Perkins 4-108

[John Luke]

I have a nearly 20 year old Perkins 4-108 that is in good condition but tough to start when cold. It often requires 30-45 seconds of cranking to start, but only when cold. A very short shot of starting fluid starts the engine immediately, but it clatters for about 1-2 seconds. Is this bad for the engine?

 

[Pete]

cold diesels

John Luke, you did not say how cold (temp degrees) you were talking about but I will guess in Lousiana it is above freezing. The short answer is that either is not great for a engine,however sometimes it is needed in extreme cold (below freezing). Older diesel engine can be very hard to start when cold ,this is just the nature of the beast.I would suggest looking into a block heater this would solve some of the problem as it would keep the engine block warmer and making it easier to start. The clatter you hear for the first few seconds is the either burning and you are correct to suspect this is not good for an engine. You need to be very careful with either as you can damage pistons, piston rings, etc. Short of the block heater this is not a good answer as there is not a lot you can do about it.Cranking the engine for thirty seconds might not seam like a good choice but I would do it before the either.Hope this has been of some help!

 

[Cecil]

I agree with Pete

Hi John, Sounds like it`s time for a rebuild, the diesel`s lose compression with age, and that results in combustion temp/press.lose also. The either should be used SPARINGLY and sprayed while the engine is cranking over to prevent bent rods/burned pistons/cyl walls washed clean of lube oil etc. I`ve seen either used to the point that an engine wouldn`t start without it, by that time it WAS time for a rebuild! BTW Perkins makes an excellent diesel, that will take alot of abuse, well worth the time and $ to rebuild. Later Cecil s/v Patience

 

[Don Alexander]

P 4-108

John,Its a coincidence, but during the time when turbocharger development was going on, the Chief Engineer of Perkins loaned me a 4-108 for experimental purposes. We fed it with various levels of compressed air and managed to extract 3 times the rated power. When we showed the chief he went bananas and forbade us to exceed his ratings. The engine did not complain though. No bent rods or damaged pistons.I guess it was built like the proverbial "brick outhouse".Hope this provides some reassurance but you really need to look at the spray pattern of your injectors and do a cylinder compression test.Regards,

 

[John Luke]

Perkins 4108

Thanks everyone, I think I'll be looking for a block heater. Cheaper than a rebuild for those few cold days in the south!