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carvermitch
Canada
407 Posts |
 Posted - 08/31/2008 : 10:10:13 PM
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Hi Folks
Well I never thought this would happen to me but I think I have caught the 'water in the fuel' bug and so I am very keen to check out all the previous suggestions.
We went out in the Sea Weed today and after about 2 1/2 hours running, we were almost back at the dock, with the engines running great when as I eased back to neutral, both engines died within a few seconds of each other. Panic stations!!!
I tried to restart but neither would fire. I appeared to still have at least 1/4 full in each tank and the batteries were fine.
Fortunately we got a tow to the jetty so no problem there.
Back at the jetty, I put another few gallons in each tank just in case but neither engine would start.
Now what was the problem. I had not had any starting problems before and they had run well all day except the port engine was running a little hot, about 8 to 10 deg hotter that starboard, but I have a feeling that the raw water pumps need attention so thats next on the list.
What I think is that I have given her very little use this year and she has been exposed to a lot of rain lately so water may have got into the fuel.
I have not checked the fuel filters yet, thats for the morning as I am only 5 minutes from the dock, but I am hoping this is what has happened rather than anything more serious. As both engines stopped almost together when I slowed seems to suggest a common to both problem.
So after all that what do you think - any suggestions before I call doctor Phil??
By the way , not a great feeling to loose both engines when your heading straight for several boats who have anchors worth more than my boat and not having any control of your destiny lol.
Regards
Paul
http://www.carvermariner.com
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carvermitch
Canada
407 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2008 : 8:11:27 PM
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Day 2 of the dreaded possible water in the fuel saga??
I wandered off to the boat nice and early this morning to try and sort out what was going on.
I thought I would just give it one try before disturbing anything and wouldn't you know it, both engines burst proudly into life like nothing had happened.
With this I thought I would be brave and get her back to my dock and shore power before doing anything.
With the local marina guy there in his work boat as a backup if anything went wrong, I headed off to my berth.
I was almost at the dock when the port engine suddenly died again. I managed to get in on one engine then it died but I was alongside at this point.
I was so brassed off I decided to leave her for the day, she was safe at her berth and back on shore power so I was happy about that.
One of the guys at the dock suggested it may be a hot coil but for both to have the same fault at the same time , I doubt it and still think its a fuel problem.
Every idiot and his duck were out on the water today and so with all the bouncing around from the Sunday boating experts who have owned a boat for nearly a season and with more than two hours boating experience to their credit screaming around at 100 miles per hour, it was not worth the trouble trying to get down and dirty in the engine bay.
A friend of mine from the marina workshop is going to have a look at it with me this week so hopefully there will be good news at the end of it.
I will keep you posted.
Regards
Paul
http://www.carvermariner.com |
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Rockmeister
USA
307 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2008 : 09:42:32 AM
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What have you found Paul?
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
SW Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
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carvermitch
Canada
407 Posts |
Posted - 09/25/2008 : 9:58:55 PM
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Hi Rock
My marine mechanic friend has checked it all out and it appears to be a vapour lock according to him.
I was only running at around 1500 RPM most of the time and I need to give her a 'burst' to wake her up so I am told.
Hope he's right.
Won't get much time to try her as she comes out for the winter next week.
Our season is May 1st to Octber 14.
Regards
Paul
http://www.carvermariner.com |
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BillMiller74344
USA
70 Posts |
Posted - 09/27/2008 : 12:49:26 AM
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Paul, just did my fall oil change and fuel filter change on the "Overdraft" This was the first time I have pulled the filters that I installed upstream of the electric fuel pumps. Both are the small in line filter about 2" in diameter and 3" long. Both were loaded with dirt from the fuel tanks. Thankfully that did not get into the pumps and carbs. Haven't had any fuel related problems all season.
Bill
wam |
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Rockmeister
USA
307 Posts |
Posted - 09/28/2008 : 9:46:43 PM
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Hope that takes care of it Paul. *Fingers crossed* Haven't heard of too many inboards vapor locking, because the under hatch temps aren't nearly what they are under the hood in a car. (Better ventilation, No EGR, few exhaust crossovers, etc.) Do you run your blower whenever the engine is running? That usually lowers the bilge temps also.
Glad yours has worked out Bill! I like the inline filters as a first defense in the fuel lines, if nothing else, they are very easy & fast to change.
Really haven't had any fuel quality issues since I did the "filter the fuel back to the tank" thing and installed the inline filters.
Very happy about that! 
79 28' Mariner twin inboard V-drive.
SW Lake Erie: Maumee Bay & The Islands |
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Topic |
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Another fuel with water in it situation ??
