[larman]

I have a 1983 yanmar diesel 1GM that has been sitting for 5+ years. Could you tell me the sequence in which you would try to get this thing running. I'm assuming I will remove the fuel from the tank clean it out as best I can replace with fresh fuel. change the engine oil and all fuel filters. Other than that what else should I be doing before I turn the key?

Thanks,

Larry

 

[aa3jy]

Replace transmission fluid, check valves clearances, hand turn the engine a couple of times with compression released and fuel off...

 

[capta]

I think if it was mine, I'd pull the injectors and send them out for service. I'd fill the cylinders with diesel and let it sit for at least several days. If the oil seems a bit contaminated or foul, I'd drain the oil and fill the crankcase with diesel too, for a few days. This will soak the bearings and moving surfaces with oil and a bit of cleaner, hopefully minimizing any damage dry, rusting surfaces would produce (oil's thick, diesel's thin; easier penetrating into all the little nooks and crannies) IMO.
Turn the engine over by hand a bit and then drain all the diesel out. Flush the crank case with oil until it comes out clean (you can use cheap oil for this) and refill with very good oil. Replace the injectors and try turning her over.
You will also need to replace any rubber impellers in the system and of course, all the filters and fuel. Pump the fuel out of the system until you have new, clean diesel coming out the pipes to the injectors. I am not familiar with the trany you have so I can't make any suggestion other than using a liquid seal conditioner with a fluid change might be in order.
I believe your biggest 'if' here is going to be the rings. If they are free then you should be on your way. If not then you can do nothing more than hope that they will free up as the engine heats up.
You can probably feel if the rings are working, when the engine is running or turning over, by putting your thumb over the dip stick hole. If there is pressure pushing your thumb away, some rings are not working.
I wish you a lot of luck. Go slowly and consider what may need extra lubrication until the engine is at temperature and running smoothly.

 

[Rockter]

Turn it over by had to make sure that it will turn, give it some new fuel with a temporary supply, check the oils and start that motor.
If it runs OK, then leave it.
If it does not, then begin your corrections.

 

[TQA]

Check the engine oil. Check the raw water impeller.

Turn it over by hand.

See it it will start.

If not bleed it at injector and try again.

If not supply fresh fuel bleed through and try again.

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

 

[ccriders]

Was it running five years ago? If so I would go Capta's route and be happy with a good running engine. You know, a stitch in time saves nine. Short cuts might prove very costly.
John

 

[Minnewaska]

I won't repeat good advice above. Replace all wearables and try to get started. A good fresh start battery is helpful too. Assuming she runs, then run her hard, 80% rpm under load, for at least an hour. Check max rpm and be sure she makes it under load. Listen for odd sounds and look at the exhaust, both underway and at the dock. Note any smoke color or oil slick in water. Don't let it just sit there idle. Then check compressions after a good workout. If all check out, you're good to go.

 

[aa3jy]

If so I would go Capta's route and be happy with a good running engine. You know, a stitch in time saves nine. Short cuts might prove very costly.
John

I would hopfully assume the diesel fuel would be drained from the cylinders before any attemps in starting or it would be the same consequences as if it where filled with water..a very expensive end result... Don't ask me how I know....

 

[ccriders]

I would hopfully assume the diesel fuel would be drained from the cylinders before any attemps in starting or it would be the same consequences as if it where filled with water..a very expensive end result... Don't ask me how I know....

Read Capta's post again. His process will assure no damage is done while testing. If the engine was running five years ago, then with this work there is a better possibility that it will run again and not do damage to itself in the process.
John

 

[aa3jy]

Suggest taking a owners diesel engine course such as the one that used to be given by Mack Boring...

 

[hellsop]

From the copious bookmarks collection....

Some Common Questions

 

[larman]

Just an update. I started to drain the diesel fuel from the tank and noticed that it was in pristine condition so I stopped about half way through. Changed the oil. It just took a couple of turns and she started right up!

 

[ccriders]

Just an update. I started to drain the diesel fuel from the tank and noticed that it was in pristine condition so I stopped about half way through. Changed the oil. It just took a couple of turns and she started right up!

But the bad stuff is always at the bottom of the tank. Diesel floats on top of the water!
John

 

[larman]

But the bad stuff is always at the bottom of the tank. Diesel floats on top of the water!
John

I was pumping directly from the bottom. I was sure to move my siphon hose all around the tank especially the bottom and there was zero debris or dirt coming out.