low engine rpm

[Christian Williams]

this little lever on the valve cover being turned 180*



You mean the compression lever, shown at top? Yeah, that reduces engine compression for easier starting, but I don't think anybody uses it on a sailboat. Maybe subzero conditions. We need to keep it closed.

Important Operational Tips:

• Never actuate the decompression lever while the engine is running at high speeds or under load, as this can severely damage the valves. [1, 2]
• Always ensure the lever completely returns to the closed, seated position after starting the motor; otherwise, the engine will lack power, fail to accelerate, and blow white smoke. [1, 2, 3]

 

[Odelay]

this little lever on the valve cover being turned 180*

View attachment 55568

You mean the compression lever, shown at top? Yeah, that reduces engine compression for easier starting, but I don't think anybody uses it on a sailboat. Maybe subzero conditions. We need to keep it closed.

Important Operational Tips:

• Never actuate the decompression lever while the engine is running at high speeds or under load, as this can severely damage the valves. [1, 2]
• Always ensure the lever completely returns to the closed, seated position after starting the motor; otherwise, the engine will lack power, fail to accelerate, and blow white smoke. [1, 2, 3]

I don’t think this was actually my issue
The mechanic failed to find the fuel adjustment screw that was actually causing our low power issues.
‍

 

[Prairie Schooner]

I don’t think this was actually my issue
The mechanic failed to find the fuel adjustment screw that was actually causing our low power issues.
‍

So that's what that thing is! Apparently it's got a cover on our engine.


Could you use Loctite on it?

 

[Prairie Schooner]

this little lever on the valve cover being turned 180*

View attachment 55568

You mean the compression lever, shown at top? Yeah, that reduces engine compression for easier starting, but I don't think anybody uses it on a sailboat. Maybe subzero conditions. We need to keep it closed.

Important Operational Tips:

• Never actuate the decompression lever while the engine is running at high speeds or under load, as this can severely damage the valves. [1, 2]
• Always ensure the lever completely returns to the closed, seated position after starting the motor; otherwise, the engine will lack power, fail to accelerate, and blow white smoke. [1, 2, 3]

Good cautions about using the compression release. They can have a use on a sailboat, though. The starter went on my buddy's boat and for a season we hand cranked the two-lung Yanmar four times a week (2 races, one start for out of the slip and one for in). Releasing compression so the shaft would spin initially was crucial to the process. We got fairly proficient, but we were glad when he got the new starter. - That said, I've never found a hand crank on our boat and haven't researched how to do it with the Universal.

 

[Alan Gomes]

this little lever on the valve cover being turned 180*

View attachment 55568

You mean the compression lever, shown at top? Yeah, that reduces engine compression for easier starting, but I don't think anybody uses it on a sailboat. Maybe subzero conditions. We need to keep it closed.

Important Operational Tips:

• Never actuate the decompression lever while the engine is running at high speeds or under load, as this can severely damage the valves. [1, 2]
• Always ensure the lever completely returns to the closed, seated position after starting the motor; otherwise, the engine will lack power, fail to accelerate, and blow white smoke. [1, 2, 3]

I've used it on my Yanmar once when my batteries went nearly flat. Open the lever, spin up the engine, and then drop it. (I temporarily rigged up a thin line to the lever so I could open it from the cockpit. The spring on the lever dropped it closed when I released the line--on my Yanmar, at least.)

 

[Alan Gomes]

Good cautions about using the compression release. They can have a use on a sailboat, though. The starter went on my buddy's boat and for a season we hand cranked the two-lung Yanmar four times a week (2 races, one start for out of the slip and one for in). Releasing compression so the shaft would spin initially was crucial to the process. We got fairly proficient, but we were glad when he got the new starter. - That said, I've never found a hand crank on our boat and haven't researched how to do it with the Universal.

My little 1-lung Yanmar has a hand crank, which in theory would allow me to start the thing even with no battery. Heck if I can make it work! And from what I have read on various Internet fora, I haven't found anyone else who could do so, either. Even if such a person may be out there somewhere, but that person ain't me!