[C320-list] Slow Starting Perkins M30

[Jeffrey Brown]

Don,
I suggest you test to see if its the glow plugs, I had the same issue. Use a heat gun to blow hot air into the air intake of the engine for about 15 seconds. Try to start the engine right away (without priming the glow plugs) , if it starts right away you can conclude the glow plug is the issue, if not, you can rule it out.

I speak from experience, I had to replace a part that connected to the glow plugs and now she fires right up.


Jeff Brown
"Out of the blue" Dana Point, CA
Catalina 320, Hull 78
(949) 350-5123
oceanblues at mac.com





> On Sep 14, 2016, at 7:30 AM, Don Johnson <donjohn64 at att.net> wrote:
> 
> This one is probably for the Perkins M30 guys out there.  I have changed the fuel filters several times over the last 5 plus years with no problems with starting or running the motor after installation of new filters, or at any other time.  I heard about a number of other boats starting hard, quitting after running for a while, the need to bleed air from the lines, etc, but I had not had that experience. 
> 
> Then the other day, about 1-2 months after changing filters the last time, and the engine running with no problems, it was very hard to get the motor started.  I had to crank it for quite a while, after which it finally sputtered to life, along with a lot of smoke (also not typical).  After it started & ran for a while, it started immediately when coming back to the marina, etc. – so I thought the issue was behind me.  But, the next time I started it (a week or so later), the same thing occurred. So, I anticipate that it will act the same way the next time I start it.
> 
> 
> I’m wondering if any of you Perkins (or others if this sounds generic) owners have any ideas or helpful hints.  I will be thankful for anything you think may be helpful to solve this!
> 
> 
> Regards,
> 
> 
> Don Johnson
> 
> 
> #53, Alamitos Bay
> 
> Long Beach, Ca