md 6 engine will not start

[giani28582]

Hi group,
All of a sudden my Volvo MD-6B will not start it has never given a
minutes trouble since I installed it 2yrs ago.
I am getting black smoke which I am told by diesel mechanic indicates
getting fuel.
I pulled injectors and had them tested and they are ok too.
also tried new fuel and bled line. changed filter and bled water
seperator as well.
don't know what to try next and will be gratefull for any suggestions
perhaps someone has had the same problem.
Bad part is I was getting ready to cruise for a few weeks!
Hope everyone is well and had good summer.
My prayers go out to our Florida folks, being from the coast of North
Carolina I know what a horror Hurricanes can be.
Regards to all
Gianni
SV/Puffin
1554

 

[wxt8981]

Hi Gianni;

I had the same problem- the engine didn't start any more.
As it turned out, water got through the exhaust into the
engine.

Have the mechanic check the pressure- if it's low you need
a valve job (telling you see black smoke is a good
indication the valves need attention).

Good luck... Wilhelm, V-257

 

[preludeballard]

Gianni,
Diesel engines need only two things, fuel and compression. You have
obviously verified you have fuel, although I would loosen the nuts at the
top of the injectors while cranking the engine to make sure you are getting
fuel to both cylinders. The only other ingredient is compression. You can
try lifting the compression release lever, I have one on my MD7A, so I am
assuming you have one on the MD6. This should hold the valves open and
allow the engine to spin up faster than normal during cranking. Once it is
spinning faster drop the lever and it should start. I have found this
procedure worked well for my engine in colder weather before I rebuilt it.
Upon rebuild I found a cracked ring and some pretty dirty valves.
Obviously, I was getting poor compression. I don't suggest you try starting
fluid because it may cause the rings to crack....

Good luck

Richard Pellegrino
S/V Prelude II

 

[giani28582]

Hi Richard
Thanks!
I already bles at the injectors and have fuel
also tried decomression idea.
Next is to check air intake.
How much did the rebuild cost?
and what did you have done
Best
Gianni

"Pellegrino, Richard [DPYUS]" rpellegr@... wrote:
Gianni,
Diesel engines need only two things, fuel and compression. You have
obviously verified you have fuel, although I would loosen the nuts at the
top of the injectors while cranking the engine to make sure you are getting
fuel to both cylinders. The only other ingredient is compression. You can
try lifting the compression release lever, I have one on my MD7A, so I am
assuming you have one on the MD6. This should hold the valves open and
allow the engine to spin up faster than normal during cranking. Once it is
spinning faster drop the lever and it should start. I have found this
procedure worked well for my engine in colder weather before I rebuilt it.
Upon rebuild I found a cracked ring and some pretty dirty valves.
Obviously, I was getting poor compression. I don't suggest you try starting
fluid because it may cause the rings to crack....

Good luck

Richard Pellegrino
S/V Prelude II

 

[claudiomty]

Hi
Had the same problem, I was getting fuel to the engine and black smoke but it refused to start. After trying all I could think of the mechanic pulled out some starting fluid (yes with upper cylinder lube) and gave it the smallest little snort.

Presto she cranked up like new and has started ever since. He said the older md6 pumps had something that would stick in the pump making the timing late and that a good spin would straighten her out, and she's run fine since. I now keep a can of fluid in the spare parts bin..

Claude

 

[preludeballard]

Gianni,
The rebuild cost me about 1500.00 in parts. We did a complete rebuild,
right down to the main bearings. I did all the work except for the hot
tanking myself. Both of my brothers are mechanics so I had lots of help.
But as I write this I seem to be having an issues with it...water in the
oil...but the head gasket looks okay and we are looking of the source.

Richard Pellegrino
Staff Engineer

 

[giani28582]

Thanks Richard
hope your problems are minor.
Shop here in NC can get all parts for rebuild except for oversize pistons if I need them
All bearings and ring sets with gaskets they can get out of Maryland
When I find out where I will let you know.
Gianni
Puffin/1554
"Pellegrino, Richard [DPYUS]" rpellegr@... wrote:
Gianni,
The rebuild cost me about 1500.00 in parts. We did a complete rebuild,
right down to the main bearings. I did all the work except for the hot
tanking myself. Both of my brothers are mechanics so I had lots of help.
But as I write this I seem to be having an issues with it...water in the
oil...but the head gasket looks okay and we are looking of the source.

Richard Pellegrino
Staff Engineer