Tips for Hand Crank Starting A Diesel?

[Roger Long]

I am amazed at these replies. Had a 3GM30 on my last boat. Push the decompression levers over, wind her up with the crank handle until enough momentum is developed in the flywheel and then flick over the decompression levers with a sweep of the fingers and bingo she will start no differently to the starter motor which is essentially performing the same function.

Interesting. Diesel fuel formulations have changed quite a bit in the US in recent years and since these engines were designed. I wonder if that has any bearing on this.

 

[Captphil24]

I have the 1 cyl. 8 hp engine. Very easy to hand crank. I do use the compression release to get some momentum in the crank then slowly engage the compression. Starts like a champ.