Mercruiser 1.7 dti reluctant to start

[dnv]

Hi there

After a break of two weeks I went out today.
The diesel was very reluctant to start, it took some twenty seconds turning with the starter.

The temperatures are sub-zero during night now, just above zero over the day. The battery meter showed 14+ V right after the engine started.

Is this typical for the merc in cold weather, do you have advice for me?

thanks in advance
Jan

[matt h]

sounds like glow plugs not doing their bit,i dont know but do you have a key activated glow plugs or a push button?? i assume you have fuel and bled properly.

[doggypaddle]

Other thing to check on those engines is the cold valve clearences.
they can close up enough to lose compression when cold, when the head warms up a bit and expands they open up and run fine.
I haven't come across it on a marinised version yet but the car versions were well known for it.
Also as matt points out 1 heater plug out will make a HUGE difference to starting. when I had one out on one of mine it chased the starter, firing but not catching for 20 or so seconds before firing up!

[Jizm]

I've had something similar where air was getting in the system overnight. Turned out to be a faulty return (cracked) pipe so it was 'draining back' when left for any period. It was then a bit reluctant to start in the morning.
Just my 2p worth

[br1anuk]

You could always try "Easystart", very sparingly.

Oh the smell of Easystart on a cold frosty morning........

[dnv]

Thank you for your replies. I suspect the valves, will let an mechie check it out

regarss
Jan

[nik]

I may be wrong, but I dont think these engines have glow plugs.