I have a 1988 Universal M-25XP with 1025 hours on it. Lately I have a hard time starting the engine. It takes several tries to get it going. After a few cranks I can smell diesel (like a gas engine that gets flooded) but it doesn't start. After several more cranks it sounds like it starts to run but peters out. After several more tries it finally starts and runs fine, plenty of power and smooth ideling. I can shut it down and then crank it over one time and she starts immediately. I can run it in the morning, let it sit all day then start it in the evening with no problem, BUT if I let it sit more than 24 hrs. I then have to go through the whole routine all over again. I am not familiar with diesel engines. I've had outboard engines that get flooded and just need a carburetor adjustment. What caused a diesel engine to get flooded??
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Leaking injector/s?
I would suggest that you pull the injectors and have them tested & serviced if necessary.
I would suggest that you pull the injectors and have them tested & serviced if necessary.
Before you start pulling injectors
find the source of your fuel leak. You should NEVER smell diesel fuel on a diesel engine boat. The fuel smell means you have a leak which means you have air entering the fuel system which means the engine is hard to start. Diesel engines do NOT get "flooded." While the injectors could be the source of the leak, try everything else first. Also check the wiring to your engine from the control panel. Have you upgraded the wiring harness? See the link. Many of us were clueless about diesel engines, but we learned.
find the source of your fuel leak. You should NEVER smell diesel fuel on a diesel engine boat. The fuel smell means you have a leak which means you have air entering the fuel system which means the engine is hard to start. Diesel engines do NOT get "flooded." While the injectors could be the source of the leak, try everything else first. Also check the wiring to your engine from the control panel. Have you upgraded the wiring harness? See the link. Many of us were clueless about diesel engines, but we learned.
Glow plugs?
have you checked the glow plugs and mixing elbow? My westerbeke needed the glow plugs no matter how hot it was outside, however would start at the end of a days sail with no problem without them. Make sure you are getting power to them, my wire harness had loosened causing a lack of electric and the same symptoms as you described. Mixing elbow also needs to be free and clear or it will hinder starting. I replaced mine this year (1986 engine) and the thing was clogged with soot and falling apart. Good luck Greg
have you checked the glow plugs and mixing elbow? My westerbeke needed the glow plugs no matter how hot it was outside, however would start at the end of a days sail with no problem without them. Make sure you are getting power to them, my wire harness had loosened causing a lack of electric and the same symptoms as you described. Mixing elbow also needs to be free and clear or it will hinder starting. I replaced mine this year (1986 engine) and the thing was clogged with soot and falling apart. Good luck Greg
The glow plugs
The fuel smell is normal. Just fuel that has been injected, not burned, and pushed out the exhaust. With the engine cold to the touch, press and hold the glow plug switch for 20-30 seconds. Then feel the glow plugs they should all be warm. If they are all cold then I'd suspect the electrical power/ground circuits. If only some are warm then the cold ones need to get check for voltage to them.
The fuel smell is normal. Just fuel that has been injected, not burned, and pushed out the exhaust. With the engine cold to the touch, press and hold the glow plug switch for 20-30 seconds. Then feel the glow plugs they should all be warm. If they are all cold then I'd suspect the electrical power/ground circuits. If only some are warm then the cold ones need to get check for voltage to them.
Bill Roosa was correct
Bill, I held the glow plug switch for 60 seconds (I normally hold it for 15-30 seconds), 1 glow plug was warm, 1 glow plug was cool and the other glow plug was slightly warm. I then held the switch for another 30 seconds and the engine started immediately!! These are the original glow plugs. Do they burn out and need replacing? only 1,000 hrs. on a 1988 engine. Or is it usually just a weak circuit? Thanks, Emma-Mia
Bill, I held the glow plug switch for 60 seconds (I normally hold it for 15-30 seconds), 1 glow plug was warm, 1 glow plug was cool and the other glow plug was slightly warm. I then held the switch for another 30 seconds and the engine started immediately!! These are the original glow plugs. Do they burn out and need replacing? only 1,000 hrs. on a 1988 engine. Or is it usually just a weak circuit? Thanks, Emma-Mia
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