I forgot to add that I turn over cold engines a few times with the
kill
switch engaged to get the oil flowing before ignition. I forget who
or what
advised this, but it sounds reasonable doesn't it?
I've heard this theory espoused many times and when our boat was new
to us I even considered doing it. But every diesel mechanic I've
talked to, as well as people I know in the marine engine design and
manufacturing business, have said that all this accomplishes in terms
of an engine's operational longevity is wear out the starter
prematurely. They have all said that even if this practice reduced
the momentarily higher friction the instant of starting by a
measurable amount--- and most of them did not think it would--- by
the time this tiny savings in wear reached a point where it became a
factor in the engine's service life, the engine will have worn out or
failed for any one of many other reasons long before. But doing it
won't hurt anything, so if it makes a person feel better it won't
shorten the life of the engine. It may well shorten the life of the
starter, but they're usually pretty easy to change out.
C. Marin Faure
GB36-403 "La Perouse"
Bellingham, Washington
>I forgot to add that I turn over cold engines a few times with the
kill
switch engaged to get the oil flowing before ignition. I forget who
or what
advised this, but it sounds reasonable doesn't it?
I've heard this theory espoused many times and when our boat was new
to us I even considered doing it. But every diesel mechanic I've
talked to, as well as people I know in the marine engine design and
manufacturing business, have said that all this accomplishes in terms
of an engine's operational longevity is wear out the starter
prematurely. They have all said that even if this practice reduced
the momentarily higher friction the instant of starting by a
measurable amount--- and most of them did not think it would--- by
the time this tiny savings in wear reached a point where it became a
factor in the engine's service life, the engine will have worn out or
failed for any one of many other reasons long before. But doing it
won't hurt anything, so if it makes a person feel better it won't
shorten the life of the engine. It may well shorten the life of the
starter, but they're usually pretty easy to change out.
____________________
C. Marin Faure
GB36-403 "La Perouse"
Bellingham, Washington
