Problems with my Diesel Genny

[dgs]

Some years ago I bought a used YYMD 5GFLDE diesel generator. It worked fine for about 3 years on B100 then one day refused to start, that was 4 years ago!

Head gasket was changed but still no go. Bore showes no signs of wear or scratches.

Could it be that although it was used with bio the rings have gummed/carboned up?  I used to run it hard, powering 2x immersions all day (once per month) when I used my methanol recovery still (long gone) It always smoked and seemed really hot.  My intention is to remove the injector and insert a steam nozzle whilst being turned over on the starter.

I should add here that it doesn't even fire on easystart. Also I've just emptied the tank and the bio had turned black! and smells like linseed oil, now that I don't understand.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, Cheers.

[Dickjotec]

Has it got any compression? It could be a valve and that would explain the not firing on easy start. If the bio has gone off it may have jammed the pump or injector. Check the spray on the injector but make sure it is pointing away from you. All a diesel needs is air,fuel and compression. I use wd40 rather than easy  start as it is less violent, works really well on the lister though.

[dgs]

I'll do those checks in the next couple of days although when the head was taken off about 3 years ago I remember the rockers working the valves ok.

These gennys that are all covered with panels are a pain to strip down, I like the ones that are built around a frame, they are so easy to get at things.

Anyway, mostly stripped down now, the tank will take a lot of cleaning out, will report when I get a bit further.

[dgs]

Checked the valve clearances today after removing the rocker cover, all seems to be ok. Removed the injector ready for the steam injection treatment in the next couple of days.

[Dickjotec]

Clearence can be fine it does not mean they are sealing. Put your thumb over the injector hole and turn it over it should blow your thumb out of the way, if not compression is low.

[dgs]

Thanks Dickjotec, I understand what you mean. No one around here has a diesel comp tester that I could borrow, it may be worth getting a cheapo one off ebay if it works.

Yesterday I had a go with the Mrs domestic steam cleaner. I turned over the engine on the battery and used the steam both into the air intake and down the injector hole. I did this about 6 times for 30seconds each time, letting the starter cool between each 'run'. I'll have another go tomorrow.

[Dickjotec]

Remember the compression is way more than for petrol engines so it would need to be for diesel. Have you got a friendly garage that would let you use theirs if you took it in? You can make a basic one with a bit of wood forcing a bit of rubber over the injector hole. Turn it over on the starter and feel the compression.

[Chug]

It might be quicker in the long run to remove the head and have a butchers Dave.

[dgs]

Thanks Chug yes you are probably correct. I haven't had time to give the beast another steam treatment yet but I will soon. There are no garages around here with diesel comp testers, but I realise these would give a definitive answer.

When our mechanic took the head off some 3 years or so ago the valves were seating ok and the bore looked fine, so the ring gumming idea is still at the top of the list.

[therecklessengineer]

You can get an idea of compression if you pop the injector out and stick your finger over the hole. It should be impossible to keep your finger over it when cranking.

[photoman290]

You can get an idea of compression if you pop the injector out and stick your finger over the hole. It should be impossible to keep your finger over it when cranking.

best done with a stick with a bit of rubber over the end rather than a finger. you can inject  dirty oil  straight into your blood stream, the same as holding your finger over a compressed air  hose. yes i have done it of course when i was unaware of the danger. forgotten what the complaint is called. some sort of dermatitis i think.

[dgs]

Thanks you two, I'll give that a go and report back.

[dgs]

I tried the compression test today. The nylon pad at the end of a drumstick was a good size to fit over the injector hole. I held it with gloves while the engine was turned over with the starter.

The stick could be held in situ using a fair amount of force but when I eased off a little the stick was pushed up with the compression, so there is some there but not enough.

[therecklessengineer]

You can get an idea of compression if you pop the injector out and stick your finger over the hole. It should be impossible to keep your finger over it when cranking.

best done with a stick with a bit of rubber over the end rather than a finger. you can inject  dirty oil  straight into your blood stream, the same as holding your finger over a compressed air  hose. yes i have done it of course when i was unaware of the danger. forgotten what the complaint is called. some sort of dermatitis i think.

Good point, and a good suggestion.

Anyhow, I think you have your problem.