[C320-list] fuel filter/starting problems

[hcreech at comcast.net]

Allan,
That was the issue and I have no idea the purpose of the return lines and why being blocked for eight years has not been an issue.  I guess it is just another case of government intervention into our lives along with smart manufacturers figuring ways to circumvent!

Herb

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Allan S. Field" <allan.field at comcast.net>
> 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
> 
> 
>