'87 Oday 272 fuel system

[anchorclanker]

The engine went through the fuel so fast because the return line is connected to the main fuel tank. Any water in the fuel system also went back to the tank with whatever fuel was in the system, as well as most the fuel in your gas can.

In the future, run the return line into your aux can. Actually, run it into a separate container initially until only clear clean fuel comes through.

Whats happening is the fuel pump is pumping fuel "through" the injection pump, and all the excess fuel goes back to the tank through the return line.

 

[cbourne200]

Yeah - I had heard that diesel engines do that, it's just that I didn't think it would pump that much... 2 gal (minus what was burned) in 10 minutes...

For 4 gal, I'll probably just check for an oil change place that will accept it... If not, buy a couple tiki torches (for my New England style house) and burn it up that way.

 

[Mickstr]

Added a 2nd parallel filter

I have an 87 LE, and have had gummed up (read engine stop) fuel filter twice in 2 years. Decided to end it. I removed the tank (had to cut about 1/3 of the bulkhead in aft bunk) and cleaned it out (there was some crap in the bottom). I got a Racor spin off and 2- 3 way valves. Now my fuel comes out of a clean tank, and runs through the Racor. if the Racor gets clogged, I can switch the 3 way valve and run through the pre-existing Groco. I have spares for both the Racor and Groco. I placed a 3 way valve before and after the two filters, so I can isolate them.

BTW, the only shutoff I could see was on the return line at the top of the tank.
Hopefully, my days of a dead engine due to fuel contamination are over....

Yeah - I had heard that diesel engines do that, it's just that I didn't think it would pump that much... 2 gal (minus what was burned) in 10 minutes...

For 4 gal, I'll probably just check for an oil change place that will accept it... If not, buy a couple tiki torches (for my New England style house) and burn it up that way.

 

[tedsbeds]

I have a 272 and flushed my tank with water. I was able to snake a hose down through the fuel filler and then pump out 98 of the remaining liquid. I installed a diesel engine fuel/ water seperator. The fittings used on most are best purchased from a auto parts store that stocks automotive and truck fittings. I also have a portable funnel/filter/seperator. The old diesel Imput in my home heating oil tank through the filter. The residual water I let sit in an open container to seperate and filter. My seperator has a see through bowl on the bottom and I have not yet had to drain off any water. A particular problem is making sure all connections are air tight. A pure connection may not leak fuel but can allow air to enter the fuel line which will prevent the engine from starting. I found bad connections by placing my hand over each fitting while fuel pump was running and listening for a change in sound.

 

[cbourne200]

Mickstr6 - I see you mounted your new filter close to top of lazarette. I've read that diesel engines require a downward angle of fuel line from tank to engine. I'm assuming a gravity fed fuel system, not a vacuum fed fuel system. How does your's work with filter mounted high? OK...? I'd like to place mine higher than the Groco (now removed), but didn't know if that would affect fuel delivery (my first diesel system of any variety - boat, car, tractor or anything). With higher location, I wouldn't have to stand on my head to mount or service the Raycor (or cut through teak panel to get to lazarette).
Testbeds - tank is empty of fluid. Not sure what else is there. Took off Groco and no liquid came out of fuel line. Think I'll leave it at that w/o tryig to flush/polish. Raycor will catch anything coming through. Rough weather sloshing fuel to stir up trash - I don't go out when winds are predicted to be over 15 mph. Also have extra fuel filters in case they do get plugged. Raycor has see through bowl so sediment should be visible.

Thanks for all the ideas. Will advise when I have all this put back together. Son in TX just had another grandson for us, and will go see daughter's daughter for 1st birthday in DC when we get back. Looks like June before any boat projects...

Charles

 

[Mickstr]

Well Cbourne200, I haven't fired the engine up yet, but I don't anticipate a problem with the height of the fuel filter. The fuel system has an electric fuel pump, so not gravity fed...Guess I'll find out! Have to finish a deck repair and then I'll be splashing...

 

[cbourne200]

Yes, realize there is a fuel pump w/filter on engine. Didn't know if that would overcome lack of gravity feed, but assumed it would. Have not been back to boat in almost 2 months (mom's b'day, birth of 2nd grandson, brother has COPD so need to visit often before he's gone, and grand daughter's 1st b'day was 5/25). Want to do it 'right first time' so I don't have to redo it. Hanging upside down in lazarette is not my idea of fun. With filter at your placement, would be much easier to install, see, service...

Charles

 

[cbourne200]

Mickstr6 - hope you're splashed by now and know that your setup works great! I followed your advice and mounted it high (easier to see/drain/replace if necessary). Had a little trouble getting the 1/4" fuel line from tank over the 5/16 barb, but think I have it far enough to not be a hazard. That was on the fuel shutoff valve I also put at same height as filter. New 1/4 hose went on 5/16 barb without a problem.

Charles

 

[Mickstr]

working good

Mickstr6 - hope you're splashed by now and know that your setup works great! I followed your advice and mounted it high (easier to see/drain/replace if necessary). Had a little trouble getting the 1/4" fuel line from tank over the 5/16 barb, but think I have it far enough to not be a hazard. That was on the fuel shutoff valve I also put at same height as filter. New 1/4 hose went on 5/16 barb without a problem.

Charles

I've had it out a few times. Had a few small fuel leaks at the valves, which were mostly fixed by tightening the connections. The two last small dribbles seems to have been fixed by adding a 2nd hose clamp on the fuel line to 3 way valve fitting. Overall very happy I added the 2nd parallel filter. Gravity issue you referred to seems to be non-existent.

 

[Euphoria2011]

Racor Fuel Filter/Water Separator specs

Here is some info, my beta 20 acted up as well this Saturday,.... so next weekend I plan to replace both the primary and the secondary fuel filter.

Might also consider some ValvTect Bioguard additive, a micro biocide to protect against algae and bacteria. please see the attached spec sheets.