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

[Dave Hupe]

Update ……. Problem resolved … it was the glow plugs (2 of 3 bad) that prevented my engine from starting.   The engine lit up perfectly after I installed them this afternoon.
I also have confirmed that my glow plug relay still continues to feed 12 volts to the plugs even after starting (fed by the "on" position of my 3-position key switch).  This is not good, but apparently still worked a long time (about 8-10 years total) for the previous owner/me until this failure.  I am probably going to follow Warren Updike's suggestions to install a pushbutton that will control the glow plugs (so that they will only energize when I push the button to warm before starting).  Or, I will have the pushbutton control the starter and arrange to have the glow plugs on the 3rd spring-loaded position of the key switch.  I don't think this will be difficult or expensive. 
I got lucky and only needed to pull apart one fuel line coupling (located near the front of the engine on top of the high pressure fuel pump) that completely blocked the forwardmost glow plug.  I was able to bleed it easily when reassembled using the hand operated lift pump and had only minor difficulty getting a good seal (replaced the copper fuel line coupling washers). 
Now.....back to sailing before the end of the season .
Dave Hupe
1994 Cat 320 "Mayan Sun" (#32)
Holland, MI