[C320-list] Fuel Filter

[Chris Burti]

That was the recommendation from Yanmar, or possibly Catalina or Mack
Boring...I do not remember for sure now, but I am sure that it was an
authoritative source.

There was an old thread before we moved the Association server and I am not
sure if it can be found in the archives...apparently the check valve is not
required for the return to operate adequately and there is one school of
thought (of which I am included) that check valves are a failure waiting to
happen and usually at the worst time, so I don't use them if I can avoid it.
I do have one in the sump outlet line in my basement, but the pump has to
lift the water over 10', so it is a necessity.

Other than a clogged fuel filter, there are only two things that I am aware
of that will cause this symptom to exhibit. The check valve is one and the
other is a damaged crush washer on the bleed screw  just before the
injectors. If the bleed screw is over tightened, the crush washer will
flatten and allow a small air leak.

I have seen reports of bleeding and then the problem recurring and finally
tracking the problem down to one or both of these issues. In all honesty, I
have yet to try to correct either possible issue, because a couple of
strokes on the priming pump on the Racor seems to eliminate the issue until
the next time. Since I have to open the intake anyway it has become part of
my start up routine when we board the boat after an extended absence.



On Sat, Jun 19, 2010 at 10:33 AM, <bruceheyman at cox.net> wrote:

>  Chris,
> First I've heard of this but it would explain why the boat can be hard to
> keep running when we first start it up after a month of not using it.  Why
> are you recommending removing it verses repairing it?
> Thanks,
> Bruce
> Somerset 671 SoCal
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chris Burti <clburti at gmail.com>
> Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:27:54
> To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Filter
>
> Changing the fuel filter is a good idea.
>
> There is also a recurring problem with the fuel systems in our generation
> of
> boats. There is a check valve in the fuel return to the tank. If and when
> this valve fails, it permits air to work back up the return to the
> injectors. The check valve should be removed. Until it is, you can run a
> few
> strokes on the lift pump in the Racor filter separator and it will solve
> the
> problem until the engine goes without for a few weeks.
>
> On Fri, Jun 18, 2010 at 2:09 PM, Joseph Aberdale <summerwind3 at comcast.net
> >wrote:
>
> > My Yanmar engine 3GM30F in my 2002 Catalina died while underway.  I'm
> going
> > to change the fuel filter to determine if that's the problem. Is there a
> > fuel shut off valve I need to close before changing the filter and where
> is
> > it located?  How does the filter housing come apart to change the filter?
> >
> > Thanks very much in advance for your help. It's appreciated.
> >
> > Joe
> >
> > #908
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Chris Burti Farmville, NC
>



-- 
Chris Burti Farmville, NC