Over the weekend we had some issues with our engine (a Westerbeke 30BThree)... it was running fine until it suddenly lost RPMs and stalled out. This happened once before - 2 years ago in heavy seas and wind. We attributed it to crud in the fuel tank being churned up causing a dirty fuel filter then. Yesterday after stalling we were able to restart and keep running until the next stall. Restart, lose RPMs, increase throttle, RPMs up and then down, stall, restart, etc. We were able to keep restarting enough to get back to the marina. The conditions were rough this time too - confused waves in the bay and strong wind. We inspected the fuel filters and they seem to be OK this time. I'm wondering if others have ever had this happen? If so, did you find a cause? I'd appreciate any thoughts before the marina techs get involved. Thanks, Kathy B331 August Winds II
Diesel Engine Problems
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Sounds like a fuel problem
Does your boat have a filter screen on the bottom of your fuel pick-up? That is a classic cause of the blockage symptoms you describe. If both of your filters are clean, you might look at your fuel pump for a leak/broken diaphragm. I once had a similar problem when the valve mechanism in the squeeze bulb I had installed on the fuel system became loose inside of the bulb. Some part floated around and would block the fuel flow off and on. Doubt if something like that would ever happen again - but you never know. We sail out of Forked River as well. Our boat is "Diamonds" and is docked at SouthWinds Marina on the West dock just after Captain's Inn. Give us a wave (not wake) on your way out to the bay.
Does your boat have a filter screen on the bottom of your fuel pick-up? That is a classic cause of the blockage symptoms you describe. If both of your filters are clean, you might look at your fuel pump for a leak/broken diaphragm. I once had a similar problem when the valve mechanism in the squeeze bulb I had installed on the fuel system became loose inside of the bulb. Some part floated around and would block the fuel flow off and on. Doubt if something like that would ever happen again - but you never know. We sail out of Forked River as well. Our boat is "Diamonds" and is docked at SouthWinds Marina on the West dock just after Captain's Inn. Give us a wave (not wake) on your way out to the bay.
another guess
Besides what has been mentioned, two things come to mind: plugged air intake to the fuel tank, and bad fuel.
Besides what has been mentioned, two things come to mind: plugged air intake to the fuel tank, and bad fuel.
Your symptoms
sound like a fuel problem. We too have had that same problem, had to be towed off the ocean at Atlantic City, (not Nice) I have been told to remove the pick up screen if there is one in the tank, clean the tank and fuel, put new filters in place. You will be good for a few years.
sound like a fuel problem. We too have had that same problem, had to be towed off the ocean at Atlantic City, (not Nice) I have been told to remove the pick up screen if there is one in the tank, clean the tank and fuel, put new filters in place. You will be good for a few years.
Engine Problem
One possible fuel problem with this engine is the electric fuel lift pump. The pump either fails completely, or it just kind of acts up a bit. Starts, but won't hold higher rpm, stalls under load, etc. The new pump is different from the one that came with your engine in that it has a small filter on the inlet side. Maybe this additional filter adds to the longevity of the lift pump. I don't know. You can test it by energizing the ignition without starting the engine, and listening for the clicking sound of the pump. Cost of pump is $130 and iot's easy to install. With this engine you should probably carry a spare. The upside of this engine design is that it is self bleeding, so you'll never have problems with air in your system.
One possible fuel problem with this engine is the electric fuel lift pump. The pump either fails completely, or it just kind of acts up a bit. Starts, but won't hold higher rpm, stalls under load, etc. The new pump is different from the one that came with your engine in that it has a small filter on the inlet side. Maybe this additional filter adds to the longevity of the lift pump. I don't know. You can test it by energizing the ignition without starting the engine, and listening for the clicking sound of the pump. Cost of pump is $130 and iot's easy to install. With this engine you should probably carry a spare. The upside of this engine design is that it is self bleeding, so you'll never have problems with air in your system.
Diesel problems
A couple of other things to check - The fuel lift pump may have a perforated diaphragm or poor non return seal. Could also be the engine air intake is choked, a symtom of this is rich fuel and black smoke.
A couple of other things to check - The fuel lift pump may have a perforated diaphragm or poor non return seal. Could also be the engine air intake is choked, a symtom of this is rich fuel and black smoke.
Might I suggest
It isn't always possible to tell whether or not a filter is plugged up. Your problem sounds to me to more likely a filter than anything else. If your going to take a guess work approach to the problem, which sometimes is the only way always start with the easiest and least expensive guess. And you should always have a new spare on board, and the means to change it. I always keep two spare racor elements aboard and two of the Yanmar engine filters.
It isn't always possible to tell whether or not a filter is plugged up. Your problem sounds to me to more likely a filter than anything else. If your going to take a guess work approach to the problem, which sometimes is the only way always start with the easiest and least expensive guess. And you should always have a new spare on board, and the means to change it. I always keep two spare racor elements aboard and two of the Yanmar engine filters.
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