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

[tjdames at comcast.net]

Thanks all for the great feedback. I will be down the boat again Thursday and this will give me plenty of things to look at..

----- Original Message -----
From: Karl Mielenhausen <kmielen at suddenlink.net>
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Sent: Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:16:20 -0000 (UTC)
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Engine/Fuel Issue with my 2001 Yanmar

I agree with Bruce. Your Yanmar ran fine for 10 years the way it was
engineered, why do you think you need a check valve now? Clearly something
else has happened that your mechanic has not found (yet).
Leaks on the pressure side of the lift pump should be obvious. The use of
toilet paper wrapping potential leak points has been helpful as it is not
always obvious where the diesel on your bilge pad has come from.
The secondary filter and its 2 top fittings are the usual problems as well
as the "banjo" fittings. I assuming here that both fuel filters have been
replaced and are not the source of an obstruction.
I would then check to make sure the lift pump is OK. Use the manual lever
to work the pump and see if you can see good pressure (and no leaks).
Some of my friends have put in a secondary electric pump in case the
diaphragm pump fails at an inopportune time.
If the pump built into the RACOR filter head has been used, make sure its
handle is down and locked.

Karl

On Mon, Nov 7, 2011 at 6:05 AM, wrote:

> 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
>