Universal Diesel

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Ron10139

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Jan 22, 2008
6
Oday 272LE Coldwater Lake Michigan MI
We have a 272LE Oday with a Model 12 Universal Diesel. At the end of last season it was slow starting. I believe the glow plugs are original. Would this be a good place to start? Also is anyone familiar with the starting system for that paticular diesel? The starter energizes while the glow plugs heat up usually 60 seconds.

thanks
Ron
 
Bill Roosa

Bill Roosa

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Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
starting procedure and corrosion

60 seconds seems a very long time for glow plugs to be left on prior to start. I think the book recommends 30 secs max to prevent overheat/burn out.
I'd begin with checking the electrical connectors to all the high amp circuits. glow plug, starter, alternator (while you are at it), and most importantly the battery terminals
99.44% of all boat electrical problems are corroded terminals.
If that fixes it the no need to start tearing parts off.
 
jibes138

jibes138

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Jan 27, 2008
3,092
ODay 35 Beaufort, NC
I have a universal engine also and the manual says to activate the glow plugs for 45 secs to a minute so Ron10139 is probably following procedure.
Another possibility for poor starting in a diesel is compression. Since compressing the gas increases the temperature to the point of combustion, then low compression may be causing poor starting. You could also check your injectors to see if you have adequate fuel pressure and the injectors are clean.
 
Bill Roosa

Bill Roosa

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Jun 6, 2006
6,990
currently boatless wishing Harrington Harbor North, MD
I'd agree but,...

check the terminals FIRST. If she runs fine then the compression and injectors are probably fine too. if she just starts badly then I'm thinking it is:

slow cranking ---> terminals corroded or starter/solenoid malfunction?

not enough heat from glow plugs ---> terminals corroded or glow plugs going bad. It is unlikly that all of them will go at the same time.

Everything you are saying is electrical related so check the battery terminals first. ACID, salt water, and electriclty do not mix will and cause most of your problems.
 
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Gary_H

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Nov 5, 2007
469
Cal 2-25 Carolina Beach NC
I usually only hold on my glowplugs for 15 -20 seconds and have no problems starting first time. I understood that heat produced by compression is normally all that is required to start.
 
FastOlson

FastOlson

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Apr 8, 2010
2,238
Ericson Yachts Olson 34 28400 Portland OR
Bill Roosa said:
60 seconds seems a very long time for glow plugs to be left on prior to start. I think the book recommends 30 secs max to prevent overheat/burn out.
I'd begin with checking the electrical connectors to all the high amp circuits. glow plug, starter, alternator (while you are at it), and most importantly the battery terminals
99.44% of all boat electrical problems are corroded terminals.
If that fixes it the no need to start tearing parts off.
Click to expand
I am voting with Bill. Our Universal M25XP cold-starts after 12 seconds of glow plugging. We have about 2000 hours on it. I have started it when temps were in the 20's and then it did take 20 seconds of glow-plugging.

Check your connections, including starter and battery connections.
BTW, if you want to get into preventative maintenance.... I should tell you that at about 1000 hours I took off our starter motor and had it rebuilt. After that the diesel started up a LOT faster. :)
Besides all those 12 volt connections, it's surprising how electro-mechanical stuff degrades slowly over time on a boat.

L
 
LuzSD

LuzSD

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Feb 21, 2009
1,009
Catalina 30 San Diego/ Dana Point, Ca.
great posts, We have the Universal M25XP also and we follow the manual recommendations of 45 seconds and that just seems SOOO long. I just printed this all out and we will experiement this weekend! Thanks for all the tips!
 
Witzend

Witzend

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Dec 25, 2008
1,580
catalina 310 Elk River
I count to 4 and she starts right up every time. ~600 hrs on her.
 
jibes138

jibes138

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Jan 27, 2008
3,092
ODay 35 Beaufort, NC
You guys may want to write to the engine manufacturer and explain why their recommendations in the owners manual are all incorrect and that they should be changed. I'm sure you have the technical data to back up your position and get Universal to admit their mistake after all these years.
 
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jfmid

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Jan 31, 2010
152
Oday 27 LE Manahawkin, NJ
I too have the Universal M12 and was wondering where the hours run counter was. I didn't think there was one. Is it a mental log book LOL LOL. In that case my counter is way off. Plus there's no telling what the PO did. I had a total tuneup done last summer as it was new to me. Any tips/advice is very welcome. Thanks to all.
 
jibes138

jibes138

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Jan 27, 2008
3,092
ODay 35 Beaufort, NC
My counter is a separate meter installed in my cockpit. It is not included in the engine panel from Universal.
 
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Gary_H

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Nov 5, 2007
469
Cal 2-25 Carolina Beach NC
From my Universal 5411 manual.

8. Activate “Glow Plug” switch for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the outside air
temperature. It may be necessary to hold the glow plugs on during the time the engine is cranked​
in very cold outside temperatures.
 
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