Engine performance

[arobart]

Let me say what a treasure this website is for a new owner, although I do have trouble with the 'search' feature.  
My last boat was a Ticon 30 (very similar to a C-30) with a twin cylinder 16hp Universal which would start easily even after a long winter and run fairly smoothly.  Based on that experience, I had certain expectations of my M35AC Universal (559 hours) in a 1994 C-34. What I have is an engine that is hard to start even when warm, lots of vibration and quite noisy.  I installed a Variprop three blade feathering prop which is supposed to help reduce vibration!  I have not yet checked the engine/shaft alignment but I need some sort of reference point. Is noise, vibration and hard  starting inherent in this particular engine design or is it a warning of future grief.

[c34member]

No on all three counts.  I get comments from other boaters on how quiet and vibration free my M35 is.  It starts every time after a five second glow-plug warming.  After 5 months on the cradle it started first turn after 15 seconds on the glow-plug this spring.  With a diesel, it's either fuel or air flow problems.  Have you replaced both fuel filters?  A tiny leak in a fuel line that allows air to enter can cause starting problems.  

Vibration is never good.  Does it vibrate while in neutral?

[Stu Jackson]

"FIND' (search) feature

Arnold

Please explain what kind of problems you are having with the find feature.  Sometimes, like all search engines, you need to be somewhat creative with your requests.  Also use the advanced search and + in the message board searches.  The website search engine is a little easier to use, since you can have it find exact phrases.

Another way to try is to find a freqent respondent's name, and search that, scroll through the topics, etc.

As it says on the Home Page, this is a large, HUGE, 'site.  In many cases, answers are already out there.

There were many recent posts on engine vibration.  Try engine mounts, Ron Hill, Tancock, vibration, cutless bearing, etc.

Good luck,

Stu

[Gene Regan]

Hi Arnold,
Hard start?
Most common are fuel line and distribution restrictions, in filters, injectors,and fuel lines themselves.From what? Dirt, mold\fungus and funkus.
Injector pump timing and fuel injector maintenance issues may also be involved.
Vibration? Shaft alignment,shaft,cutlass bearing, Bad new prop(been there)nd you rough running engine combined wit all these could be the blame.
Solution?  Look at all the above,use this site as reference library and enjoy the joys of boat owning.
All these things need to be part of your preventitive maintenance schedule. OH! Did I forget to mention your possible dirty fuel tank and biocide fuel treatment schedule.
Good Luck Keep smiling and sailing
Gene Regan
713 Freedom

gene regan

[Kyle Ewing]

This is my first year with my 1990 C34 with Universal 25XP with about 750 hours on it.  My previous boat had a Yanmar 12HP single cylinder and compared to that, the Universal 25XP is worlds apart noise and vibration-wise.  

Cold the 25XP starts easy assuming the glow plugs are working.  Early in the season I had a problem with the glow plugs not heating due to corrosion in the old engine harness.  The engine harness upgrade fixed the problem.  On my boat, warm restarts are easy except for when the battery is low.  With a low battery, it turns over slow.  I believe it may be due to a bad crimp on one of the battery cables.

Vibration on my boat is nearly non-existent except for a narrow range slightly above idle.  Engine noise is lower than I expected but not ultra quiet.  At idle and low speeds it can be heard but isn't annoying.  At cruising and faster it makes a low roar but a conversation can be carried on below deck without shouting.  My wife and I recently spent several hours in the cabin while motoring after losing a fight with a swarm of black flies.  She was able to sleep while I kept watch from the v-birth hatch.

Hope this gives you a frame of reference for your new boat.

Kyle Ewing
Donnybrook
1990 C34 #1010
Belmont Harbor, Chicago

[Stu Jackson]

Fuel Pump

Arnold,

You said you were having trouble "find" searching.

Using Find, Advanced Search, + fuel + pump, turned this up

http://c34.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=329609511&f=829605811&m=273601911&r=873601911#873601911

Good luck,

Stu