Yanmar 4JH4E No Start

[gfrazzle]

Attempted to start the 54hp Yanmar on my Hunter after sitting for a month or so. It ran perfectly when I used it last and I have never had a problem with it. Glow pugs are automatic, ignition switch has off on and start positions only.
When I go to start it fires but dies as soon as I release the switch to the run position. Fuel filters are clean, fuel is good. I get the oil pressure low warning when turn to on so ignition switch seems to be working.
Any thoughts?

 

[stuartsw]

There are two basic reasons why a diesel will not run: fuel supply problems or electrical supply problems.
If it dies after firing, i’d start with the fuel supply investigation.

 

[jssailem]

Diesels are a simple beast. They like their Fuel, their Air and Compression.
You said it would start so Compression is ok.
You claim the fuel Filter is clean but is fuel flowing through the lines?
Your looking at the engine and since every thing is clean on the engine and your breathing then unlikely that the air intake is clogged. Might check...
I think it is fuel... Start with the tank. Is there a clogged strainer on the fuel uptake? If there a clog in the line to the filter? Progress along the fuel lines eliminating the possibilities.

I sucked up some gunk once. It choked the line at the filter intake slowing or stopping fuel flow.

 

[uncledom]

gfrazzle do you have a fire suppression system in the engine compartment?
Hit the over ride switch on the dash console in the cockpit and try again.

 

[gfrazzle]

gfrazzle do you have a fire suppression system in the engine compartment?
Hit the over ride switch on the dash console in the cockpit and try again.

THANKS uncledom!!
Bingo! It fired right up. When I put the fire switch back to normal it died (until I put it back in override) and the red discharge light came on. So what is my problem and how do I fix it?

 

[uncledom]

The extinguisher in the engine compartment is either low on pressure or the switch is bad. Wait till you see how much a replacement costs. Sorry.

 

[gfrazzle]

C'est la vie. Thanks for the info.

 

[uncledom]

Glad I could help. Good luck.

 

[DayDreamer41]

@gfrazzle kinda odd we have the same boat and do have manual glow plug position on the ignition, turn the key counterclockwise and hold for about 15 seconds, but it sounds as if this was not the issue anyway. I have only used the preheat I think once since we have had the boat, but when I did it sounded much like your explanation, but, the wiring diagram I have indicates it was an option.

 

[uncledom]

Yes, DayDreamer41 my boat is exactly the same. One might not realize there are glow plugs because that motor starts so well even at rather cool temps. Another one of us 41 owners had the same problem with theirs two weeks ago and I suggested this over the phone, fixed. I guess it's just getting to be time for that engine compartment extinguisher to fail. Built in obsolescence. Happened to me two years ago and it took me 45 minutes to figure it out. One day working, one day not.

 

[ice breaker]

Sea fire came out with a new version of the gas bottle. The old ones were corroding and leaking. My fire suppression guy say that he sees it alot in the restaurant business, but those he can reseal and refill. Our little bottles can not legally be refilled. I replaced mine 2 years ago.

 

[DayDreamer41]

@uncledom and @ice breaker where did you get the replacements to service the system? I just looked on Seafire's web site it really isn't apparent that a replacement bottle can be ordered or otherwise looked at.

 

[gfrazzle]

I would like to know a source(and part #) for a replacement as well.
Uncledom, you stated that it might be the switch- is there a way to test it?
Thanks for the help.

 

[gfrazzle]

Also, is there any problem associated with running it in override (other than having no suppression) until I can get it fixed?

 

[DayDreamer41]

I found what I believe is the replacement bottle either sized for 25 ft3 or 50 Ft3 Sea Fire FG25A or FG50A available at many marine stores from what I see, not cheap but is available. I am sure once I get a look at the bottle it will let me know which one I will need, if I decide to replace it.

The manual for the system off or Hunter Owners on this site

 

[ice breaker]

Pretty sure this is the unit I installed to replace the old unit. I can't find my invoice.

http://support.sea-fire.com/product-details.asp?prodId=FG 25A

 

[ice breaker]

Also, is there any problem associated with running it in override (other than having no suppression) until I can get it fixed?

No problem. As you said you just do not have a suppression system.

 

[ice breaker]

The only reason I replaced mine was that gas leaked out to a point where the pressure was below the switch requirement. There was still gas in the bottle and it would have worked had a fire started.

 

[uncledom]

As ice breaker said you must replace the bottle and switch as an assembly. I just called Sea Fire with the bottle in my hand and they gave me a much better price than what is listed on the internet. I ran the boat for over a month with the switch in override. I do have more extinguishers than I need on board. As your boats are aging, you all should be aware that the CO detectors and smoke detectors all have an end of life date. I have replaced all of mine already.

 

[gfrazzle]

I stand corrected. My switch has a glow position but I have never used it- the key would not turn to that position. I tried again and with a lot of pressure it did after all.