Starting a Yanmar1GM10 for the first time in 5 years

[get_shelley_sailing]

Hi all,
Myself and a couple of friends have just acquired a Nicholson 26 which has been sat in the water for the last 5 years and one of our first challenges is to try and get the engine working does anyone have any advice please, we are going to bring along a car battery and some new diesel but any tips would be greatly appreciated as its the first challenge of this kind we have undertaken!!

p.s. if anyone has any useful info on nic 26's please pm us

 

[Dellquay13]

When you buy fresh diesel, get the other colour (red or white) so it is obvious when your fresh fuel has been pumped all the way round.

Don’t crank the engine on the starter until you have gently turned it by hand a few times with the decompression lever lifted.

Once you have it running check underneath the water pump for drips from failed pump shaft seals and bearings.

others will have more suggestions

 

[drude]

Share a video the whole thing so we can join you at this momentus time!

 

[ChromeDome]

Double post

 

[ChromeDome]

Look it over for any obvious defects, leaks etc.
Fresh fuel is a good idea but most likely some old stuff will be in the tank and could be contaminated or contain water.
Change oil, filters and impeller, as per the manual.

Before using the starter turn it over several times by hand/wrench on crank.

Take a video while trying, handy if it won't start and you need to show someone how it went.

If cold bring an electric heater to warm the airfilter pot & intake - they can be hard to start when cold.
Give it some throttle (>½) and be prepared to reduce when it starts.
Do not use the starter extensively,- give it a rest to cool down between attempts.

As a last resort a diesel start spray might get it going.

For your entertainment:

Plenty of videos on the web, also of cold starts

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Don't try more than a few starts with the cooling water seacock open or you'll end up filling the exhaust system and potentially the engine. Best get it running then open the seacock.

 

[Bilgediver]

One thing I always do is to get some engine oil on top of the piston by giving a.few squirts down the inlet and then turning the engine. over decompressed to spread the oil around and get rid of any excess. Then start the engine having also bled the fuel system and hearing injector squeek.

 

[pioneer]

Fit a new impellor before trying to start (after 5 years the original could be deformed/perished). Check water inlet filter. Also check the gearbox oil level and F/R lever operates before engaging with the engine running. The 1GM10 is notorious for the water pump leaking onto the oil pipe as others have said. The exhaust manifold also rots on the inside and allows water a direct path straight into the engine, worth checking before starting and replace if water gets between the inner sleeve and the outer casing. They cost a bit (the stainless ones are more costly) but water in the cylinder is to be avoided. Hope it all works out well.

 

[vyv_cox]

Strange coincidence: I have recently submitted an article to PBO on this very topic. Some of it has been covered by posts in this thread. Full article will be published in a month or two.

 

[Stemar]

I'd turn it over by hand a few times to start the oil moving, then spin it up on the starter with the decompressor open until the oil pressure comes up. Once you've got it warmed up, change the oil.