[C320-list] Stalling Engine

[Doug Treff]

Hi Chris - it would be helpful to let us know what type of engine you
have. Based on your comments about the fuel lift pump, some might infer
that you have a Perkins diesel, because the Yanmar has a mechanical pump
that runs as long as the engine is turning.

There are very few things that would stop a diesel. They do not need
spark, therefore as long as they are getting a good supply of fuel and
air, they usually keep running. I would focus on that fuel pump if it's
electric...  The fact that you have an intermittent problem that
prevented you from even getting it to turn over, I would suspect a
wiring problem between the engine control panel in the cockpit and the
engine.

I have a Yanmar, so I have no further guidance.

Thanks,
--
Doug Treff
doug at treff.us

On Tue, Jul 11, 2017, at 12:02 PM, Chris Schmidt wrote:
> I've read A LOT of posts about stalling engines on here and it's been
> really helpful but my problem remains.
> 
> Problem: Engine stalls very randomly.  It could happen on our first day,
> second day, or this past time, after 4/5 days with some heaving motoring
> on
> a few of those days.  Normally the boat will start again after it stalls
> but then stall again within either minutes or seconds.
> 
> Filters have been changed multiple times, tank was cleaned in 2013, fuel
> lines from tank to filter and filter to engine are new, diesel should be
> clean.  When I take everything apart (change filters, take apart the fuel
> water separator unit and actually clean any gunk build up out) and bleed
> the engine it works again for a while.
> 
> Twice in the past few weeks when I went to start the engine, I got
> nothing
> (no noise, no turnover, nothing) even though batteries were fine.  I wait
> a
> little while, mess with a few things, and it starts up right away.  Well,
> the last time, it didn't start at all and I got towed over 30 miles back
> to
> my home port.  I arrive and test the engine and it starts right away
> (after
> being connected to shore power for 15 minutes).  So, I'm wondering if
> there
> is an electrical issue that could be impacting this problem or both
> problems.
> 
> If it's an electrical issue, could that impact the fuel lift pump
> intermittently?
> 
> I did find a good deal of corrosion on the Battery #1 terminals yesterday
> and I cleaned and replaced the parts.
> 
> If things brings up any ideas for anyone, please share.  I'm out of ideas
> and my wonderful wife is understandably hesitant to get back aboard until
> this is solved.  Hence, emergency! :)
> 
> Chris
> Tangled #226
> Rock Hall, MD