[C320-list] Fuel Filter

[Chris Burti]

I don't disagree with your logic, but apparently that is not the case as
this was an authoritative answer. Please see the other responses that poit
to the source. I read these after posting my response.

On Sat, Jun 19, 2010 at 11:40 PM, <bruceheyman at cox.net> wrote:

> Chris,
> Check valves, being mechanical are prone to failure and the usual failure
> mode is that they leak in the direction they are supposed to check.
> I'm assuming that the fuel return is to the top of the tank and hence it is
> exposed to air within the tank.  If the check valve fails in the open
> position then it will allow air into the line and the fuel will drain into
> the tank.  However in this case if you simply removed the check valve then
> it would seem you would always allow air into the line.
> Feels like the best solution would be a return fuel line plumbed to the
> bottom of the tank and no check valve.
> Bruce
> Somerset 671 SoCal
> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Chris Burti <clburti at gmail.com>
>  Date: Sat, 19 Jun 2010 21:05:26
> To: <C320-List at catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Filter
>
> 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
>



-- 
Chris Burti Farmville, NC