Starting a Beta Diesel

[Stemar]

When I bought Jazzcat, the previous owner said that to start the engines (20HP Betas), give full throttle, 30 seconds on the heater and let her rip. I did, and they started, but, of course revved their poor little nuts off. So I experimented. Throttles to idle, 10 seconds heat and turn the key. They start with a lot less fuss and no more churning than with full throttle. Oil pressure comes up within a second or two.

I get that a VP200 series without heater plugs does need a good bit of throttle to start, but ISTM that the latter method stresses the engines a good bit less. Is that correct?

 

[VicS]

When I bought Jazzcat, the previous owner said that to start the engines (20HP Betas), give full throttle, 30 seconds on the heater and let her rip. I did, and they started, but, of course revved their poor little nuts off.

I get that a VP200 series without heater plugs does need a good bit of throttle to start, but ISTM that the latter method stresses the engines a good bit less. Is that correct?

What is the starting procedure in your owners manual?
.

 

[Stemar]

No manual. Downloading on is on my to do list, but I keep forgetting to make a note of the engine type when I'm on board.

 

[SaltIre]

What is the starting procedure in your owners manual?
.

I've just read the manual and it says nothing about throttle setting on startup! It doesn't mention fuel anywhere, other than make sure it is bled...
OM 221 20031 HE REV26 0621

 

[SaltIre]

No manual. Downloading on is on my to do list, but I keep forgetting to make a note of the engine type when I'm on board.

There only seems to be one manual - downloadable as a 24.1 Mb PDF.
OM 221 20031 HE REV26 0621

 

[Praxinoscope]

My user manual says 5secs for heaters (30 secs way too much you’ll burn your heaters out rather quickly)
Both my previous Beta and current Beta start with throttle on tick-over (about 900 rpm)

 

[adwuk]

Our new Beta 35, no throttle, 5 seconds max on the heater and start. We used full throttle on our old Perkins 4108, with about 30 seconds on the thermostart, but that was specified in the manual for the engine. I wonder if the previous owner once owned a Perkins and never changed his practice

 

[Stemar]

I wonder if the previous owner once owned a Perkins and never changed his practice

I believe the original engines were Renault based, but the same could apply.

Many thanks for the link to the manual, Saltire. It seems even my 10 seconds was too long - 6 seconds max, but my instincts weren't far off!

Thanks again for all the help - What would I do without you guys (and gals)?

 

[SaltIre]

Thanks again for all the help - What would I do without you guys (and gals)?

Rev your poor little nuts off...

 

[SaltIre]

My manual 5 secs for heaters (30 secs way too much you’ll burn your heaters out rather quickly)
Both my previous Beta and current Beta start with throttle on tick-over (about 900 rpm)

I had a Moody 336 with a Betamarine engine. Previous owner had marked a throttle position for Start with an arrow. I can't remember what the revs were, but I don't remember it over revving.

 

[Poecheng]

I have a Beta 20 from 2005; it is an excellent starter.
I tend to set the throttle just above idle - it is a little smoother when it does start and I also have a water tell-tale which needs above-idle revs to show at all.
After six seconds or thereabouts on the heater, you can hear the slightly different tone of the warning buzzer - as if it has done its job and stopped, the voltage has increased and accordingly the tone rises a little.

 

[Minchsailor]

My Beta 35hp needs about 5-6secs of heater before starting on tick-over.

 

[neilf39]

Mine starts instantly on idle without using the glow plugs.

 

[Biggles Wader]

Is it the three cylinder Kubota engine? Mine, not a Beta, starts very easily and I use minimal heaters (5 seconds) and no throttle.

 

[penberth3]

When I bought Jazzcat, the previous owner said that to start the engines (20HP Betas), give full throttle, 30 seconds on the heater and let her rip. I did, and they started, but, of course revved their poor little nuts off....

Er, wouldn't most people simply close the throttle as soon as it fires?

 

[Malish]

even my Bukh with no heaters only needs a bit of throttle (about a quarter) on a cold day. Given that oil circulation and pressure is at a minimum at startup then starting with the throttle full open is going to encourage wear and shorten engine life... music to the ears of your local marine engine specialist!

 

[PetiteFleur]

As mentioned, 5/6 seconds on heater and instant start on my Beta 25, no throttle. In summer will start with no heating. Superb engines!

 

[Bilgediver]

Er, wouldn't most people simply close the throttle as soon as it fires?

Wouldn t be the first time I have seen the key in the cabin and the control lever in the cockpit. Poor wee engine would be screeeeemin to high heaven if he tripped on the way out

 

[Amlov]

I’ve never heard of any issues starting the Beta range of engines in normal use and most people find very few problems with starting.

First thing in the morning, particularly if a bit cold, it is normal to open the throttle a little (say to a setting that gives about 1600 rpm). Then use 3-5 seconds of heater before starting. Just let the engine warm for a minute or so at 1600 rpm, then drop down to tickover, briefly check forward gear engages and then you are good to go.

Usually throughout the day there will be no need for the heaters or opening the throttle a bit.

 

[earlybird]

I’ve never heard of any issues starting the Beta range of engines in normal use and most people find very few problems with starting.

First thing in the morning, particularly if a bit cold, it is normal to open the throttle a little (say to a setting that gives about 1600 rpm). Then use 3-5 seconds of heater before starting. Just let the engine warm for a minute or so at 1600 rpm, then drop down to tickover, briefly check forward gear engages and then you are good to go.

Usually throughout the day there will be no need for the heaters or opening the throttle a bit.

That would be my experience with the two Betas I've owned. Very reliable starters with minimum heating and throttle.