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

[Jeff Hare]

Here's my take..  :)

I agree with others that there's air getting in the system.   

* Any chance the air temp is cooler where you are now than it's been recently?  Just saw this problem on another boat a few weeks ago.  If so,  you may want to go along the fuel line and give a quarter turn on the hose clamps on the fuel lines.

* The Racor fuel filter has a primer pump on top.  That can easily leak air if the O-ring is dry or the pump isn't screwed all the way. If you unscrew that pump and put a bit of lube or diesel fuel in there to seal it up, that can solve the problem.

* There is a crush washer under the bleed screw(s) on the top of the Engine mounted fuel filter.  Those can crack or leak.  Mine did (we have a 2001 also).

I agree that a check valve is treating a symptom, and won't solve the problem.  This would have been a continuing problem all along if that were the case.
Have you done any filter changes or similar work in the past month or two?  If so, it's possible that some of the above things might be just starting to show now, especially if the weather changed for the cooler where you are.

If the bottom of the filter bowl is clear and not clogged up, then I wouldn't suspect the fuel.

-Jeff


-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of tjdames at comcast.net
Sent: Monday, November 07, 2011 6:06 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
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