Smart glow plugs

[jack4566]

Also keep in mind that modern diesel vehicles have MUCH more sophisticated emissions systems than a marine diesel. My BMW X5D has all these systems:
-Diesel Particulate filter, to catch larger particles and soot, It later heats up the exhaust to burn this into ash.
-Diesel Emission Fluid, Urea, injected into the exhaust stream to break down dangerous NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water.
-EGR to reburn exhaust
-Intake swirl generator to introduce Vortex swirling
-2 Noise mufflers
-catalytic converter.
-MAF air monitoring for more accurate injection.

Your boat is the equivalent of a 1940's tractor with a (probably) mechanical fuel injection pump and none of the above emissions.

I commend you wanting to improve the situation. A simple 1 minute timer would probably do the job to keep the plugs hot. You should also do a compression/ leak down test and see if maybe your rings are bad.

All else you could do an EV conversion. Getting more popular and easier to do.

[osprey877]

To follow up, I installed new Bosch glow plugs (about 16$CDN each) and this solved problem. Engine starts immediately now, with just a little smoke for the first 20 seconds or so. For those interested, I came across an article by Bosch on their glow plugs and it seems the new ones are quite different than the original ones fitted in the90’s. There are apparently two types. The ones for my engine work on a 12 volt supply and compared to the older designs, they heat up quicker, and then hold there heat longer so there is less smoking. The other type run on 6-7 volts and use a special relay to regulate the voltage depending on conditions etc. I gather these are used in new turbocharged engines and larger truck engines etc.
Anyways, thanks for all info

[AndyEss]

Originally Posted by osprey877

To follow up, I installed new Bosch glow plugs (about 16$CDN each) and this solved problem. Engine starts immediately now, with just a little smoke for the first 20 seconds or so. For those interested, I came across an article by Bosch on their glow plugs and it seems the new ones are quite different than the original ones fitted in the90’s. There are apparently two types. The ones for my engine work on a 12 volt supply and compared to the older designs, they heat up quicker, and then hold there heat longer so there is less smoking. The other type run on 6-7 volts and use a special relay to regulate the voltage depending on conditions etc. I gather these are used in new turbocharged engines and larger truck engines etc.
Anyways, thanks for all info

The Pathfinder fuel injection pump also includes a cold start lever that changes the injection timing slightly. Look at your manual, and play with this adjustment some to see how it effects cold/low RPM performance.