Hi All
We managed to fire the PH2 up today, first time in probably quite a long time! The engine appeared to have been run to a standstill on water and then left, both injector pumps were seized and both injectors were also seized. I got these overhauled by a mate at the local diesel specialists; ) thanks Pete! The only other problems that needed sorting were about 2 inches of thick sludge in the crankcase (quite easily scooped and swilled out) and a lack of compression. This little problem was resolved by the time honoured method of dumping a load of diesel into the engine and leaving it to do what diesel does best in these circumstances. I was able to obtain a starting handle at the 1000 Engine Rally and so with a rigged fuel system we were ready for the "BIG START". Step one swing engine as fast as it will go and drop the de-compressor result at least a bit of compression and a little bit of smoke, so try again only a bit faster since there was a bit of encouragement from the engine. This carried on for about 10 mins and as my son mentioned was as good as a work out. Unfortunately the only result from our efforts was an increasing amount of smoke but no run, time for a rethink in strategy! After a search of the workshop a tin of sniff was found, ah how can we fail now! Tried a little bit just to see how the engine would react (its just resting on some blocks of wood at the moment till I sort a trolley out for it and didn't fancy it chasing me round the work shop.) Result nothing so at this point we stopped for a brew and a think. Reasoning that if a little bit didn't work then too much should be a lot better a large squirt was added and then the engine swung again RESULT the thing ran very quietly not even any diesel knock but did it smoke, you know the stuff so claggy that it wont even rise up. Then it stopped! But at least it ran!!!!!!!!!!! WOW isn't it awesome!!!!!!!! Anyway a quick check over revealed that the link between the pumps had fallen off so that was re-secured and try again. Still needed an excess of easy start (it does exactly what it says on the tin). But run it did, we ran it for about 20 mins to warm it up and then gave it a bit of serious revving which again caused lots and lots of smoke, oh and now sparks as well, but after which it ran a lot better. Next time I run it I am hopeful that it will start on its own, but before then I will time and set the pumps properly and sort the fuel system properly and the throttle linkage. But at least it runs and doesn't knock or miss now, just have to loose the smoke and rust and it will be factory fresh. One final point should I inform the RSPB that I have a birds nest in the air-cooling ducting.
Regards David