STARTING 3GM30F'S IN COLD WEATHER

[Boatman]

😀 AHOY Andrew - I have spent considerable time reviewing all the posts re starting issues and have talked to several people but still don't have a clear answer. Question 1 - I know you should not use starting fluids. I have heard that using a heater or blowing warm air into the air intake helps. But, if you don't have access to 110 voltage to operate these heaters what then????????????????? I enjoy using my boat during the cooler months also.
Question 2 - Do the later models of the 27 hp yanmar engines have glow plugs? On page 22 of the operation manual it mentions to "turn the starter key counterclockwise to HEAT (or GLOW) position and hold it in that position for about 15 seconds" This doesn't seem to apply to my 1993 R21 which has the 3GM30F. If this is correct what are my options for cold wx starts?? Joe

 

[Spirit of Gratitude]

Hi Joe,
I am not the one to solve your starting problems but I thought if you try blowing the warm air when you do have 110 power and it works you may want to consider a Honda IU2000 gen. They are around $800.00 and will give you enough power wherever you are. It is also just a nice option to have on the boat for charging batteries if needed, or running anything else that would require 110 power. They are small and very portable and burn little fuel.
I would not leave the dock without it now that I have spent a couple of seasons with it.
Anyway just a thought, Stuart

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello Joe,

Sorry I have taken so long to respond. What I would suggest doing is contacting your local Yanmar service center and asking them the questions. I just don't know enough about the GM series engines.