[C320-list] Battery Jump Starter

[Scott Thompson]

I don't think that is what the T- handle does. It simply cuts off the fuel supply, at least on the Yanmar engines. 

I'm no expert but I've been told to never close the decompression levers while cranking the engine for fear of damaging the valves. I would adopt that approach for starting only as a last resort.

Scott Thompson 
Surprise 653



> On Sep 29, 2015, at 1:28 PM, Doug Treff <doug at treff.us> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Jim, 
> 
> Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that the engine
> shut-off "T-handle" on the instrument panel will activate the
> decompression mechanism on all cylinders. Therefore you should be able
> to lift the T-handle, push the start button, get the engine spinning and
> then push the handle back down while continuing to hold the start button
> in. This would eliminate the need for a helper to push the start button
> while you're manning the decompression levers on the top of the engine. 
> 
> I've not tried this but I could see how it might work if your battery is
> only marginally discharged but just doesn't have the oomph to get past
> the first compression stroke. If you've really killed the battery, it
> may not work. This could also work if a jump pack is too weak to
> overcome that first compression stroke. 
> 
> Obviously you want to be careful about cranking too long, as all the
> warning labels mention, otherwise you could flood your engine with sea
> water. 
> 
> ---
> Doug Treff
> Catalina 320 - 1996 - September Song - #350
> http://savvysailor.blogspot.com/
> doug at treff.us
> 
>> On 2015-09-29 08:02, jim brown wrote: 
>> 
>> Just a curiosity question while on the subject of dead batteries. Has anyone had success using the decompressing levers on the Yanmars when the battery is just groaning and almost dead?
>> Jim Brown
>