[C320-list] Glow Plugs & Keyswitch - Perkins Perama M30 Engine

[Jeff Smith]

I have the same set-up with the Perkins M30 and follow the same process, though I usually count to 10. My understanding is also the same ; glow plugs only actuate when the switch is in the Start position.

Jeff
S/V Sailmates, '94 #121

Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.
  Original Message
From: Mark Seyler
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 6:04 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Reply To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Glow Plugs & Keyswitch - Perkins Perama M30 Engine


I have the three position key switch on the M30 on my #232.  I believe the glow plugs are only energized when I turn the key to the "start" position.  And the starter motor only cranks if I keep the key in the start position, and push the "start" button at the same time.  So I turn the key for about a 5-count to pre-warm, then push the start button, and the Perkins fires up in about 2 seconds of cranking.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Dave Hupe
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 1:44 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Glow Plugs & Keyswitch - Perkins Perama M30 Engine

I just developed starting problems on my Perkins Perama M30.  I have a strong sense it may be related to my glow plugs.  I contacted the previous owner who confirmed for me that they had previously replaced them due to starting problems and that fixed the issue. The replacement was estimated as being at least 6 or more years ago. I found a box for the existing glow plugs.  They are  NGK 6628 (Y-107V).  I read posts elsewhere that talked about "double-coil" type glow plugs that reportedly warm up faster and can run continuously, versus "single-coil" type glow plugs that have pulsed controllers and can burn out if constant power is applied.  I'm guessing the above NGK glow plug is the single-coil type.  However, assuming that is what I have now, they have worked well to date. Current price for these is as low as about $8 each directly from NGK and about $12 from Amazon. Does anyone have input about specific glow plugs?

I'm still confused by when my glow plugs actually work???  I have a 3 position ignition switch (off, on, start)…..I don't think it is original.  Do the glow plugs come on when I switch to "on" and then stay on constantly (since my key switch goes back to the "on" position after I turn to "start" and then release the key)?  Or, do the glow plugs only energize when I turn and hold the key in the "start" position? If so, then I don't get any cylinder pre-warming (unless I follow Warren Updike's tip I found previously about pulling the fuel shutoff knob up and cranking for about 5 seconds to energize the glow plugs and "pre-warm", before pushing the fuel knob in and starting as usual).
Dave Hupe
1994 Cat 320 "Mayan Sun" (#32)
Holland, MI