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Starting an M-25 on a pallet

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m-25
1K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  Stu Jackson 
#1 ·
Hi all!

I just bought a great looking 1986 Catalina 27 Tall Rig. She doesn't have an engine installed but came with a Universal M-25 diesel strapped to a pallet that the guy purchased from Trans Atlantic Diesels in Virginia. The forum won't let me post pics of the engine because I only have 6 posts so far.

Anyway, I'd really like to start the engine before I put in into the boat, and I'm just wondering what steps I should take to start it while its on the pallet?

Here's what I'm thinking:

  • Check fluids (coolant, oil, transmission)
  • Connect wiring harness on engine to instrument panel
  • Connect to a battery
  • Connect a line from the inlet side of impeller housing into a bucket of cold water
  • Connect a fuel line from a tank to the engine
  • Bleed the injectors
  • Start the engine!

So my question is.... What am I missing? Can it hurt the engine in any way to be run like this? Is there any problem with shifting into gear while its sitting on a pallet? What do I need to do, if anything, with the exhaust riser, should I hook a hose on there and stick it in a bucket of water?

I'm familiar with regular maintenance on diesel inboards but I've never tried to do this before and I've never installed an inboard.

I like the way the engine just plugs into the instrument cluster, it seems much more simple than other setups I've seen. Any tips that you may have would be really appreciated!

Thanks,
Ralph Jr.
 
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#3 ·
Not to be obvious, but you can't start it with those tie down straps in place. In the positioni they're in, the V-belt would burn through them and you'd have big trouble. I wouldn't want to start it sitting on its oil pan, anyway. You might get away with that, you might not. You should probably find a way to mount it securely. Other than that, yes you should definitely but a hose on the exhaust outlet to direct it in a safe direction. Check this video:
 
#4 ·
Also, shifting should be no problem. With no shaft and prop attached, there shouldn't be much counter torque. I've seen quite a few of these posted on youtube by sellers, and they normally shift the reversing gear several times to show proper operation. Most important thing is securing the engine. If it's not bolted down, as in the video, it's likely to flip right over when it starts.
 
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