Volvo 2003 starting after layup

[Easticks28]

I would suggest that the fuel lift pump is donald *****d! I have had a cold starting problem on my VP2001 for about the last five years which got progressively worse. Finally 'bit the bullet' and went for a new one (Keypart) and it now starts like a dream!

 

[davidej]

Can I suggest a good hard run of at leat a hour at sea under nearly full throttle.

This is what they call an 'Italian tune-up'.

 

[peterN]

Volvo 2003 28 hp fresh water cooled. Engine was running fine last season. Just before winterising I changed oil and fuel filters as normal but had difficulty re-starting - which cleared when I re-vented the system including cracking the nuts on the injectors.

Have now recommissioned the engine but starting is very difficult. I have vented the system yet again and have managed to start the engine a couple of times but it is a very slow process indeed.

Engine sounds as though it is not firing on all cylinders when the starter is operating - this is not typical of normal starting for the engine.

When started the engine sounds fine but there is quite a lot of smoke at start up - presumably the diesel from repeated use of the priming lever.

I ran the engine for about 45 minutes but next time I started from cold I had exactly the same starting problem with lumpy and half hearted starting. Ran the engine for an hour that time, and still the same problem starting from cold.

Batteries have a good charge and are in good shape.

Any ideas?

Thanks

My 2003T started easily after the winter layup. A couple of pulls on the 'stop lever' to prime the system and it started within a few seconds. As you know, there is no glow plug in the 2003. Apart from injector suggestions already mentioned, there are a couple of other areas I suggest you consider. Firstly, I have had problems with exhaust valves getting corroded over the winter as they sometimes stop in the open position and are then open to the elements through the exhaust system. The other is valve clearances. If these have not been checked for a while, I suggest they should be. If the valves are not seating fully, or not opening properly, the could cause misfiring and starting difficulties. Personally, I'd start with valve clearances as the velve corrosion problem would mean taking the head off (been there, done that!). I hope this helps, good luck.

 

[Red Admiral]

Volvo 2003 28 hp fresh water cooled. Engine was running fine last season. Just before winterising I changed oil and fuel filters as normal but had difficulty re-starting - which cleared when I re-vented the system including cracking the nuts on the injectors.

Any ideas?

Thanks

When a problem suddenly appears the first thing I ask myself is what have I done that might have caused the problem. I then undo what I have just done as a first step. Suggest you do the same. Dismantle your fuel filters and refit them. If you slacked off any banjo joints, replace the seals as banjos are notorious for allowing air leaks. Check carefully anything else you might have disturbed. I have no doubt that your problem is air ingress.

 

[Slowtack]

Only one pull on the stop button I've been told. Apparently if you do it twice that resets the priming mechanism. Any views?