Volvo Penta MD1 hard to start.

[ferrispeterchris]

I asked recently about how to remove the injector on this engine.I still haven't plucked up the courage to try but in the meantime a brief history.Engine was working OK last season but now it will not fire without using Easystart (reluctantly).If I hand crank there is a bit of compression,about the same as last year I reckon but she will not fire.Drained tank changer fuel filter,bled system to no avail.I notice there is a slight oily dribble coming from tje head gasket at the front of the block.I can get a Decoke Kit from KeyParts so what do I do first?Take the head off or try to get the injector out to do a compression test?Any advice appreciated, Peter.

 

[Foxy]

Todays guess....
If she starts with easy start, it could be the injectors which arent atomising the fuel enough to kick it off. They are easier to get out and pop to a local test centre than taking the head off. Compression test should tell you if there are any major problems if the injectors are working.
Apart from those two, the normal ones are: no fuel getting to injectors - make sure you bleed the whole way! or air in the fuel somewhere - it only needs a really slight leak)
Careful with the easy start though and follow the instructions, it can break things!

Thats where I would start anyway!
Hope it helps

Patrick

 

[jerryat]

[ QUOTE ]
.......................... I notice there is a slight oily dribble coming from tje head gasket at the front of the block.I can get a Decoke Kit from KeyParts so what do I do first?Take the head off or try to get the injector out to do a compression test?Any advice appreciated, Peter.

[/ QUOTE ]

From what you say above, my guess is that the head gasket may have blown. I would remove the head and give the head AND the block a very close examination. If it has blown and the engine been used for some time, there may be a 'groove' cut in one or the other, or both, caused by combustion. Had the same happen on my Bukh 20 many years ago.

Hopefully there will be no tracking (groove) and it will simply be a question of having the head checked for trueness. If this is ok (the block seldom distorts) and there is no damage to the pistons head or injectors, just replace the head gasket, have the injectors serviced and start her up.

However, if the head gasket has blown between the cylinder and a waterway, you may find that water has entered the cylinder and perhaps damaged the bores. Check it carefully and, if all is well, the compression should be back with a vengeance!

 

[Searush]

You should be able to get the injectors cleaned & tested at your local diesel factors. I suspect that that & a new head gasket will make a big improvement. Do the simple, cheap things first.

 

[ferrispeterchris]

Thank you all for your help.I will take the injector out first then check the compression before taking the head off. Peter.

 

[Topcat47]

Make sure your exhaust manifold and water injection pipe are both sound. The manifolds are unobtainable and the exhaust bends are rare and expensive. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif