In Water diesel question?

nauticalrich · #1 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002

Have my first 14HP Universal diesel.
At everyone''s suggestion I removed the salt water impeller. So now I can''t start the engine until I reinstall the impeller.

Is it advisable to just crank the engine quickley maybe once a week to change the position of the piston? Would this help keep the enging from freezing up. Will the impeller shaft pop out for just a quick crank?
There is nothing in the manual saying whether or not I should have fogged the engine so of course I did not. I am used for a four stroke outboard, not a diesel.

Last question:
Did this make sense????????

Yodagwb · #2 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002

ARE YOU SAYING YOU WOULDN''T FOG A 4 STROKE WHEN PUTTING IT TO BED FOR THE WINTER?

THE IDEA OF FOGGING IS SO THE MOTOR WON''T RUST OR FREEZE UP AND YOU WON''T HAVE TO CRAN K OCCATIONALLY. FOGGING IS GOOD.

SailorMitch · #3 (**permalink**) 12-06-2002

Nautalrich,

FWIW, the service manual for my 12 HP Westerbeke says you do not have to fog the engine for winter layup. It does recommend fogging for more extended layups. My engine is now 14 years old and has suffered no ill consequences from the lack of fogging each winter, nor have I cranked the engine from time to time to change the positions of the pistons. Fogging wouldn''t hurt, but I doubt it''s necessary either. But...........

Why not obtain a copy of the service manual for your Universal engine so that you know what the manufacturer recommends for sure? You''ll find out about fogging and a whole lot more.

nauticalrich · #4 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002

Thanks for the replies.
The manual I have says nothing about fogging.
This might sound stupid but I am a little afraid of removing the glow plugs, assuming that''s where you would fog the engine at.
Someone told me to fog into the air intake.
Would that go into the cylinders??????

I''ve got alot to learn during this winter.
Should make the winter go fast.

DuaneIsing · #5 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002

I can''t comment on fogging of diesel engines, but I can answer your question. Yes, the air intake on the engine directs the ambient air into the cylinders through the ports (if 2 stroke) or valves (if 4 stroke).

Duane

SailorMitch · #6 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002

Rich,

For some articles on the care and feeding of a marine diesel, go to www.torreson.com. They are a well respected outfit with info on Universal engines among others. I just read their article on winterizing and they did not mention fogging the cylinders. If I were you, I''d stop worrying about that.

To answer your last question, yes, anything you spray into the air intake will get to the cylinders. All a diesel needs to run is air and clean fuel. If your engine has an air filter, make sure it''s clean. But some engines don''t have an air filter at all -- such as my little Westerbeke.

You asked an earlier question about whether the impeller shaft will spin off if you turn the engine over now with the impeller out. It won''t.

Two other suggestions: this winter track down a diesel engine course in your area. Lots of outfits offer them these days, usually something like a two-day course over a weekend. Some guys in Annapolis have one they call "Don''t be a Diesel Dork." I took the course a long time ago and learned a lot.

Also, buy a copy of Nigel Calder''s book on marine diesel engines. Go to www.abebooks.com and search for it on that site. it''s a great place to find used books.

One question for you: did you change the oil before you laid up the engine?

rclampitt · #7 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002

Also you can take a look at www.marinedieseldirect.com/universal and check out their Discussion Forum.

RC

SailorMitch · #8 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002

The marinedieseldirect.com site is part of the Torresen site. But in rereading these posts, I realized I misspelled Torresen. So the correct address is www.torresen.com. That will link you to the marinedieseldirect site as needed.

nauticalrich · #9 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I changed the oil and filled the transmission to the top. Will change it completely in Spring. Also put the additives in fuel and ran through engine.
Will change gas filters in Spring.

She''s a bute and want to keep her that way.
I like knowing as much as I can to handle emergencies at sea myself. I''d spit shine the engine if I could.