[C38] head gasket

[Chuck Finn]

We stop our engines by starving them of fuel.  The reason diesel engines 
don't have spark plugs is cylinder compression is high enough to cause 
the fuel to begin and sustain combustion.   The decompression lever 
simply lowers the compression pressure in the cylinders and is generally 
used to help turn over our engines when it is very cold or the battery 
is low.  It can be used in an emergency to shut down the diesel, but 
this leaves fuel in the cylinders (not good) and causes hot gases to 
blow by the partially opened valves.  While this probably does not hurt 
once in a while, I believe it would hurt your valve seats, guides, etc. 
in the long run.  Besides the fact you are mucking up your engine!

If you are having trouble starving the engine, you need to adjust your 
throttle linkage.

Hope this helps!
Chuck Finn
Mighty Quinn #114
Great Lakes

On 2/27/2012 12:06 PM, Julian Adams wrote:
>
> I note the Service manual says that you must not use the decompression 
> lever to stop the engine -- saying it causes serious damage to the 
> exhaust valves.     I've used it many times -- is this really a 
> problem. What does it do to the Exhaust valves? (and what is it for 
> anyway?)
> Julian Adams
>
> *From:*Steve Smolinske [mailto:SSmolinske at rainierrubber.com]
> *Sent:* Sunday, February 26, 2012 5:59 PM
> *To:* Catalina 38 Listserve
> *Subject:* Re: [C38] head gasket
>
> http://www.marinedieseldirect.com/universal/200157/universal-owners-manual-caution-statements.html
>
> Universal engine manuals online
>
> Steve
>
> *From:*listserve-bounces at catalina38.org 
> <mailto:listserve-bounces at catalina38.org> 
> [mailto:listserve-bounces at catalina38.org] 
> <mailto:[mailto:listserve-bounces at catalina38.org]> *On Behalf Of *PAUL 
> NOTTE
> *Sent:* Sunday, February 26, 2012 11:36 AM
> *To:* listserve at catalina38.org <mailto:listserve at catalina38.org>
> *Subject:* [C38] head gasket
>
>   I need to change the head gasket on Impulse and I'm looking for a 
> free repair manual , has anyone found one on the net ?
>
>   Paul
>
>   Impulse
>
>
>
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