Pre-heat supply

[narooma]

Does anyone out there have a Perkins 6354 or is familiar with the layout of the fuel supply to the pre-heat plug. I have a working pre-heat with no supply and would like to fit one. I know that the pre-heat end is fitted to the centre of the unit and held with a nut and olive, but where does the other end connect to? I thought it may have come from a point at the start of the return pipe as this is the same guage as the olive, but would appreciate input from someone who knows before I start cutting into good pipework.
Thanks

 

[Bergman]

I've got a 6/354 but I didn't think it had a pre-heat on it.

I just turn the key and it starts. (touching wood, crossing fingers etc)

If you can give me more detail of exactly what it is you would like me to look for I am going to the boat on Friday and will have a look, take some photos if you wish.

 

[steverow]

Ive got two T6 354M's but mine dont have pre-heat.
I presume this was an option probably on agricultural engines.
My workshop manual is on the boat, but I cant remember seeing this anywhere in there...on the marine version anyway.

Sorry I cant help more.

 

[Seanick]

The "pre heat plug" is called a Thermostart, made by Lucas.
They are fitted to most older Perkins, and light a little fire in the inlet manifold! The feed on early engines came from a 1 pint tin container, which gravity fed to the device. On later engines a feed from a T-piece on the fine filter runs it. The only problem with this is when the thermostart gets a old it can drip a little as it is pressurised by the lift pump. This can make older 6354's even smokier than usual.Good lump though! I drove a yard crane for about 12 years with that engine, always started, even when really cold, but only if it had 20 secs or more of preheat.
(I run a 6.304, forerunner to the 6.354)

 

[alb40]

My T 6354's have no pre heat either. Turn the key and they start on the first revolution. Sometimes when its cold, they might take 5 - 10 seconds of cranking, but will never fail to start.

Some of the non - turbos came with a glow plug. As above, its diesel feed from a small tank about half a litre in size. The smaller 4108's took their feed from the fuel filter, but I dont know how that arrangement worked.

To sum everyone up, if it starts well without it dont worry about it!

 

[Guest]

As others have indicated .... 2 methods ... + a third ...

a) Small can above the Pre-Heat Glowplug with pipe connecting. No need for valve as Glowplug is self-opening when 12v applied to it. This is the old way ... 4-99's, early 4-107's etc.
b) Feed from lift pump ... as per later 4-107 and 4-108's etc. But as another says this has problems later if fittings start leaking.

c) Third way is to use the fuel return line to tank ... but then this has to be raised above the Pre-Heat so that gravity will cause diesel to flow to the glowplug. This is the system I have and prefer - as it has no pressure and will not create fuel feed problems to engine if any fault.

My engine like many will actually start without fuel to the plug ..... surprisingly using just the heat ...

The amount of fuel used by the Pre-Heat is very small and a small medicine bottle or ... a Model Airplane fuel tank will last near all season ... literally just a few '00 mls .....

 

[Guest]

Re: Pre-heat supply .... actually forgot to mention before ...

My old 4-99 .... I used a length of 3/8 plastic tube pushed on to the pre-heat inlet and then clipped it up the bulkhead ... length about 40cm. This I then filled with red diesel till about half full ... it worked a treat .. and was simple temp. solution. Only problem was the start panel had a flick on switch for this pre-heat and I forgot to flick off one time ... the tube melted at heater end and bunged up the pre-heat valve ... wouldn't work after that. BUT if you have about 2 or 3" of metal pipe from the pre-heat and then the pipe ... you should be fine ... No need for fancy bits and bobs ... Filling the pipe is easy ... hypo syringe without needle does it fine ...

 

[narooma]

Re: Pre-heat supply .... actually forgot to mention before ...

Thanks to all for these replies. Most useful.

 

[Guest]

Good luck .....

The idea is so simple .... but it works.

If you have the manual for starting .... it will say something like ....

Turn key to H position for 15 - 20 secs ..... then turn to Start position. If engine does not start switch off and then key to Heat position again for 15 - 20 secs. etc.

I actually used to watch the air-intake .... 2 things would happen .... if it was quiet enough you could hear the POP of the diesel igniting ... then second was a curl of white smoke out of the intake ... As soon as you have that - Hit the start ! The "flame" will be dragged down into engine and away you go.

I suggest if you don't have already ... the Pre-Heat be via a Push to make button switch so that when you take finger of - it breaks and switches off.
I went further after blocking my pre-heat ... I inserted a switch to cut / provide power to the engine panel. This then gives me power to alt. exciter, press to make engine start button and also the pre-heat press to make button. That extra switch makes sure that all is disconnected when engine is off ... even the alt. excite circuit. (My boat was never fitted with a Perkins Start Panel by original owners ..... )

 

[narooma]

Re: Good luck .....

Again, Thanks for input.
Have the Pre heat but no fuel supply to it. Injectors now away for test and will fit fuel supply from return pipe if performance not improved when they come back. Have plenty of room to allow for gravity feed so ..fingers crossed.