Possible hydrolock?

[grinfax]

I think my engine might have water in the cylinders. I have a Universal 5411 and the engine won't start.

1) I checked the fuel, and it going into the injectors
2) I took out the glow plugs to check the compression, and there is compression.
3) I checked the oil in the engine, it's black, no sign of water.
4) Engine cranks normally & there is power going into the glow plugs.

5) The only symptom is an odorless white smoke (vapor) coming out of the air intake while I crank the engine.

I am stuck, what can I do? Would putting starter fluid help?

Thank you,
Kim

[PorFin]

Kim,

Based on your description, I'd be surprised if you had a hydrolock. It sounds more like you need to bleed the fuel delivery system. It may also be that your timing is off - the chain may have slipped or something. Take the time to properly troubleshoot your engine. Find somebody who's done it before to assist if you start feeling lost. Diesel's are pretty simple, but patience is often needed just as much as knowlege.

And no -- NEVER use starting fluid on a diesel engine.

[MacGyverRI]

When's the last time it actually ran?

It could have stuck intake valves If the smoke is coming out of the intake manifold.
What was the compression #'s?

Does the motor have a decompression lever? If so, is it in the closed position? (check the linkage for binding/stuck)

Did you check the glow plugs to see if they work?

p.s.
Hydrostatic lock will actually stop it from turning. That doesn't seem to be the problem

[PorFin]

Here's another thought -- check to make sure that the fuel stop solenoid is working properly.

Don't ask me why I mention it... Let's just say it's something I overlooked once, and after hours of changing filters, bleeding the system, etc etc, I happened to look at the solenoid and immediately say what the problem was.

[jrd22]

Like Mac said, it isn't hydrolocked or you wouldn't be able to turn it over. I'm puzzled by the white smoke (which I would normally conclude was unburnt diesel) coming out of the intake and yet you say the compression test was normal. If you had one cyl. way below normal compression I would say stuck valve.
I just re-read your post and I'm mistaken, you didn't do a compression test, you just say there "is compression". I'm guessing stuck valve(s), pulling the glow plug would just be the path of least resistance for the compression rather than going out the valve. Pull the valve cover and check them.

[grinfax]

I am not an expert, but I've been learning. Let's just say this engine has been an excellent teacher.

- I already bled the engine, I don't think it's a fuel problem. Nevertheless I am going to look for the fuel stop solenoid.
- MacGyverRI, the engine does have a decompression lever. It's not stuck.
- jrd22. I will pull the valve cover (gulp) but what should I look for once I open it?

White smoke has to be vapor because it's odorless. Any thoughts on what that could be?

-Kim

[TQA]

As others have said if it turns over it is not hydrolocked.

A single squirt of engine starter into the intake will not do any long term damage and is worth a try.

The next step might be to remove an injector and see if it sprays fuel when you crank. Spray into a jar and DO NOT spray onto yourself.

[MacGyverRI]

Don't use the glow plugs if you're using ether, it will probably go boom when it hits them!

Checking the glow plugs;
Have a metal pan/plate etc. ready to lay them in when disconnected from the cables and they will be really hot.

1st, they get RED HOT so don't touch the tips!!!!

take them out

use a pair of jumper cables from the battery,
clamp the black end to the threaded part.

"touch" the red end to the threaded part (or blade terminal) and if it's good, they should "glow" red in 5-15 seconds. TAKE the jumper off when you see them turning red and that's a good one. you will burn them out if you leave them connected.

If they don't glow, they are bad. Just replace them.