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Captain Max
1st Mate

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USA
87 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/02/2011 :  10:08:15  Show Profile
I posted this on the Catalina 25 board, and though I got some appreciated comments, no one actually answered my question directly. (possibly because I didn't word it correctly!)
If you have a GLOW option on your diesel, does it hurt NOT to use it if your engine starts fine without it.
Captain Max
"Wyvern"
84 Cat 25 FK
Bayview Marina
Dallas Tx Area
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Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2011 :  10:25:18  Show Profile
The problem is that 98% of us have outboards and can't answer directly. My Cummins diesel in my truck only needs the glow plugs on if it's fairly cold. Otherwise you can start the truck right away without them.
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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4316 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2011 :  13:06:57  Show Profile
No, but I'd verify that with the engine manufacturer. They are the only ones that can definitively answer your question.
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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts
Response Posted - 05/02/2011 :  16:07:51  Show Profile  Visit britinusa's Homepage
Wish Tom Potter would chime in here, he has a background in diesels.

Paul
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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts
Response Posted - 05/03/2011 :  05:48:40  Show Profile  Visit Champipple's Homepage
Shouldn't be a problem.
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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts
Response Posted - 05/03/2011 :  10:48:05  Show Profile  Visit Champipple's Homepage
Max,

First - if you have a diesel in a Catalina 25 you are among a very small percentage of 25 owners that have an inboard. (I know of 2 total)

Second to expand on my answer above - As you probably know, diesels don't have spark plugs instead they use compression to increase the temperature to a point where the fuel combusts. In cold weather, the engine acts much like the heat sinc (sink? sp?) in your computer and dissipates everything quickly making it hard for the engine to get going. The plugs create a little bit of warmth to aid in the process, then once the engine gets going it is warm enough to rely solely on compression.

If she doesn't turn over and go after a couple of attempts I'd hit the glow plugs. I really can't think of any damage that might occur by not using them.
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redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts
Response Posted - 05/03/2011 :  12:54:12  Show Profile
Agreed. Diesel are heat friction powered. As long as it starts fairly quickly, you are good to go.

Sten
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Captain Max
1st Mate

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USA
87 Posts
Response Posted - 05/03/2011 :  18:34:49  Show Profile
Thanks, this was my friends boat. He had never used the option. When I was sailing on a Catalina 36 this last summer, it was always used. It was in Canada though. I think that answers my question. Thanks again.
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Arlington
Navigator

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USA
196 Posts
Response Posted - 08/09/2011 :  21:15:39  Show Profile
Hi Max:
My old salt Surveyor emphasized, use the glow plugs, keep the diesel tank full, to avoid condensation. Add an an anti-algae additive , change the fuel filter every year, change the oil & filter, every year, and change the heat exchanger zinc anode(boatzincs.com says no magnesium anodes are made for the heat exchanger) or magnesium anode on the prop shaft(if in fresh water). Don't start it without the fresh (sea) water seacock OPEN! His advice was that if I took care of my engine, it would be trouble free and last longer than me or the boat. So far the Universal M2-12 starts easily every time,which keeps me happy.

Edited by - Arlington on 09/15/2011 20:15:32
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9089 Posts
Response Posted - 08/09/2011 :  22:07:50  Show Profile
I drive a Westerbeke diesel at the Mystic Seaport, and start it from dead-cold by pushing the glow-plug and starter motor buttons simultaneously. It fires right up. When the engine is warm, the plugs are redundant.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.