Volvo 2020 idle from cold start

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Mikenda

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My Volvo 2020 (300 hrs) always starts first time, the problem is that it will not tick over particularly in cold weather until after several minutes warm up. This can be a problem when relaunching when the crane crew are anxious to get onto their next job.
Any ideas please.
 
I have the same engine with a sail drive and had the same problem on relaunch last year. Mine stalled on engaging reverse and left me drifting down the river. I think the leg oil goes thick having been dangled in cold air for a couple of months and the cold engine can cope.
 
Mikenda said:
My Volvo 2020 (300 hrs) always starts first time, the problem is that it will not tick over particularly in cold weather until after several minutes warm up. This can be a problem when relaunching when the crane crew are anxious to get onto their next job.
Any ideas please.
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Check engine idle speed. Adjust with the slow speed adjustment screw. Workshop manual on Bluemoment.com See page 57
 
Problem is that when throttle lever is returned to neutral it will stall unless one is quick in engaging gear and increasing throttle making manouvering a hazzard. Ok once able to run in gear for a few minutes. Have tried increasing idle speed (750-800) but concerned about engaging gear at higher rev's.
 
Mikenda said:
Problem is that when throttle lever is returned to neutral it will stall unless one is quick in engaging gear and increasing throttle making manouvering a hazzard. Ok once able to run in gear for a few minutes. Have tried increasing idle speed (750-800) but concerned about engaging gear at higher rev's.
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Very prudent to be concerned about engaging gear at high rev's-dont do it. When in the water, start engine and put into neutral at HIGH revs for about a couple of minutes=engine warm. While warps still attached to shore, put int gear and VERY SLOWLY increase revs slightly=gear box warms up.= Should all work OK.

Peter
 
Mikenda said:
Problem is that when throttle lever is returned to neutral it will stall unless one is quick in engaging gear and increasing throttle making manouvering a hazzard. Ok once able to run in gear for a few minutes. Have tried increasing idle speed (750-800) but concerned about engaging gear at higher rev's.
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The idle speed should be 750 shouldn't it? Is that what you have increased it to or is that what it is now?

The engine should easily be able to run in-gear at idle speed. I'd be a bit concerned if it doesn't. I do this all the time when berthing.

Don't be afraid to get a mechanic in. They charge by the hour and an experienced second opinion is always useful. I've used RK marine in the past and they were happy for me to carry out the work myself.
 
Of course the crane crew want to get on ASAP, but no engine will tick over immediately on start-up - let alone a small diesel. My Honda car's control system increases the revs when starting and holds a high tickover for about a minute, and that's a petrol engine. Surely if you speak with them beforehand and can warm up whilst they get the strops off and prepare for the next lift you won't be holding them up? So long as they know the situation and that you have planned it this way, they should be happy enough.

One other option would be to rig a water supply in the boat to allow you to warm up before the crane gets to you. Don't forget to reconnect the hose to the seacock before lifting! Alternatively have a dinghy and outboard ready to tow alongside to an area where you can warm up in peace - if you have an emergency outboard bracket on the transom then use it to clear the crane until the main engine is warm, although manouvreing under outboard can be tricky!

Rob.
 
rob2 said:
My Honda car's control system increases the revs when starting and holds a high tickover for about a minute, and that's a petrol engine.

Rob.
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Even my small Peugeot diesel has a device ( wax capsule like a thermostat) which increases the idle speed while the engine is cold.
 
I run my 2020B at a fast idle (perhaps 1000rpm) for perhaps a minute after a cold start, it won't tick over when stone cold, never has. But it's always happy to settle back into tick-over back on the stop after that short time.
 
Mine is a MD2030B. After 10 seconds of glow plugs it will start on first turn in any weather. And is usable immediately. In fact, if it hasn't been used for a while, I will often pull the stop out and turn it over on the starter to get the oil moving.

The 2020 has glow plugs as well. Are they working?
 
Mikenda said:
My Volvo 2020 (300 hrs) always starts first time, the problem is that it will not tick over particularly in cold weather until after several minutes warm up. This can be a problem when relaunching when the crane crew are anxious to get onto their next job.
Any ideas please.
Click to expand...

Tell them to wait whilst you check all the through hull fittings for leakage, that will give it time to marm sufficiently.
 
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