franchi

HI:

As the title states. Would inability to hand start be an indication?

Tia,

Franchi

1QwkSport2.5r

Because it’s hard to quantify this (priming a diesel is so tricky on an unknown engine, and diesels flood kinda easy), but I would say a hard starting engine that normally is easy to start would be a reasonable indicator. If you’re questioning the fuel, grab an engine you know well and starts easily and use it for your test mule. I know from previous experience that fuel with too little ether requires a higher compression setting (than normal) to start and run, and it tends to be a bit more “rattly”. I use the previous “run” compression setting as a good indicator. If I need to raise compression more than, say, a 1/2 turn or more, it might need a spritz of ether.

franchi

Hi:

Thanks for the reply.

I become so frustrated when I fail to hand start a Diesel engine. All things are correct but the electric starter is the only method that will start my Diesel engines.

I view everything possible on the Net re hand starting a Diesel engine with envy. A friend of mine showed up at the flying field with an ED Racer that he purchased in 1954. He choked it twice and it started on the sixth flip. He did the same with a Russian .75 Mills repro. His fuel is very old! I spend hours with my MVVS diesels without success. My Diesels have great p-c fits but not even a single pop. With the electric starter, instant start! Perhaps I am too old to flip hard enough!

The engines in question are MVVS 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5.

I will mix some fresh fuel and to determine if indeed it is a fuel problem.

Stay well,

Franchi

1QwkSport2.5r

You do have to change your flipping technique when starting a diesel compared to glow. Diesels need a ‘smart’ flick. If you prime the piston and give it 3-4 flicks and you don’t get a pop, it probably needs more compression.