[C320-list] Fuel Injector or Injector Pump?

[Jeff Smith]

Clay and Bob,

Thanks for the additional information. I am thinking maybe I will pull the injectors and clean them, and then put a little bit of oil in the cylinder before I re-assemble. Then we will see what happens.

Jeff
’94, #121

> On May 9, 2020, at 9:15 AM, Clay Carter <fclaycarter at yahoo.com> wrote:
> 
> Jeff:
> 
> I am FAR from an engine mechanic with little experience, but I can share some insight on my 1995 with Perkins M30.  Previous owner WAS a mechanical type.  He said that at some point the engine developed problems and would not run. He had fuel removed, tank cleaned and inspection port added.  Also replaced all external fuel lines and filters.  Problem persisted.  He and his wife took a day, removed and cleaned all injectors.  Replaced anything external fuel related that wasn’t expensive.  (Sorry I cant offer more specifics, but it was related to the injectors and lines). Anything not replaced was removed and deep cleaned.  He said it was quite the job for them but he had experience with this sort of projects. Problem solved ever since.  I’ve about 1700 hours on her and she runs well.
> 
> Clay Carter
> We’ll Sea
> 225
> Alamitos Bay, CA
> 
>> On May 9, 2020, at 5:04 AM, Jeff Smith <jeffreyssmith at live.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Joe (not John),
>> 
>> I am not sure. The problem started last year and I suspected bad fuel. I have completely drained the tank and lines and changed filters, but the problems persist. I would expect incorrect valve lash to show loss of power, etc., but I am not sure about hard starting.
>> 
>> Several people have mentioned the kill switch. Correct me if I am wrong but, if the kill switch was not acting properly (stuck in the engaged position), then I should not get fuel at the injectors. However, when I open the injectors and operate the Racor bleed pump, I get good flow.
>> 
>> I talked to an injector pump rebuild guy that said I can remove each injector, attach re-attach them to the fuel line outside of the motor, and turn it over (be careful to stay well clear). If I see a fine spray, then I at least know the injectors are working. I will check back and let you guys know when it is solved.
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Jeff Smith
>> ’94, #121
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On May 8, 2020, at 8:37 PM, Joe Jablonowski <appleton1 at yahoo.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> When was the last time the valves were adjusted?- Joe Jablonowski  C320 #103 Perkins M30
>>> 
>>> ====================================
>>>  On Friday, May 8, 2020, 06:31:03 PM EDT, Jeff Smith <jeffreyssmith at live.com> wrote:  
>>> 
>>> John,
>>> 
>>> Thanks. We try to push the lever as far as it would go, but that does not mean the valve is working. Next time over I will check that.
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> Jeff
>>> 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>>>> On May 8, 2020, at 4:55 PM, sail-ability at sympatico.ca wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> 1200hr is just about broke in for those engines, nowhere’s near time 4 a rebuild. If you have a diesel shop near you, you can take them out and have them tested. $60 is awfully cheap for an injector, I got mine tested for $40 each!
>>>> You might check and see that the fuel cutoff is working correctly ie when you push in the handle the valve is opening as it should. Weird 
>>>> JohnM
>>>> 1999#574
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>> 
>>>>> On May 8, 2020, at 4:39 PM, Jeff Smith <jeffreyssmith at live.com> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> 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
>>>>> 
>> 
>