No Glow Plug Button on Universal M3-20 ('92 Catalina 30)

[ValiantV]

We tagged along behind the surveyor and broker on a '92 Catalina 30 MKII we made an offer on and there seemed to be some confusion as to how the glow plugs on the Universal M3-20 engine were operated.

The engine panel had no "Glow Plug" button on it, just a key switch and starter button.

The consensus seemed to be that the glow plugs were "automatic".

I didn't get a chance to dig through the original manuals on the boat, but online searches mentioned a button for the glow plugs.

Lacking a button, I'm guessing that the spring-loaded "start" position on the key switch is likely how the glow plugs are operated lacking any other visible way to do it. (Not buying the "automatic" story.) I can't see a reason for a "start" position on a key switch on a panel with a start button. (Unless of course the original switch was replaced with a different one.)

Can anybody confirm or deny this assumption?

[Dockhead]

Not all diesel engines have glow plugs at all. Some of them have air pre-heaters instead and some have nothing at all. You should try to get a copy of the manual for your engine.

My Yanmar has an air preheater instead of glow plugs. I don't know if it even works, since I've never used it even once. You activate it by turning the key backwards.

[ValiantV]

According to Universal's (Westerbeke's) web site, the M3-20 does have glow plugs "For easy starting year-round".

The manual available online at Westerbeke's site mentions two ways of actuating the glow plugs (both manual BTW) but neither fit the panel on this Catalina. I think it's Calalina's panel, not Universal's.

The online manual looks like the engine manual that is on the boat - so - I guess I have to find the Catalina manual for more insight into this.

I just thought with this being one of the most popular production boats in the world, somebody here would know off the top of their head.

[Calif.Ted]

I had a '94 Catalina 270 with a Perkins and the glow plugs were on the spring loaded start position as you surmised, I used to hold it for a count of ten before starting.

[Sailmonkey]

Universals with glow plugs and a start button use the momentary position of the key switch for glow plug operation.