I've got a new C36 I got at the end of last season, and had a really naive engine starting question.
I've got the engine panel on the pedestal (photo hopefully linked below), which isn't either the classic 'captains' or 'admirals' panels, which are actually described in the M35 manual.
My question is, what's the proper start procedure using this panel? There isn't a switch for glowplugs, so I'm not sure if/how those are warmed up for starting? All I've got is the key switch, and the start button.
Does turning the key energize the glowplugs? And if so, should I leave the key switched 'on' for ~20-30 seconds before hitting the start button? I looked through both the boat and engine manuals, but they had no information for starting using this panel.
Thanks for any help!
-J
[IMG]https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQs3MsVroL6Q8i2eKOO...
Josh McElwee
Sailing from East Greenwich, RI
2000 C36 MKII, M35B, "Chinook", Hull#1900
Hold the key right over as far as it will go, one stop past ON, the last stop is spring loaded you have to hold the key in that position, that starts the glow plugs. Hold it for 20 secs or so.
If it works like mine, the key switch is turned part way to energize the ignition (gauges activate) and the fuel pump. If you turn the key further against the spring and hold it, you are energizing the glow plugs. Release the key after the desired time (5-10 secs) and then push the start button to energize the starter motor.
Hope that helps.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Great, thanks! I thought it might be something like that, but wasn't 100% sure.
Josh McElwee
Sailing from East Greenwich, RI
2000 C36 MKII, M35B, "Chinook", Hull#1900
I've got a follow up to this.
I have the same engine panel. If I put the switch to "on" I get a really loud beeping (oil pressure alarm?) that doesn't go away unless I either push it to the spring loaded position (to activate the glowplugs) or turn it off.
It's kind of annoying because I'd really like to run the blower for a few minutes before and after using the engine (blower requires key in "on" position) and the beeping drivers me and my crew crazy.
Is this normal or is this a sign that something is wrong?
David
s/v Portmanteau
Hull #2133 -- 2003 MKII
Seattle, WA
That's normal behavior. When you turn on the switch, the panel is energized including the gauges, alarms and blower. Since there's no oil pressure until the engine starts, the oil pressure alarm sounds.
I don't find it necessary to run the blower before starting a diesel engine. If it was gasoline, it's a necessity. If you want to continue running it without having to turn on the key, you'd need to re-wire it.
Gary and Cathy Price
1997 C36 Mk II Tall Rig/Wing Keel Imagine...
Hull # 1617
Worton Creek, Md.
Northern Chesapeake Bay
[QUOTE=plaineolde;15700]That's normal behavior. When you turn on the switch, the panel is energized including the gauges, alarms and blower. Since there's no oil pressure until the engine starts, the oil pressure alarm sounds.
I don't find it necessary to run the blower before starting a diesel engine. If it was gasoline, it's a necessity. If you want to continue running it without having to turn on the key, you'd need to re-wire it.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, it's more after than before. I've found that running the blower helps clear the smell of engine exhaust from the aft cabin.
Then again, is that smell at all normal?
David
s/v Portmanteau
Hull #2133 -- 2003 MKII
Seattle, WA
In my opinion and experience, there will always be some odor down below indicting the engine has recently run, but it should never be a strong smell of exhaust.
You might want to check that out if the exhaust smell is strong.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Yeah if it's real strong you could have an exhaust leak at the mixer elbow and a possible carbon monoxide issue :eek:
---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----
--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----
--- 1999 C36 MkII #1776 M35BC ---