Starting handles

[lexi]

I`ve put a wanted in for a Yanmar Gm 10 starting handle. Anyone know if handles are useable across the range of engines?.

Alex

 

[srp]

I know the 1gm and 2 gm are the same. Can't say I've seen any for other models. You shouldn't have any problem getting one as they are almost completely useless - I have only come across one person who has managed to start a 1gm10 by hand - buggered if I can do it.

 

[Conrad]

I did try starting a 2gm following the manual advice and closing the decompressor lever when momentum was built up, but no joy it just stopped dead.

Perhaps 20 stone of force is needed??

Any tips?

 

[billcowan]

1GM starting handle!

I figure if it was TWICE as big you might stand a chance considering how easy the moter starts on the tit.

But what it really needs is a bigger flywheel, it would be smoother too.

 

[William_H]

Interesting comment re bigger flywheel. If you could fit a bigger (heavier) flywheel in the space I imagine this would give an improvement in smoothness of running and make hand starting vastly easier. (possible) (in conjunction with decompression)
Certainly a crank handle that works would remove all concerns that cause us to go to dual battery systems VSRs switches etc.

So could you fabricate like a tyre of lead to go around the flywheel perimeter. It would have to be well attached and balanced. Has anyone tried it. olewill

 

[lexi]

Thanks for help guys. I know that starting a Landy diesel is near impossible as well . Yet I used to start the big two cylinder Thwaites dumpers no probs. So the consensus is that the standard starting handle set up is not really worth it.?

It was just for an emergency.


Alex

 

[tobble]

Feeling very smug at the mo, as I can start my 1GM10 by hand, in fact managed to do it once when on re-launch and it hadn't been fired up for months! But I'll agree, it's not easy, and even harder at sea. It probably helps that I'm left handed, as the GM10 take off is on the Cam shaft, so goes around the better way for kak-handers.

the technique is to a) get it going as FAST as you can, to compensate for lack of fly-mass, and b) learning to drop the decompression lever at the exact right moment.

under sail you can make life a little easier by putting it in gear, so the flow of water over the prop helps turn it over. It's reassuring to know it's possible if for some reason the battery/altenator gives up on you.

Having said all that, a while ago I was cranking it over and I hadn't 'set' the handle properly inthe spiggot, it slipped out, swung up and gave me a pretty hefty tw@t an inch above my right eye... I didn't actually knock myself out, but needed 10 stiches! fortunately I was in a marina at the time with staff on hand. Aparently this isn't uncommon, and an engineer told me Volvo issued blanking plates to close off the crank take-off on one of thier models to stop this happening.

So by all means get one, but be careful!

 

[Dave_Rolfe]

I've got a Yanmar 2GM20 in my boat and there is no facility for starting by hand as it's been capped off. Must turn the lights off when I go to sleep I suppose.

 

[Georgio]

I think there is a knack to it, I can now start my 2GM reasonable easily, it's a good thing to practice as you never know when you may need to do it in an emergency.

Google for instructions, I'm sure it's been covered lots of time on here and other places.

BTW, I'm 6' and of moderate build so certinly not a muscle-man.