Engine
The engine wouldn't start over a month ago, right after replacing the fuel filter and bleeding it. So I thought, of the 100 different things it could be, was something happened to the fuel system again. The engine would crank but then give up, so I assumed the batteries were fine- maybe the glow plugs stopped working? They are required to heat the cylinders up in order for starting combustion to occur. Anyways, new glow plugs were ordered and put in (note- the center glow plug requires the air intake manifold to be removed, which requires a new gasket to put it back on). I just replaced the outside of the 3 glow plugs and will keep my new 3rd glow plug as a spare. I did order the gasket just in case as well. Gutted out the fuel system, replaced the pump filter, took the pump apart (which I will recommend never doing) and cleaned everything inside. Bled the lines.
Still the same putter and stop.
I tested the batteries under load and they dropped from 14v to 4volts. Not enough to kick a starter over long enough. So I do need a battery.
Bought a new starter battery and "Aha!" That must've been it because now the engine turns, but it still won't start and stay running. What the heck.
The diesel is simple, it needs air, fuel, and heat. Air is good. Fuel is now good. Heat. Wait. I looked at the glow plugs and realized that the wire feeding them power (to heat up) was not reconnected after I replaced them. Stupid me. Connected that, and the engine was alive in less effort than ever before.
It revs much higher now too, probably thanks to cleaning out the fuel pump.
I sure learned a lot about the engine and about how I should've retraced my steps better when disconnecting and reconnecting wires. Doh.
New glow plug vs. old at $6 each these were my go-to first solution
It hasn't been all work an no fun. I got an anchor for the dinghy so we rowed that out to the shoal and dropped it in to test it. It was pretty shallow and clear.
Our friends, who used to own the sailboat next to me, have this powerboat and saw us paddle by and invited us aboard for some Sunday sun downers.
Chris and Mandy's boat they use to take many trips to the island and scuba dive
enjoying the dinghy anchor and a beer
This car belongs to a boat occupier here, seems to have something new written on it every week.