[C320-list] Fuel Injector or Injector Pump?

[Jeff Smith]

To all,

New problem (of course) on my Perkins M30. Hump hose and everything is installed. Went to start - no joy! Some history - I sucked all of the diesel out in the fall and refilled with brand new diesel (from a gas station, not the marina). I included the appropriate additives. There is no water in the Racor bowl and it comes out clear, so I do not suspect bad fuel.

It turns over fine (I replaced the starter battery last year). I get good fuel at both bleeding points (the fuel filter and the injector pump). When I take the lines loose at the injectors and open the injectors themselves, I get good flow from the Racor hand pump. When I crack the lines at the top of the injector and turn the motor over, I get good fuel flow.

First and foremost, I am not a diesel mechanic, so I have exhausted my abilities. However, I am guessing it is either the injector(s) or the injector pump. I know I am getting good flow at the injector, so the pump is doing some portion of its job, but maybe not enough to put the fuel under high pressure? Maybe the injectors need to be replaced? I am now grasping at straws. Injectors are $60 a piece from Parts4Engines. The pump rebuild is between $700 and $1,000. My current plan is to replace injectors first and assess. Then pump rebuild if needed. Is there something else I am missing? We checked to make sure the fuel system kill plunger is not activated. I think it will cost me $100 an hour to have someone help me check, which is why I thought I might as well replace the injectors under the assumption that injectors and pumps have a limited life. (1,200 hours on the motor).

Thanks in advance,

Jeff Smith
S/V Sailmates
'94, #121