I decided not to hijack another thread and instead start my own.
Today was my first try at starting the 1GM10 in the cold since installing it.
My batteries are group 24. Battery 1 seems to be somewhat weak.
In general I try to use battery 1 most of the time keeping battery 2 in reserve.
Temps when I arrived:
Air: 27
Water: 28 (at the surface - slushie ice observed)
Cabin at eye level: 30
Engine room (measured with my circulating water probe): 34.4
Battery 1: 13 volts
Battery 2: 13.4 volts
First attempted to start on Battery 1 failed - Cranked a few times with about 10 seconds between each attempt and stopped using it when it was down to 11.9 volts
Next attempted to start on Battery 2 - Success but took 3 tries.
I am sure had I removed the ladder, the engine cover, and released then dropped the compression release after she was turning at speed she would have started sooner. My goal was to see how she starts when cold, and this tells me those of us without glow plugs have a distinct handicap. For dockside starting I can of course have any number of shore power heating solutions from magnetic things to hydronic heaters and everything in between, but I want to duplicate the utility of a glow plug. The idea is if I am out on the hook fishing, or have just been on a several hour sail I want to get started with minimal fuss.
I am currently thinking of a 12 volt window defroster forced air heater aimed into the air cleaner. I figure I blast hot air into the air cleaner for a minute the engine should start combusting on the first try.
Thoughts and feedback please?
Today was my first try at starting the 1GM10 in the cold since installing it.
My batteries are group 24. Battery 1 seems to be somewhat weak.
In general I try to use battery 1 most of the time keeping battery 2 in reserve.
Temps when I arrived:
Air: 27
Water: 28 (at the surface - slushie ice observed)
Cabin at eye level: 30
Engine room (measured with my circulating water probe): 34.4
Battery 1: 13 volts
Battery 2: 13.4 volts
First attempted to start on Battery 1 failed - Cranked a few times with about 10 seconds between each attempt and stopped using it when it was down to 11.9 volts
Next attempted to start on Battery 2 - Success but took 3 tries.
I am sure had I removed the ladder, the engine cover, and released then dropped the compression release after she was turning at speed she would have started sooner. My goal was to see how she starts when cold, and this tells me those of us without glow plugs have a distinct handicap. For dockside starting I can of course have any number of shore power heating solutions from magnetic things to hydronic heaters and everything in between, but I want to duplicate the utility of a glow plug. The idea is if I am out on the hook fishing, or have just been on a several hour sail I want to get started with minimal fuss.
I am currently thinking of a 12 volt window defroster forced air heater aimed into the air cleaner. I figure I blast hot air into the air cleaner for a minute the engine should start combusting on the first try.
Thoughts and feedback please?