Westerbeke W30 compression testing

[sanibel sailor]

Have an older engine that is getting hard to start. Thinking about running a compression test to get an idea of what is going on and provide some direction. Cannot find anything online specific to this engine. Does anyone know if the glowplugs are in the combustion chamber or in the intake passages? Should be easier to do the test of I do not have to pull the injectors.

[DougR]

On the Westerbeke 21,27, & 33 the glow plug tip protrudes into the pre-combustion chamber, and the use of the glow plug opening is the recommended avenue for compression checking. Same holds true for most other engines using glow plugs, so I would think it is the proper way to test compression on the Westerbeke 30 as well.

DougR

[sanibel sailor]

Thanks, checked another cylinder head and can confirm that glowplug is OK to check compression.

[sanibel sailor]

Checking was quick and easy using the cheap Harbor Freight diesel compression tester. It also allowed me to check the glow plugs which were all okay. All 4 cylinders were from 390-410 psi. I guess that is not why she is hard to start.