TAMD40B Slow to start

[Enterprise6]

My boat has twin TAMD40B engines, both have been starting on the button even if left for a few weeks, but I have noticed recently if left for the port engine is needing a couple of attempts to start before firing but once running is absolutly fine.

Im no mechanical engineer but it sounds/feels like the engine which is now slow to start is having to suck fuel up before it fires where as the other engine has the fuel immidiatly where it needs to be. In hindsight this may have started after the engines were serviced but dont know if this is just coincednce.

Any suggestions would be much appriciated

 

[dpb]

On mine it was the connection from the supply to the fuel pump inlet that had vibrated a little loose.
Tightening it cured the same problem as you describe.

 

[KevB]

Do they both use the same battery, mine don't. Maybe the slow starters battery is on it's way out?

 

[BruceK]

Worn injectors?

 

[Enterprise6]

Thanks for the quick replys:-

dpb - I will check that, hopefully a quick and simple fix

KevB - I think the start batteries are okay, I did initially think that but battery's are okay

BruceK - That's starting to sound expensive

 

[BruceK]

Sorry mate. But it is a symptom of a hard start on diesels. If it starts on the button immediately after shutdown and all the other points have been checked you might want to have the injectors tested.

Also look for other reasons behind low fuel pressure such as air in the line / vacuum. Restrictive filters, pump etc

 

[Sea Runner]

I know you said batteries are fine but have you actually swapped them around as a test. Batt's can lie with some battery testers as they don't test the cranking amps. Is the engine slow turning over when you try to start it?

 

[volvopaul]

Open circuit glow plugs or glow plug relay fault, if it starts fine when warm could be the plugs.