I actually have 2 items of concern. We installed a new Beta 38 last spring and are extremely happy. More power, good fuel economy..
We put just over 450 hrs on the engine over the summer, Mediterranean and not much wind!
Engine operating temp. rarely goes over 165 -170 deg F. , RPM's 2200-2700. It will creep up to the low 170's at 3000 + Rpms. I have double checked the gauge temp reading with a calibrated FLUKE temp probe inserted directly into the coolant flow from the thermostat housing into the header tank. Same readings. I have not pulled out the thermostat temp range. What temp reating is normally installed?
Occasionally, maybe 10-15 % of the time, when I do a cold start, the engine will start immediately but after about 10 seconds it will stumble for a couple of seconds, then runs fine. Yeserday I started the engine after about 10-12 days of sitting and it actually quit instead of just a stumble ?? I am thinking maybe air in the fuel system but I see no other signs of an air problem.
The thermostat is fully open on your engine at 85 degrees C (185 F) and the normal engine temp running range is 170 to 195 degrees F.
As far as your starting issue, I need some more info from you before I can provide an answer. I assume from your description that you leave the throttle control at idle when starting.
At what speed does your engine idle?
Please describe how the fuel return line is run on the way back to the tank.
Stanley
-- Edited by Stanley on Thursday 1st of November 2012 12:26:24 PM
So, should I be concerned about not reaching 170 deg during normal running conditions?
The return line from the manifold block on the engine is 3/8 in dia and drops down to the oil pan level and then up to the tank top. The tank top is about 7 inch above the top of the fuel filter height. One thing that I have added is that I use this return line as a feed point for fuel transfer from an AUX diesel tank to the main tank. It tee's into the return line at a low point and has a shutoff valve to isolate the Aux tank during normal running.
Starting. I first bump up the throttle to above idle, glow plugs 10sec. and start. Once started I give it a couple of brief rev up's, approx 1400-1500. Then reduce throttle to 1200 for a warmup period. Normal idle after warmed up is 950 rpm.
With the engine running light I would not be worried about 5 or even 10 degrees F cooler. When you get to where the ocean water is 80 F you will find that the engine temp is where it should be.
The only thing that I can think of is a minor air leak. This may be at one of the fittings connecting the fuel supply to the engine. Stan
