[C320-list] Fuel Injector or Injector Pump?

[Jeff Smith]

Troy/Graeme/Bob,

I should say that every once in awhile, it acts like it will fire. But generally, I can grind the starter for 10 or 15 seconds (thru-hull closed) and it just turns over. I had this problem starting in the summer of last year. I eventually paid a mechanic to come help me bleed the system so I could winterize it in December. We got it bled and it started and ran then. I ran it for 5 or 10 minutes and it had that familiar Perkins 3-cylinder rattle (at idle) that always feels like it is going to come through the floorboard. It sat until this week (I was waiting on exhaust hoses before I could de-winterize) and the same symptoms reoccurred. It had not been touched since it ran in December, and the fuel was fresh as of November with an the proper additives. It did not make sense to me that it could be air in the fuel, because I did not mess with a fitting after it ran in December. I am not inclined to think compression or timing, because there was no symptoms prior to the issue. 

I thought about putting an electric lift pump on to aid with bleeding. I could do that now and then run the electric lift pump to see if that is the issue. I am not sure how to test the lift pump. Maybe open the bleed screw on the injector pump and operate the lift pump handle. If I am getting insufficient flow from the lift pump, but good flow with the Racor pump, that could be a sign the diaphragm is bad? Although, my buddy helping me said he did see fuel at the “leak by” caps on the injectors when I turned the engine over. That could be residual fuel from when I actuated the Racor pump handle, though.  

Perplexing for sure. 

Thanks to all for suggestions. I will close the loop when I get it solved.

Jeff

> On May 10, 2020, at 9:21 AM, Bob Borelli <cassattc22 at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> The Perkins M30 manual don't mention decompression levers.
> I do not believe they are on the M30.
> 
>  1.  Operating Instructions
>  2.  Operation & Maintenance Manual
>  3.  100 Series Work Shop Manual
>  4.  Parts Manual
> 
> Now when you say 'high speed pump' do you mean the fuel injection pump?
> 
> You have tested the lift pump because there is fuel at the injectors when you bleed air from the system.
> 
> Now I know this sounds dopey but if the diesel needs speed to start, and the control throttle is forward, has the throttle lever on the engine moved forward?
> If the cable does not advance the lever to governor & injection pump, not turning off fast enough.
> Quick visual check & the stop lever also.
> 
> Thinking aloud:  If no work was done to effect timing, why would it be timing?  How to test?
> Could it be lift pump diaphragm not pumping sufficient fuel to injection pump?  How to test?
> 
> ________________________________
> From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2020 7:55 AM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com <C320-List at catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Fuel Injector or Injector Pump?
> 
> Graeme-
> 
> That's exactly what I’ve been scratching my head about.   Not firing at all
> is an air, fuel, or ignition problem upstream of the injectors is my guess
> too.    I don't know if the fuel cut out affects the high speed pump, i
> would have said no.  The only downstream problem I can think of is either
> insufficient compression to get to ignition and/or something seriously
> wrong with the cylinder head.
> 
> Is it possible the decompression levers could be thrown but not far enough
> to have the engine making that obvious sewing machine sound?   Does the M30
> have decompression levers?  Dunno.
> 
> It's going to be very interesting to hear what this turns out to be....
> 
> Troy