[C320-list] Engine/Fuel Issue with my 2001 Yanmar

[hcreech at comcast.net]

Tom, 
Wow this takes me back to when my boat was brand new, did the same thing at commissioning. The problem the mechanics told me was a change in design in the Yanmar due to pollution controls. Now your boat is not that far from mine, hull 606, but strange that it would start happening now. May not be the same thing, but worth a shot. On the starboard rear side of the engine fuel return hoses, just aft of the dip stick, 2 of them parrallel to each other. Look to see if they are clamped off. Mine have been since 1999 never had the problem again and it was a cheap fix. I bought from an auto store a brake clamp kit, if I rcall it was under $20. This has thumb screws to tighten the clam, clamp off both of these hoses together, if they are not already clamped, and I bet your problem goes away. Te description you gave is exactly what the mechanic told me in 99'. Each year at the beginning of the season I check them for tightness. I will be at the boat tomorrow to complete the dreaded winterizing, if you would like me to take a picture please let me know. 

Herb Creech 
Cloud Chaser 606 




----- Original Message -----
From: tjdames at comcast.net 
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Sent: Monday, November 7, 2011 6:05:41 AM 
Subject: [C320-list] Engine/Fuel Issue with my 2001 Yanmar 

All, 

I am hoping that someone has had a similar experience and can provide me with some guidance. As of late I have been having an issue with my engine (Yanmar - for my 2001). 

When the issue began 3 weeks ago, the engine started fine, ran for about 3 minutes, than sputtered and would not restart. When it stopped it sounded/behaved like a lawnmower running out of fuel. 

My mechanic said it had to be "primed", which he did, and it ran fine for ablut 30 minutes until he shut it off, and let it sit over night. The next morning, the same thing happened, it ran for a few minutes and sputtered out. 

He now tells me that he suspects fuel is draining back to tank through the fuel sytem and he is going to "install a check valve" into the system. that will "hold fuel in system". Please note that half of my current fuel is new this year, purchased very early in the season. 

Has anyone ever had a similar experience and does the mechanic's solution seem logical? 

I would appreciate any thoughts! 

Thanks, 
Tom Dames 
Whisper 708