel heater coil in the inlet mainfold that is used for cold starting.

Ahhhh. Lisdexia strikes. The thermostart is supposed to squirt some diesel into the bowl which then heats up, gases off and gets sucked into the engine bits so it starts easy.

Mine worked and smelled a bit.

 

[essexboy]

The thermostart actually catches light ! Somewhat alarming but that's what it is supposed to do. The leakage is caused by a small ball in the unit leaking. It can be caused by incorrect plumbing arrangements. In the automotive set up, it had a header tank at a set height above the heater, and this controlled the pressures, so less leakage. Having it connected via the leak off rail can cause problems.

 

[Dougal]

Pretty sure mine is feeding from the return pipe. Is the item 'strippable', or should i just replace it?

 

[ghostlymoron]

I should replace it - they're cheap from tractor places or diesel ancillary suppliers. Its not good to have diesel leaking into the engine and it will probably get worse if left not better.

 

[Heckler]

Took the air filter off to check the thermostart was working correctly. Noticed than when I ‘rev’ the engine, droplets of diesel escape the thermostart and get sucked into the inlet manifold.
Should I just replace the item, or is this ok?

Its not a thermostat its a cold start coil, diesel is pumped to it and heats it when you turn the cold start heater switch, forms white fumes which are sucked in to the cylinder and are easier to ignite. Wont do any harm except using more fuel. Probably the valve is shagged
S

 

[dunmor]

replace it, they are only £10 each!

 

[macnorton]

The thermostart actually catches light ! Somewhat alarming but that's what it is supposed to do. The leakage is caused by a small ball in the unit leaking. It can be caused by incorrect plumbing arrangements. In the automotive set up, it had a header tank at a set height above the heater, and this controlled the pressures, so less leakage. Having it connected via the leak off rail can cause problems.

There are two different types that look the same, gravity or pressure fed, best just to replace it.