[C320-list] fuel filter/starting problems

[Allan S. Field]

Herb - Is the issue that air was getting into the line?  And more
importantly, did Tidewater reimburse you?! - Allan

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of hcreech at comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:18 AM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] fuel filter/starting problems

Paul,
When my boat was newly commissioned in March 1999, I notice that the engine
was difficult to start at times.  I talked to the service department and
they worked on the boat without being able to resolve the issue.  Finally,
after talking to Yanmar, they found out that the return fuel lines that were
added under an EPA regulation were causing the problem.  I had already moved
the boat to my Marina at that point, but Tidewater promised to resolve the
issue.  They later called me and asked if I would purchase the items i would
need to resolve the problem and they would reimburse me.  I was instructed
to go to an automotive store and purchase two brake bleeding clamps.  I
think at that time I paid around 15 dollars.  I placed the clamps on the
hose, side-by-side, and never had trouble starting again.  The engine always
starts in a few seconds.  For the first couple of years I would check them
for tightness, but I think I stopped doing that about two years ago.
I hope this helps, if this is the problem you are experiencing.

Sincerely,
Herb Creech
Cloud Chaser #606

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Paul Rickman <ilove2sail at verizon.net>
> Herb,
> 
> I would very much appreciate the information about the clamps. 
> 
>  Thanks.
> 
> Paul
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: "hcreech at comcast.net" <hcreech at comcast.net>
> To: C320-List <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 5:24:14 PM
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] fuel filter/starting problems
> 
> Paul,
> My 99' boat #606 was hard to start as well when first commissioned.   You
may 
> know about this already, but the fix was to simply place clamps on the
fuel 
> return.  Now after eight seasons my boat starts in seconds, every time.
If you 
> do not have these clamps let me know and I'll give you more details.
> 
> Herb Creech
> 
> -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: Paul Rickman <ilove2sail at verizon.net>
> > Jim,
> > 
> > My 1999 320 also has a history of being hard to start but only after
sitting 
> for 
> > a few days. If I am out often, no problem. After finding a Yanmar/Mack
Boring 
> > service advisory "Hard Starting" dated Nov 1, 2000 on the 320 WEB site,
I 
> spoke 
> > with Mike (in Georgia (770) 877-9894) at Yanmar last year. This service 
> advisory 
> > described my problem exactly. Because of the age of my boat, he was
unwilling 
> to 
> > provide any help whatsoever. The recommended parts are 35 - 40 bucks and
seem 
> > easy enough to replace. 
> > I have not replaced these parts. I have found that pulling the engene
shut-off 
> a 
> > couple times before attempts to start works wonders.
> > Also, when I pull the boat for the winter "rest", I shut the fuel off at
the 
> > tank. Just before spring launch I do a test start after tuning the tank
> > back on. It always starts right up on the first attempt. So in theory,
if you 
> > shout off the tank it should start up.
> > 
> > I'm sure I have the same filter as you but it is about one inch above
the hull 
> > and I can drain the separator.
> > 
> > Best of luck.
> > 
> > Paul
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > ----- Original Message ----
> > From: james_delong <james_delong at bellsouth.net>
> > To: List Catalina <c320-list at catalina320.com>
> > Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:37:30 AM
> > Subject: [C320-list] fuel filter/starting problems
> > 
> > Gents,
> > 
> > My 1997 320 has a primary fuel filter number R20S. This thing is about 5
to 6 
> > inches high (the cartridge itself) and the valve at the bottom is slam
against 
> > the hull, so it can't be opened to drain the separator. Is there another

> filter 
> > I can substitute that is smaller allowing the valve to be opened?
> > 
> > Also, the engine is difficult to start. I tried to have the fuel
polished but 
> > the guy couldn't get the insert by the 90 degree angles. I then used the

> > Startron cleaner from West Marine. Hopefully this will work!
> > 
> > What steps do y'all take to insure reliable starts?
> > 
> > Thanks,  Jim