She runs!

Ms. Bettencourt's 1980-something marinized 3-cylinder Kubota power plant may not look like much, but when it has clean fuel without air it runs like a clock.

Such was the case this afternoon after I reassembled the fuel system and bled air from the on-engine fuel filter and the injection pump.

The last time this engine had been running was December 26, 2014. Despite having been sitting cold since that date, she turned over and started easily with only 15 seconds of glow plug help.








This close-up (below) presents an opportunity to point out a bit of marine engine historical trivia.

Take a look at the black label on the air intake tube. If you click the photo at right to enlarge the picture you may be able to read the legend:

Universal
Atomic Diesel

In spite of the label, this engine is beyond a doubt a 1985 or later Kubota D-1101 tractor motor. Kubota was using them in its L-245 DT tractor in the 1980s.

Universal was a very successful marine gasoline engine manufacturer that had sold about 40,000 of its Atomic-4 sailboat engines between 1947 and 1984. Then, suddenly, sailors and sailboat builders quit using gasoline engines. Small diesels had become more reliable and were much safer than gasoline engines in marine environments.

Universal needed a diesel product, so they bought a bunch of Kubota tractor motors, painted them gold and sold them as Universal Atomic Diesels. But, they didn't move fast enough. Universal lost market share to other engine firms and ultimately went out of business.

It is still possible to buy Universal labeled parts for these engines, but the smart money avoids the premium price on this stuff and buys most needed parts from the local Kubota dealer.

It is said that these engines, when well cared for, can go about 10,000 hours before needing a major overhaul. Ms. Bettencourt's engine has about 2,500 hours on it.

Newer marine diesels are lighter and quieter that this old piece of iron, but some would say they are more complicated and somewhat less reliable.

But, of course, all of this motor trivia begs the important questions: Have I or have I not found the elusive air leak in the old Kubota's fuel system?

Please stay tuned for test results to come.


UPDATE 1/14/15 Cold engine started easily and idled smoothly. Temps in the low 40sF.

UPDATE 1/16/15 Another easy start and smooth idle.

UPDATE 1/18/15 Started easily. Ran smoothly. Changed oil and oil filter. Declared victory. Awaiting arrival of Spring in full readiness condition.