[C320-list] Slow Starting Perkins M30

[John Meyers]

Don,

This is from my recent experience with the same problem......

Make sure your fuel line connections are snug. They could loosen over time.
One way to check is to look for drops of fuel in the pan under the engine
or even wiping a paper towel on the hoses and connections for fuel. It
doesn't take much to cause a problem.

Since I snugged the fuel line connections I have not had the problem.

John Meyers
#406 (Yamnar 3GM30)

On Wed, Sep 14, 2016 at 10:30 AM, Don Johnson <donjohn64 at att.net> wrote:

> This one is probably for the Perkins M30 guys out there.  I have changed
> the fuel filters several times over the last 5 plus years with no problems
> with starting or running the motor after installation of new filters, or at
> any other time.  I heard about a number of other boats starting hard,
> quitting after running for a while, the need to bleed air from the lines,
> etc, but I had not had that experience.
>
> Then the other day, about 1-2 months after changing filters the last time,
> and the engine running with no problems, it was very hard to get the motor
> started.  I had to crank it for quite a while, after which it finally
> sputtered to life, along with a lot of smoke (also not typical).  After it
> started & ran for a while, it started immediately when coming back to the
> marina, etc. – so I thought the issue was behind me.  But, the next time I
> started it (a week or so later), the same thing occurred. So, I anticipate
> that it will act the same way the next time I start it.
>
>
> I’m wondering if any of you Perkins (or others if this sounds generic)
> owners have any ideas or helpful hints.  I will be thankful for anything
> you think may be helpful to solve this!
>
>
> Regards,
>
>
> Don Johnson
>
>
> #53, Alamitos Bay
>
> Long Beach, Ca