Engine quit

[Tony]

I need some help. While motorsailing down the bay, me diesel died. It seemed to loose power first and then just quit. The engine turns over okay but will not re-start. I plan on checking the fuel tank this weekend and changing all the fuel filters. Does any one have any other ideas on what to look for if this does not work? I've only had the boat for a few weeks. Thanks

 

[Paul Akers]

If your tank was low...

...and you were heeling, them it's possible for the fuel pick-up tube to suck air. Add fuel, bleed the system and start 'er up.

 

[R. Young]

Possible purge air

It could be anything but a common source is air that has to be purged. B4 changing filters, open the secondary (the one after the pump) air purge screw and activate the pump. If fuel immediatly spurts out - then its something else, otherwise you got an air lock. You will then have to find the source of the air intake, most likely a hose end connection that corroded thru or a clamp that needs tightening.R. YoungHunter 37 - Destiny

 

[John K Kudera]

How old

You do not say if the boat is one that is a few years old, if it is, you may need to clean the fuel tank, due to the build up of sludge, caused by having the fuel sit in the tank for several years.Check the archives on this site, about fuel cleaning.

 

[Ray]

Bypass tank etc..

and run a line to another source like a portable fuel can. Just make sure it is "clean diesel". I had a fuel line that the previous owner had spliced a piece of fuel line into just before the filter. Unfortunately the lines were different sizes (go figure) and he/she decided to grind a little off the connecter to make it fit.. and this caused a burr on the end... as the years went by sediment formed at that restriction, and eventually blocked the flow of fuel. The engine got just enough fuel to run about 2 minutes then died. Process of elimination finally found the culprit.

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Ray is right

By using a 3-gal red portable tank and bypassing the fuel tank, you can narrow the troubleshooting considerable. You'll need to cut off one end and use a shunt to hook it to the fuel line just after the primary fuel filter. If the engine turns, the tank is the problem. If not...Could be the mixing elbow is coked up. Very much on this in the Archives. If your boat is 5-10 years old and the elbow hasn't been changed, this could be the problem. Check the Archives by typing in "mixing elbow" and stand back for lots of posting.

 

[Rick Warner]

Air Bubble

Exact thing happened to me two weeks ago. Full tank with new filters. With an older boat, you may get some vibration at certain rpms. That can shake loose fittings that may need to be snugged up. My solution was to label or paint points of bleeding along the lines. Also, carry a complete set of wrenches that are dedicated to the needs of the engine. Once I purged the air, the Yanmar came back to life. Now when I open the raw water seacock at the beginning of the sail, I grab a wrench and give the bleed points a once over to make sure nothing has vibrated loose.