[C320-list] Engine stall only under load

[Jeffrey Brown]

I was told (not sure if it's true). Many of us that use the engine only to get out of the harbor before raising the sails, and for the most part motoring out at 1500 RPM or something like that before shutting her down.  I was told by a mechanic to always "open her up" for a few minutes before shutting down, so that's what I do.  The low RPM will allow the carbon build up much faster than if you allow it to "burn off" at higher RPM's each time.  I'm sure what I am saying is not as technical as most would write but that's my layman's version, because that's all I know.

I did have to change my elbow a few years ago, it had the original, about 15 years old and the hole in the elbow was about the size of pin which was causing all my problems.  I have checked it recently but it seems to run just fine.  I learned all the this worst way possible, on the day I took possession of the boat about ready to take her on the 70 mile journey from San Diego to Dana Point.  I really thought I bought a lemon and had serious buyers remorse.  Luckily I had Vessal Assist to tow me for 9 hours to Dana.  Replaced the elbow and she was perfect.


Jeff Brown
"Out of the blue" Dana Point, CA
Hull 78
(949) 350-5123
oceanblues at mac.com




On Jan 21, 2014, at 2:05 PM, Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote:

> The exhaust elbow may well be the problem. For some reason, the Yanmars seem to have more issues than the Perkins. The Perkins elbow is a cast iron piece. We have over 2,000 hours on our M30 and the last time I looked there was very little carbon buildup. 
> 
> I remind everyone that diesel engines like to be pushed. The most efficient rpm is about 80% of the rated "max. rpm" (check mfgrs specs.) If at all possible, cruise at higher rpm rather than lower. Always give the engine time to come to full operating temp before shutting down. If moored or anchored run engine in reverse when charging batteries, as an unloaded engine pushes a lot of unburned fuel and carbon at lower temps and tends to accumulate inside.
> 
> Donald, please do let us know what you find. The info can help is all.
> 
> Warren & Pattie Updike
> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Donald Poole [mailto:dpoole15 at gmail.com] 
> Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 7:36 PM
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Engine stall only under load
> 
> Perkins M30. I can idle for hours regardless of RPM (1000, 1500, 2000,
> 2500) but she stalls when I am underway. I have changed both primary and secondary fuel filters and the fuel lift pump. still stalls. Anyone have a suggestion of what I can try next. I'm thinking there may be a fuel tank problem ( vent or pick up line ) That's my next stop. If that's it I'll post the result. Appreciate any guidance or even just ideas.
> 
>