Yanmar 3GM30F-cold starting

[robbieg]

The Yanamr on my boat (about 12 years old) starts first time in summer but now the colder morning are on us it takes a bit more getting going. There is no pre-heating system. Normal practice is lots of throttle & it usually catches on one cylinder & runs on one "pot" until the other 2 start firing some 5-10 seconds later. Lots of smoke when they all catch & then it all settles down. Is this usual for the above engine and if so does anyone have any cold starting tips they can pass on. Thanks.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[paulrossall]

I have a Yanmar 2GM20 which is sea water cooled. I find that if I give it a bit more throttle (probably as much as throttle half open) in cold weather it starts quicker. I then have to reduce the throttle the minute it fires so it does not rev too much.
I do not understand why every other diesel engine I have come across in boats and cars needs glow plugs to start yet Yanmar marine engines do not have glow plugs.
Can anyone explain why?
Paul

 

[TheBoatman]

We have 2 3GM30's in our club work boats and what you are describing is "normal" On cold days we open the throttle almost full and then hit the starter, the engine always fires up on one cylinder quickly followed by the other two. It always sounds a bit rattley for the first couple of minutes then settles down.
I wouldn't be to concerned if I were you. What ever you do don't be tempted to use "easy start" because once they get a whiff of that stuff they won't start (summer or winter) without it.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[42_South]

Experience has shown on our near new engine (300hrs) that throttle position varies a fair bit depending on temperature.

As we move to our summer (southern hemisphere) we are not using near as much as we did some months ago. It likes to be throttled back just after kicking-in to avoid too much un-burnt fuel.

Suggest you try a different position each time and see what effect it has.....

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[freeman]

I also have a YM3GM. There is meant to be a spring in the middle of the engine that lets in lots of fuel on shut down so that it will start easily. The spring wears out and you have problems. To replace spring is an engine rebuild!
Solution open throttle full and as soon as it fires close throttle again.
This is what I was told by Yamnar agents and I have had no trouble since

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[MartinGPerry]

If it gets really bad, get a small gas blowlamp and warm the air filter intake for a few seconds - works every time


<hr width=100% size=1>