[C320-list] Perkins M30 Starter: follow-up

[Warren Updike]

A lot may depend upon what is the primary fuel filter. We have a Racor 220 Series filter (it's old,) that has a priming pump built into the unit. The secondary filter is on the back of the M30. When I change both filters, I never have to bleed beyond the secondary filter. Here is the process from memory:

-- turn off fuel from tank to primary filter
-- remove spin cartridge with inspection bowl (care not to spill fuel)
-- pour out the fuel and save
-- remove the bowl, clean out
-- install gasket in new filter
-- wet filter gasket and bowl gasket with fuel from saved
-- attach bowl to new filter (lightly hand tight)
-- pour reserved fuel in new filter
-- attach new filter (lightly hand tight)

-- repeat with primary filter replacement (no inspection bowl here)
-- open bleed screw over filter unit until bleed hole is visible
-- wrap absorbent material around top of filter to catch fuel
-- on Racor, unscrew pump handle
-- turn on fuel from tank
-- slowly operate Racor filter pump until solid flow of fuel shows at primary bleed (ignore sputters)
-- close primary bleed screw
-- secure the Racor pump handle
-- start engine (engine may be hard to start at first and stall. Open throttle more than usual.)
-- open a beer

When filters are clogged, engine will fail to run beyond idle, and shutdown.
If your fuel supply is clean (of water, dirt, or biomes,) a 10 micron filter should be sufficient on primary and secondary. Otherwise use 2 micron on secondary or follow mfgr's recommendations.
We do about 100 hrs/yr and change oil filter mid-year and at year-end; change primary and secondary fuel filters every year or two. We get clean fuel and watch the content of the filter bowl.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: sailorlew at aol.com [mailto:sailorlew at aol.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2016 2:43 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Perkins M30 Starter: follow-up

I have a friend who has a Perkins M30 on his Beneteau. He wants to change the fuel filters. Do you have any diagrams of where the bleed points are & tips on how to do this.
tx
Lew



-----Original Message-----
From: Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com>
To: C320-List <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Sent: Wed, Jun 29, 2016 12:47 pm
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Perkins M30 Starter: follow-up

We have two 4D batteries in parallel for the house load and an auto starting battery of about 550CCA. The 4Ds cost about $200 each. Your requirements depend largely on how you use the boat and DC power. If you are a weekend sailor, racer, and don't spend overnights on the boat or use the refer heavily, then 4Ds are probably overkill. A separate starting battery is more a backup issue not a requirement. 

The 4Ds (wired in parallel,) provide +/- 400 amp/hrs, enough for two nights and a day at anchor without charging and without running batteries below 50% SOC. This has happened to us a number of times due mostly to weather while on extended cruises. Once, we were stuck in Solomon Is., MD for 6 nights on a mooring. Then, we had to recharge every other day. 

Assess your usage and calculate the DC power load, then decide how to provide that power.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Louis Spitz [mailto:aronella at gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 11:18 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Perkins M30 Starter: follow-up

Can you tell me what battery yo uare using? I have enormous 4Ds, and they are still servicible; when they needreplacement, I don’t want,to spend a fortune. I could live 
with $100!
Thanks,
Lou Spitz
# 195 Merry Chase
Nyack, NY








> On Jun 28, 2016, at 10:24 AM, Michael E. Mitch <michael.eastwind at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Always a pleasure to listen to Warren
> On Jun 27, 2016 12:06 PM, "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> This is a follow-up to my post of 5/29 re. Perkins M30 Starter.
>> 
>> I have to admit to another bone-headed oversight, my second this year.
>> 
>> It turns out, after removing the starter and having it serviced and
>> reinstalling it, the real problem was. a dead starting battery. Why did I
>> not know this at the start? Because, I violated one of the most fundamental
>> rules in testing a battery: only test battery voltage when the battery is
>> at
>> rest, meaning no charge or load for at least several hours, preferably 24.
>> Of course, the fact that the battery was 9 years old didn't enter my addled
>> mind. So, each time I started the engine in our slip (connected to shore
>> power, of course,) it started right up. After a few hours sailing, nada.
>> 
>> I'll make this short. There are two bolts holding the starter. I had to
>> have
>> a mechanic cut the head off one bolt as it wouldn't budge and became
>> galled.
>> Then, to actually remove it, a coolant hose had to be pulled as well as the
>> alternator. Space is tight, but got it done.
>> 
>> As a bonus, I got all the connections in the starting circuit cleaned-up,
>> and some needed cleaning.
>> 
>> I really don't regret pulling the starter as it is 22 years old. At least I
>> won't be losing sleep over that part for a while.
>> 
>> Total cost, about $150 service and parts, plus $100 for new battery. Cheap
>> as boat projects go.
>> 
>> Thanks for listening.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Warren and Pattie Updike
>> 
>> 1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
>> 
>> Middle River, Chesapeake Bay
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>