New to Cruising

[ZaphodMaine]

But been a racer for decades. Finally made the move to a decent sized boat after 30+ years of racing an Alberg 22. Bought a Morgan 454, in international water sailing">blue water sailing trim: taller mast, 150+ Genoa, storm sails, modified keel, lots of electronics blah blah blah… Need some advice on starting the Universal diesel after 5 years on the hard. Looking forward to Spring and having Mai-tais served on deck...
Cheers,
Zaphod

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by ZaphodMaine

But been a racer for decades. Finally made the move to a decent sized boat after 30+ years of racing an Alberg 22. Bought a Morgan 454, in international blue water sailing trim: taller mast, 150+ Genoa, storm sails, modified keel, lots of electronics blah blah blah… Need some advice on starting the Universal diesel after 5 years on the hard. Looking forward to Spring and having Mai-tais served on deck...
Cheers,
Zaphod

Great Nelson Marek boat and super choice for someone who has loved racing for years. Put on a 110% jib, it will be great anytime the wind is over 10 knots, and below maybe you'll be motoring anyhow. You will beat most boats on any passage. Since it has 200 gal water and maybe a watermaker, you can take showers. The boat will be a piece of cake in any conditions, it's that good. Expect to arrive clean, well rested, and first. With a wind vane you can go anywhere without steering or worrying about an autopilot failure.

Now, about your Universal:

You want to take things slowly to protect the motor from damage. Don't just turn the key.

The first thing will be to determine if it is free to turn over. There could be some rust or corrosion which would make it "frozen". One recent thread here a guy spent a lot of time freeing up his motor and wound up stripping it down and rebuilding it. If you can crank it manually, using a pry bar or a large socket wrench, easily, then you have a good shot.

Then you need to get the starter working. You could remove it and with it clamped somewhere hit the start button or just short the solenoid contacts briefly. If the engine is free to turn and the starter works, reinstall it and try to crank the motor with the kill switch engaged, (just to get it turning over without firing). Change the oil and filter.

Make sure you have clean fuel and clean fuel filters.

Now crank with the injector pipes loosened so you can see that fuel is pumping to the injectors. If so, all is good for an attempt at starting and generally you have a good chance. Otherwise you may have to bleed the fuel system and possibly get the injection pump serviced. Make sure your batteries are real strong and all electrical contacts are good.

Once started check water flow through to the exhaust and be concerned about blockages.

After operation, another oil change is due.

Good luck and good sailing.