Starting aids

[fisherman]

We know that the use of easy start can be harmful to a diesel. We had a three cylinder Baudouin which would only start if you held a bundle of burning paper to the air inlets: equally harmful? (leaving aside the safety issue) Could you use a gas blowtorch? My view is that if it won't start normally, something is wrong, but you might just get a start out of flat batteries in a pinch.

 

[Lakesailor]

Can't see how burning paper would be harmful. The problem with Easy Start is it washes oil from the cylinder walls which accelerates wear which means more Easy Start. Course if you set fire to the boat it may be seen as harmful.

 

[Wiggo]

Can't see why a blowtorch wouldn't work (probably safer than burning paper). I do know that you shouldn't try to start an Eberspacher with Easy Start...

 

[LeytonC]

My perkins 4108 engines have a thermo start device, which is basicaly a heating coil that allows diesel to drip on it thus causing a flame that then heats the intake air (See here) maybe one could be adapated for your your engine, makes a much safer permanant option.

 

[alb40]

Blowtorch worked fine for me. Had an old BMC 1500 with broekn heater plugs and a knacker battery.

Stuck torch into inlet, and used a piece of wire from positive lead to solenoid on the starter (couldnt reach the key). Used to fire up on the first turn without fail.

Must be better for it than easy start, and less likely to burn the boat down than using a rag or paper on fire

 

[andy_wilson]

I always wondered at the sense in using oxygen depleted air to start a diesel engine, even though it works.

Glowplug has to be favourite.

 

[Superflid]

I was taught to start an ancient tractor many moons ago when it got below zero, involved a diesel soaked rag on a stick and a match......

 

[omega2]

depending where you are, the wifes hair dryer works as well and there are no flames to worry about, in the same vien why not a hot air paint stripper?