Nanni N4.38 User Manual (2024)

About this manual

This Operator’s Manual contains important information, tips, suggestions and warnings. We urge you to read it carefully and familiarize yourself with the engine before starting.

For your own safety and longer service life of the engine, follow the instructions and warnings contained in this manual and in all documentation provided with the boat. Ignoring them could result in damage to the engine or personal injury to you or others.

Please ensure that this Manual is always kept in the boat. It should always be available to anyone else using the engine, i.e. anyone renting, borrowing or buying the engine from you. Throughout the document, the following symbols are used to ease the reading:

Î Indicates that the text is continued on the following page.

Indicates the end of a section.

Content and updates

All the informations and specifications in this Manual are based on the technical data applicable at the time of its publication. Changes and updates may be made by Nanni without notice.

Illustrations are intended as a general guide, and may vary from the equipment fitted in the engine in some details. Some sections of the Manual do not apply to all engines. If this is the case, a text indicates which engines it applies to.

If there are any equipment details that are not shown or described in this Operator’s Manual, or if you have any questions about the operation of any equipment, your authorized Nanni Dealer will be glad to inform you of correct care and operating procedures.

3 SAFETY

Read this chapter carefully as it concerns your safety. Most accidents are caused by failing to follow basic safety rules. Be aware of the possible risks involved in handling the engine and make sure to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, those around you and the equipment.

Read all informations supplied with the boat before starting the engine for the first time.

Always ensure that the maintenance of the boat and all equipment has been done in accordance with the instructions stated in the relevant Manual. Have all mandatory and necessary safety equipment handy in the boat and serviceable.

Emergency kit

You can order an emergency kit from any Nanni authorized dealer.

The engine emergency kit contains several components to carry out simple repair in the event of a fault.

Always have an complete emergency kit onboard and necessary tools to carry out any repairs.

Safety alert symbols

General rules of safety precautions to follow are indicated in this Manual. They are indicated as follows:

I DANGER

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

I WARNING

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

I CAUTION

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury, or could cause property damage.

NOTICE: Indicates important information in order to facilitate handling or avoid property damage.

Safety icons

Several stickers are fixed directly on the engine. They are intended to help you to quickly identify the location of certain components and avoid possible hazards when working on the engine.

Ensure these stickers are always visible and change them if necessary.

Refers to important informations and instructions to follow before handling the engine.

Indicates possible electrical hazards.

This icon indicates a risk of fire.

Indicates hot parts entailing substantial risks of burns.

Indicates an area containing pressurised fluids.

Stipulates that no flames or sparks should be created in the vicinity.

Indicates hazardous rotating parts.

Indicates the de-aeration orifice(s) (air bleed).

Indicates where to check the coolant level.

Indicates where to check the engine oil level.

Indicates the coolant drain orifice.

Safety precautions

Exhaust gas

Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide. This colourless and odourless gas is extremely harmful and could lead to poisoning which could result in loss of consciousness or death. The first symptoms of carbon monoxide intoxication are as follows:

•Dizziness

•Nausea

•Headache

•Throbbing temples

•Vomiting

•Fatigue and falling asleep

•Tense muscles

If you or anyone else in the vicinity of the engine experiences any of these symptoms, leave the area of operation of the engine and find fresh air. If the symptoms persist, consult a doctor and have the engine checked.

Ensure the exhaust circuit correctly expels the gas produced by the engine. Regularly check that the exhaust circuit is free of leaks and that the exhaust elbow is in good condition.

Burns

Never touch the hot parts of the engine! An operational engine gets very hot: the exhaust system, turbocompressor (if equipped), starter, oil sump, oil, coolant in the hoses and pipes are hot and can burn.

Fluids ejected under pressure can cause serious injury. Release all the pressure in the circuits before removing the caps. Never open the oil circuit and coolant caps when the engine is operational and/or hot. Never start or run the engine when the oil fill and coolant caps are not screwed on as hot oil or coolant could spray out.

If you come into contact with any of these fluids, consult a doctor immediately. If the engine gets too hot, switch it off and disconnect it and wait for it to cool down before checking for failure.

Fire

Do not smoke near the engine and keep it away from sources of ignition (flames or sparks) or any other potential flammable vapour or liquid sources. Do not run the engine without the air filter.

Do not run the engine in an area in which flammable or explosive materials are stored or where gas is present. Ensure there are no flammable liquids in the engine compartment.

Immediately clean up any liquids spilled and keep the engine compartment clean and accessible so as to minimise the risk of fire. Be careful as fuel can burn. Damaged pipes can lead to fire.

Explosion

Explosions caused by fuel vapour can cause serious injury! Carefully follow the safety rules when filling the fuel.

Open and ventilate the storage area of the engine after filling. Check that there are no fuel vapours or leaks before starting the fan (if fitted). Switch the fan on for 5 minutes before starting the engine.

All fuel vapours are flammable and explosive. Be careful when handling and storing fuel. Store the fuel in a ventilated area away from sources of ignition (sparks or flames) and out of the reach of children.

Stop the engine before filling with fuel or lubricant. Do not smoke near the engine and keep it away from sources of ignition (flames) when filling with fuel and/or lubricant. Wear gloves when investigating possible leaks.

Do not alter or damage the fuel circuit. Close the fuel circuit whenever you work on it. Ensure you always have an appropriate working fire extinguisher to hand.

Hazardous Voltage/

Electrical Shock

Electrocution is possible whenever electricity is present. Hazardous voltage can cause severe injury

or death. Operate the engine only when all guards and electrical enclosures are in place.

Open the main circuit breakers of all power sources before servi-

cing the equipment. Configure the installation to electrically ground the engine, transfer switch, and related equipment and electrical circuits to comply with applicable codes and standards.

Never contact electrical leads or appliances when standing in water or on wet ground because these conditions increase the risk of electrocution. The voltage at these terminals can cause death.

Short circuits can cause bodily injury and/or equipment damage Remove all jewellery before servicing the equipment.

Hazardous backfeed voltage can cause severe injury or death. Connect the engine to the building/marina electrical system only through an approved device. Work on the electrical circuit should only be carried out by qualified technicians.

Operations on the shore power equipment must only be carried out by electricians authorized to work with high voltage installations.

Special attention must be brought on boat with metallic hull, especially concerning the protection of the persons against electrical shock and the protection against galvanic and electrolytic corrosion.

Battery acid

The acid in batteries can cause serious injury and even death!

When servicing the batteries, wear protective gloves and goggles. Batteries contain sulphuric acid which is highly corrosive.

Acid can spurt from batteries when they are handled. If the acid comes into contact with the skin, rinse thoroughly in fresh water and consult a doctor.

Risk of battery explosion

A battery explosion can cause serious injury and even death! Ensure the battery storage compartment is corrected ventilated.

Do not smoke near the batteries and keep them away from sources of ignition (flames or sparks). They produce hydrogen which could ignite or explode on contact with an electrical arc or a flame.

Switch off all electrical appliances in the vicinity when you are working on the batteries.

Ventilate correctly storage batteries compartment. Avoid touching the battery terminals with metal tools so that no sparks are created which could cause an explosion. Remove the rings, bracelets and necklaces before handing the batteries.

Rotating parts

Rotating parts can be extremely dangerous and cause serious injury and even death!

Do not work on the engine when it is operational. If work on the engine when running is absolutely necessary, do not touch any hot or rotating parts.

Baggy clothing, hair or objects could be pulled in and/or caught and cause serious injury or substantial property damage.

Do not wear bracelets, necklaces or rings when working on a engine. Check that the bolts and screws are properly tightened and that

the protection mechanisms are in place. Do not check the tension of the alternator belt when the engine is operational.

Accidental starting

Accidental starting can cause serious injury and even death!

Disconnect the battery before working on the engine. Ensure no one is alongside the engine or working on before starting it. A rotating propeller can cause serious injury or death. Ensure all the protection mechanisms are in place before starting the engine.

Chemical products

The different fluids used to run the engine are a health hazard. Carefully read the instructions on the packaging of these products and always check that the ventilation in the hold space is adequate.

Follow environmental regulations concerning the disposal of oil, fuel, coolant, filters and batteries. Do not put your hands over pipes when looking for possible leaks.

Water ingress

The engine should be protected against from water ingress by any means. Water ingress leads to complete engine failure. This is not cover under any warranty terms.

Water can enter the engine after filling the exhaust system.

Correct installation of the engine on your boat is of the greatest importance for safe navigation and pro-

tection of the environment. The first protection against water ingress is a correct installation of the engine.

A correct use of the engine is also important to protect the engine against water ingress. The operator/owner is responsible for the correct operation of the engine and for the implementation of all necessary means to protect the engine against water intrusion.

After a vessel capsizing, or if the engine has been filled with water, do not start the engine, except in extreme emergencies, and contact an authorized Nanni dealer.

About the engine

Engine identification

Both the engine and the transmission has an identification plate that contain several informations.

Keep these plates accessible and in good condition. Record and keep the engine and transmission serial number and designation. These numbers should always be quoted when ordering service and replacement parts.

The engine identification plate is as follow:

•TYP indicates the commercial designation of the engine.

•NR indicates the engine serial number.

•CODE lists various specifications of the engine.

Break in

Operate the engine with care for the first 50 hours of operation.

Do not race the engine while it is cold. Do not operate it at full load except for short periods. Never run the engine at constant engine speed for long periods during the break in period.

Check the oil and coolant level frequently during the running-in period. The oil consumption can be more important during the runningin period.

Engine installation

The installation must be carried out by an authorized Nanni workshop in accordance with the installation instructions. Correct installation

of the engine is of the greatest importance for safe navigation and protection of the environment.

It also ensure maximum service life under normal conditions of use.

Engine damage caused by failure to follow installation instructions is not covered by the warranty.

Remote Control

The remote control is an optional extra not in the scope of supply of the engine. The remote control installed on the boat can be different than the ones shown in this document.

On most boats, the control lever controls both the engine rpm and the gear shift (ahead / astern). However, some boats can be equipped with a separated shift command.

It can also be fitted with a neutral safety switch that prevents the engine from starting until the lever is in neutral position.

Consult the boat builder or your Nanni dealer if you are not sure about the operation of the remote control.

Power Take Off

Some engines can be fit with a Power Take Off system. This system allows to power accessories like bilge pump, watermaker, etc.

NOTICE: Any mechanical power taken from the engine from a PTO reduces the power delivered to the propeller. The use of a PTO should always be studied and approved by the R&D department of Nanni Industries S.A.S France. Contact your Nanni dealer for more informations.

Trolling valve

The Trolling valve system allows to reduce the rotation speed of the propeller below its speed when the engine is at idle. The boat speed is reduced by 30% to 70%.

I CAUTION

The Trolling valve system must never be used for manoeuvring. It also must never be used at an engine speed of more than 1200 rpm.

Operation in cold weather conditions

Nanni engines are designed to operate effectively in cold weather.

However, for effective starting and cold weather operation, extra care are necessary. Contact your Nanni dealer for additional infor-

mation and local availability of cold weather aids.

WINTER GRADE FUEL

Winter grade fuel allows to protect the injection system when temperatures fall below 5°C (40°F). Winter grade fuel is best suited for cold weather operation thanks to its lower cloud and lower pour points.

However, using winter grade fuel may reduce power and fuel efficiency as winter grade fuel has a lower BTU (heat content) rating. Check the grade of fuel being used before troubleshooting for low power complaints in cold weather operation.

In all cases, fuel quality and fuel sulfur content must comply with all existing emissions regulation for the area in which the engine operates.

Oil viscosity

Use seasonal grade viscosity engine oil based on the expected air temperature range between oil changes.

Follow the diagram below to adapt the oil viscosity:

As an option, some engines are available with an air intake heater to aid cold weather starting.

Contact your Nanni dealer for more informations.

Engine hom*ologation

The engine type can be exhaust emission certified. It means that Nanni guarantees that all engines of the same type that are manufactured are approved and certified by the authorities in accordance with different exhaust emissions standards.

However, for the engine to be in accordance with this standards, special requirements for maintenance and service are to be followed:

•Only Nanni replacement parts must be used.

•Maintenance intervals must be observed.

•The engine must not be modified in any way except with accessories and service kits approved by Nanni Industries S.A.S. France.

•Service of the fuel system must always be carried out by an authorized Nanni workshop.

•No modifications to the air intake and exhaust system may be undertaken.

•Seals may only be broken by authorized personnel.

•The operation instructions stated in the relevant manuals should be follow by the user.

Nanni’s responsibility for the engine specification being in accordance with the certification will be invalidate if one or several of this conditions are not followed.

Environmental responsibility

Nanni designs its engines to have minimum environmental impact. This objective, however, can only be achieved with your full cooperation.

Our operating and maintenance instructions are to help you to protect your engine and adopt environmentally responsible behaviour.

Ensure you only use the fuels and oils recommended. Using another type of fuel or oil could cause major malfunctions, an higher fuel consumption, a reduced engine

service life, and a greater discharge of exhaust gases.

When draining the oil and changing the oil or fuel filter, dispose of the waste in an appropriate container.

These fluids cause major damage to flora and fauna if discharged into nature. Use an absorption kit in the event of accidental discharge of oil

or fuel into the water.

Warranty

This manual is supplemented by a Warranty Information Booklet. We recommend that you read this publication thoroughly.

Pay special attention to the applicable duty cycle and to the limitations that result. Failure to comply with the warranty conditions will void the Warranty.

The validity of the Warranty is also dependent on proper installation and maintenance operation being carried out by an authorized Nanni representative.

NOTICE: Late or improper maintenance or use of spare parts other than Nanni original spare parts will invalidate Nanni’s responsibility for the engine accordance with hom*ologation and will void the Warranty.

Modifications to the engine’s settings, as well as any other technical modification (accessories, spare parts, additional equipment, etc) ARE FORBIDDEN WITH-

OUT WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM NANNI INDUSTRIES S.A.S.

Any modification will void the Warranty. Damage caused by failure to follow operation instructions or

incorrect operation is also not covered by the warranty.

Commissioning inspection

Commissioning inspection is a condition of the validity of the Limited Warranty. Moreover, it allows the registration of the product at the factory and record important informations regarding the product.

By registering the product, you will receive the best warranty coverage possible and Nanni will be able to contact you in the event of updates or service notifications.

Operations to be performed during commissioning inspection are specified in the Warranty Booklet. The commissioning inspection must be signed by the seller and the owner of the engine.

It’s the owner responsibility to control that the commissioning inspection has been fully completed and signed by the person who carried out the inspection.

The informations regarding the RPM must be taken using an electronic tachometer. Never use the tachometer of the instrument panel for this purpose.

About the propeller

The propeller is a critical component of the propulsion system. It converts the engine power in thrust. To be efficient, the propeller must be perfectly adapted to the boat and to its use.

In all cases, the propeller should allow the engine to reach its rated rpm with the maximum boat load.

A faulty operation of the engine is often due to an inadequate and / or damaged propeller.

Behaviour of the boat

If this is your first boat or if you are not familiar with the boat, we urge you to practice controlling the boat at slow speed as a first step.

Avoid violent manoeuvres or unexpected speed changes while sailing. People can fall over or overboard.

Keep also in mind that the weight distribution (passengers, equipments, etc.) inside the boat has an impact on the behaviour of the boat when cruising. Depending the position of the load, the behaviour

of the boat may change, particularly in the case of a planning hull.

The condition of the hull and the propeller is also a critical factor. A dirty and / or damaged hull will modify the behaviour of the boat and therefore the engine performance. It can also cause cavitation which can seriously erode the surface of the propeller, the drive, etc.

N4.38

1

14

2

19

18

8

7

I WARNING

Read the starting and stopping instructions before operating the engine.

Standard panel

A4 PANEL

The instrument panel provides you with important informations about the engine.

On some boats, a panel without key is used as an additional instrument panel in Flying Bridge position. A main panel fitted with a key switch generally located in the wheelhouse is used to prevent unauthorized starting from the additional panel. To start the engine using

the additional panel, the key of the main panel should be switched to IGNITION position.

Instrumentation

Tachometer & Warning lamps

The analog tachometer displays the engine speed. Multiply the indicated value by 100 to get the revolutions per minute of the engine.

The function of the warning lamps is explained in the following pages.

RPM x 100

Starter switch

The starter switch allows to start and stop the engine.

The ON/STOP switch allows to connect the system voltage and to stop the engine.

The START button allows to preheat the engine and engage the starter.

Engine oil pressure indicator

NOTICE: This indicator does not show the engine oil level. This indicator shows the oil pressure in bar and psi.

If the oil pressure in the lubrication circuit is too low, the acoustic alarm sounds and the corresponding warning lamp comes on.

Coolant temperature indicator

Indicates the coolant temperature in Celsius and in Fahrenheit degrees.

If the coolant temperature is too high, the acoustic alarm sounds and the corresponding warning lamp comes on.

This warning lamp comes on and the alarm sounds when the coolant temperature is too high.

I DANGER

Never open the coolant filler cap or any plug of the cooling system when the engine is warm. Steam or hot fluid can spray out.

I CAUTION

ÀIf this alarm comes on while the engine is running, stop the engine, except in extreme emergencies, and check the coolant level, the belt condition, the raw water filter condition, and that the sea co*ck is open.

ÀOperating the engine while the coolant temperature is too high can lead to severe engine damage. Do not operate the engine if the problem persists and contact a Nanni workshop as soon as possible.

This warning lamp comes on when the system voltage is connected.

If this lamp lights up when the engine is running, it indicates that the alternator of the engine is not charging.

The cause can be a fault in the electrical system or because the alternator belt is slack.

I CAUTION

ÀIf this alarm comes on while operating the engine, stop the engine, except in extreme emergencies, and check components of the belt system. Also check components of the electrical system (fuses, battery, etc).

ÀDo not operate the engine if the problem persist and contact a Nanni workshop as soon as possible.

Î

This lamp comes on when the glow plugs (if fitted) are activated.

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE

This warning lamp lights up and the alarm sounds when the engine oil pressure is too low.

I CAUTION

ÀIf this alarm comes on while operating the engine, stop the engine, except in extreme emergencies, and check the engine oil level and the oil filter condition.

ÀOperate the engine when the oil pressure is too low can lead to severe engine damage. Do not operate the engine if the problem persist and contact a Nanni workshop as soon as possible.

This lamp lights up and the alarm sounds when there is too much water in the fuel filter of the engine (not applicable on some engines).

If this alarm comes on, stop the engine and drain the water in the fuel filter.

Before starting

I WARNING

Put all the protective covers back before starting the engine.

I CAUTION

Open the sea co*ck (if equipped) before starting the engine. The raw water pump impeller will be damaged if it runs dry even for few seconds, and may lead to engine overheating.

Perform all of the following operations before starting the engine:

1. Open sea co*ck (if fitted). Prime the raw water system if necessary.

2.Start the compartment fan (if fitted) for at least five minutes. Otherwise, open the hold.

3.Check that there is sufficient fuel.

4.Move the control lever to the neutral position.

5.Open fuel co*ck, prime the system if necessary.

6.Check the engine and transmission oil level and fill with the recommended oil if necessary.

7.Check the coolant level, top up if necessary.

8.Check the control cables, grease the connections if necessary.

9.Check there are no fuel, oil, coolant or water leaks.

10.Check the alternator belt.

11.Switch ON the main switches.

Starting the engine

I DANGER

ÀThe propeller can cause serious injury when rotating. Check that nobody is in the water near the propeller before starting.

ÀNever use a start spray or any other equivalent product These products are highly flammable.

I CAUTION

ÀAlways preheat the engine. Never race the engine while it is cold.

ÀDo not crank the engine continuously for more than 10 seconds at a time. Let it cool down for 2 minutes between cranking attempts. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in starter motor burnout.

ÀIf the engine don’t start after 3 attempts, remove the key and drain the water in the waterlock. Failure to do so may lead to water ingress in the cylinders.

NOTICE: When starting the engine for the first time, let it run at idle for several minutes and check for leaks or malfunction.

Starting using booster batteries

I CAUTION

Make sure to use batteries with the same rated voltage as the engine’s system voltage.

1.Connect the jumper cable to the positive pole (+) of the flat battery, then to the positive pole (+) of the booster battery.

2.Connect the jumper cable to the negative pole (-) of the booster battery. Then connect the other end of the cable to a bolt on the clutch of the engine block.

I DANGER

On an engine with a two pole electrical system, connect the other end of the jumper cable to the negative pole (-) of the booster battery.

3.Start the engine following the starting procedure.

4.Let the engine run at idle for few minutes to charge the battery.

5.Stop the engine and remove the cables in the exact reverse order from installation.

1.Move the control lever to the neutral position.

2.Insert the key in the ON/STOP starter switch.

3.Turn the key a quarter-turn to the right. All the warning lamps come on and the acoustic alarm sounds. After a few seconds, only the ENGINE OIL PRESSURE and BATTERY CHARGE LAMPS remain lit.

4.Press the START button halfway to start preheating. Hold the button for 5 to 15 seconds, depending on ambient temperature to preheat the engine.

5.Press fully to start the engine. Once the engine has started, release the button, all lamps go out.

6.If the engine is fit with water cooled exhaust elbow, check that water flows from the exhaust

outlet at the hull. If the water does not flow, stop the engine and check the raw water system.

1.Switch the key of the main panel to ignition (if equipped).

2.Move the control lever to the neutral position.

3.Press the ON/STOP button. All the warning lamps come on and the acoustic alarm sounds. After a few seconds, only the ENGINE OIL PRESSURE and BATTERY CHARGE LAMPS remain lit.

4.Press the START button halfway to start preheating. Hold the button for 5 to 15 seconds, depending on ambient temperature to preheat the engine.

5.Press fully to start the engine. Once the engine has started, release the button, all lamps go out.

6.If the engine is fit with water cooled exhaust elbow, check that raw water flows from the exhaust outlet at the hull. If the water does not flow, stop the engine and check the raw water system.