Handcrank

[John Reid]

Any tips (other than eating a lot of Wheaties) for hand starting a Yanmar 3QM30?On my previous boat I had a one-lung YSM12 that I was able to start with the hand crank, but you had to be REAL motivated.On the 3QM30, so far I'd be better off using the crank as an anchor. I take off the compression, crank like crazy, flip the compression back on and try (unsuccessfully) to keep cranking.Is there something I'm missing, or are these hand cranks primarily marketing gimmicks?Thanks. This is the best forum HOW has had (and it has had a lot of good ones).

 

[Terry Arnold]

hand cranking?

My H33 has a 2gm. I can crank it by hand with a factory crank modified and lengthened to get the crank handle out of the engine box and save my knuckles but it is still a bear. General procedure is to take off the compression, crank as fast as possible and then snap the compression down (somebody else) while I continue to crank like mad. It will work and it is good to know that in a pinch it is possible. For the 3GM I would try doing essentially the same thing except just closing one of the cylinders, trying to get the engine firing, and then closing the remaining. If the 1GM is hard, the 2GM is very difficult, the 3GM may be impossible. Let us know if you get it started with a crank and if you still have all your knuckles. Good luck!

 

[Gordon Torresen]

Hand cranking

I think that Terry Arnold's response will be typical and describes the only way that hand cranking will work. The compression is far too great to be overcome, at the required speed, with a hand crank. What you are trying to do when hand cranking with the compression released is to transfer the energy of your cranking into the flywheel. When the compression release is flipped, the engine virtually must start when the first piston goes over the top. Your 3QM probably has enough hours on it that even with the electric start motor you have to make a few revolutions before it starts, impossible with a hand crank, even with Wheaties. This all points up the importance of preventive maintenance of the electrical components -- starter, battery, cable connectors, etc.

 

[George Capra]

Let the spring do the cranking

I have seen several Yanmars, I think 2GM and 3GM in less developed countrys using a winding handle with a springand button to start their engines. I,ve always thought this would be a great idea, but haven't ever seen the device in U.S. boats if I could find them I bet lots of folks would be interested.