Thermostart operation?

[winston1]

45 seconds sure goes against Yanmars instructions. Doesn't mean it's not right. I agree ambient temperature is a big factor but if you have to hold it 45 seconds before it ignites I have to wonder if your element might be bad. :confused3:

 

[Scotty Dive]

I have nothing to compare it to, but my element sure looked fine when it glowed red at the 10 second mark. If you think about the old cigarette lighters in cars it took at least that long for them to glow red on 12V. Anyway, the heat from the thermostart then has to warm the valve allowing fuel to drip down and onto the coil - that took another 10 seconds. The colder it is outside the longer that has to take. If I had only done it for 10 -15 seconds - I would not be benefiting at all from the TS I would think. Maybe other members can do the same experiment and record the time and temperature. I will do another one soon when the engine is ice cold too.

 

[diesel lover]

I have nothing to compare it to, but my element sure looked fine when it glowed red at the 10 second mark. If you think about the old cigarette lighters in cars it took at least that long for them to glow red on 12V. Anyway, the heat from the thermostart then has to warm the valve allowing fuel to drip down and onto the coil - that took another 10 seconds. The colder it is outside the longer that has to take. If I had only done it for 10 -15 seconds - I would not be benefiting at all from the TS I would think. Maybe other members can do the same experiment and record the time and temperature. I will do another one soon when the engine is ice cold too.

For right now continue to use it for the 30 second to 45 second mark. I would order a new thermostart and replace it as preventive maintenance when ever you can do it and when ever it warms up as long as it won't put you into a bind.

They are so easy to replace. I would not only replace it but make sure to test it as well if possible.

 

[diesel lover]

Edit: that is test it while it's out if the intake manifold if possible. It really should ignite pretty fast. I have the same issue mine takes a long time and sometimes does not ignite.

http://youtu.be/wlFettLu11Q
Very beneficial video to thermostarts

 

[Scotty Dive]

Great video. It looks like yours was glowing really red at the 7 second mark and ignited the fuel almost immediately afterwards. Mine had to warm up that valve first before fuel will flow maybe I have a sticky valve.

 

[Winmac]

Here's what can happen if its held on to long or engine fails to start with flame burning.

This is a secondary filter for a 236 Perkins, the inner fabric is all melted.

 

[diesel lover]

Great video. It looks like yours was glowing really red at the 7 second mark and ignited the fuel almost immediately afterwards. Mine had to warm up that valve first before fuel will flow maybe I have a sticky valve.

http://youtu.be/_XIORB_qUp8

That's actually my tractor in the link above. I have never removed my thermostart as I live in Indiana and the tractor is in Michigan.

I counted and in 30 degs I held the thermostart for 15 to 20 seconds. I really think yours may be worn out and needs replacement as it may not be getting fuel due to a sticking valve

 

[Scotty Dive]

I think I will remove mine at some point and clean her out but I did try it again and video'd it for you all. I think it is working just fine - do you agree? Couple things to know about the video:
- as soon as I start the video is when the TS switch was turned on
- the initial smoke is (I believe) left over diesel from the last burn.
- at about 8-9 seconds its really glowing
- at 20 seconds there is flame.

Yanmar thermostart at 27°F - YouTube

 

[Ginormous]

Scotty -- doesn't look like you have any trouble with your valve! The flame at the end looks continuous. I didn't open mine up so I could see in, but there was a distinct "huff" noise every few seconds from what I assume is a fuel drip igniting.

G

 

[winston1]

Thanks to all of you for sharing your videos. Don't know how the ambient temperature affects ignition if at all. Sure would be nice if we all had some way to know when our valves ignite. My hearing is so bad I can't hear the poof ya'all are talking about. I have just turned mine on and felt the intake area counting seconds and know it takes 15 or 20 seconds to feel waming.