Decompresssion levers

[jackdale]

Do any modern diesels have decompression levers?

A buddy and I were talking tonight about this. I have started engines by decompressing cylinders and using a weak battery to get the engine spinning.

So how do we start a reluctant engines these days?

[Hartley18]

Originally Posted by jackdale

So how do we start a reluctant engines these days?

AFAIK, you call a Diesel Mechanic..

Not only don't modern diesels have compression levers, but most of the really fancy new ones have electrical systems (common-rail injection, etc.) that absolutely MUST be working to get the engine going.

Having said that, a modern diesel is a pretty reliable beastie - but it is getting to the point where, if it doesn't start, there isn't much you can do about it without the computer diagnostic tool and a degree in error codes..

Just one more reason not to get hit by lightning.

[erps]

Our 1989 Catalina 34 with the Universal XP25? had a decompression lever and I even had to use it once.

I've heard that some folks carry one of those little portable jumpstart battery packs in their boat in case their starting battery goes dead.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Hartley18

AFAIK, you call a Diesel Mechanic..

Not only don't modern diesels have compression levers, but most of the really fancy new ones have electrical systems (common-rail injection, etc.) that absolutely MUST be working to get the engine going.

Having said that, a modern diesel is a pretty reliable beastie - but it is getting to the point where, if it doesn't start, there isn't much you can do about it without the computer diagnostic tool and a degree in error codes..

Just one more reason not to get hit by lightning.

Is a "check engine" light next?

[PorFin]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Is a "check engine" light next?

If the marine industry is following other sectors -- probably so.

My initiation into diesel engines began with big puppies -- we're talking about the power plants in Army tracked vehicles and cargo trucks. Decompression levers were not in the mix. Old school mechanics were relied on listen, observe and then diagnose what ailed sick engines.

That is not the norm today. Over the years, and for a variety of factors (streamlining manning levels among them), the paradigm shifted in a subtle but significant way. We went from actually troubleshooting and fixing the engines to just pulling various bits and replacing them (then sending the offending parts back for repair at a higher level of maintenance.) It was usually quicker and more efficient. This drove the design of power plants towards providing for interface with computer diagnostic equipment that would accurately ID the malfunctioning part. And as you might guess, that "check engine" idiot light became the canary in the coal mine so to speak.

[Hartley18]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Is a "check engine" light next?

I hate to say this but we're there already.. Go have a look at one of those fancy new stinkpots floating around your local marina.

There'll be a yellow flashing light somewhere near the ignition switch. Number of flashes indicates the fault code..