volvo penta md5b not starting

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

piper

.
Mar 5, 2010
19
Pearson Triton 27 Heber Springs, AR
OK, total newb here....have a Pearson 27 Triton (or for some a US Yacht 27 with a Pearson sticker on it) that has an inboard, diesel volvo penta md5b that stopped starting. I've tracked the electrical (new batteries now), I've checked the accuracy of the fuel gage (visual confirmation of just over half a tank like the gauge indicates), I've bled the fuel line (no air and the filter is fine). It turns but sounds like there's no fuel getting where it should after the filter. (BTW, I've tracked the kill switch too and made sure it's not malfunctioning as best as I can.) The cold start lever isn't doing anything. Temps in the upper 60s and as high as the mid 80s in my attempts to start. AND, I know it starts because I've had it running--then had some battery problems that led to the new batteries including the starting battery.

Does this engine have an heating element or glow plug?

Or does this sound like an injector problem?

Any suggestions much appreciated. THANKS!

Chris in Arkansas
 
Ross

Ross

.
Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
You said you bled the fuel line. Did you bleed the fuel line at the injector? did you get fuel ? If you have fuel at the injector and have compression the engine should start.
 
P

piper

.
Mar 5, 2010
19
Pearson Triton 27 Heber Springs, AR
Ross, I did not bleed at the injector but will this afternoon! Thanks!
 
L

lobstercrawl

.
May 18, 2010
2
United Sailing Yacht USY 27 Marathon, FL
Hi Chris! I just purchased a USY27 and I am wondering what propeller you have installed and your thoughts.

Thanks,
John
Marathon, FL
 
S

Steve Dion

.
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Chris: Several years ago there was a post regarding Volvo engines. I think there was something about advancing the throttle to 75% or so. My experience from other sailors who have these motors, is that they are hard starting.

You may want to check the archives and see if you can find anything there.

PS: You also want to be sure to turn OFF the raw water intake when you are cranking the engine for prolonged periods of time. It CAN cause your cylinders to flood. Once you engine starts, you can open it immediately.
 
P

piper

.
Mar 5, 2010
19
Pearson Triton 27 Heber Springs, AR
Steve, thanks much for the information...good info on the cooling intake--I guess I didn't mess anything up. I posted here out of desparation as I was having a hard time finding any archived information...of course, I probably wasn't asking the right questions....

However, after much cussing and fuming and outloud pondering of why I bought a boat in the first place, I did find the problem--a loose fitting at the injector pump....I also learned there are two more bleed points I was unaware of initially. a quick tightening of the loose fitting--found after changing the water separator filter and the fuel filters--and bleeding all four points and she started like she's supposed to. I now have more confidence in my newb skills of putzing about the engine.

John, sorry I'm only now checking here. I can't help as I have no knowledge on props. About all I can say is that I've got one...looks like it has three blades...and as far as I know it's original. I've read that some of the Pearson Triton 27 boats had the option of a folding prop. I don' t have that. However, in my various searches for info on my boat--which apparently there aren't many of--I did find this site where you might find some help: http://diysailor.com/ it has Pearson Triton 27's, Balboa's, US Yachts, etc. It's sometimes up and sometimes down. Just a second ago, I couldn't get it to pull up, but know it will eventually.

all the best and thanks again for the help!

Chris
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom