fuel filter issues

[Jimm]

I have a 30tr and have experienced engine stalling issues - assume fuel problem. I replaced the racor, but believe there is a secondary filter (at rear of engine access from side panel) - don't know how to open/change. ALso, anyone with expereince cleaning tank? Other possibility is blockage at the fule line intake ......

 

[Glenn]

Fuel problem

Since you have replaced the primary filter, other issues could be the filter at the engine, pickup tube in the fuel tank, fuel pump or fuel lines. Remove the pickup tube and check for blockage, I did not have a screen in the tube. Remove fuel lines and blow through to see if there is blockage there. Is the fuel pump working? You did not mention which engine or the age of your C30. Earlier models had the primary filter after the pump, should be between the tank and pump. This can cause the pump to get clogged with whatever is in the fuel. After everything is checked out you will need to bleed the fuel system. The scondary fuel filter screws on like the oil filter, simple change, assuming a M25 deisel.

I had a stalling issue a couple of months ago, low on fuel and a dirty primary filter. I removed last years fuel and replaced with new, checked all lines, replaced primary fuel element, cleaned primary pump, rerouted fuel lines from tank to filter to pump and replaced the pump.

 

[Jimm]

Fuel problem

Thanks for the feedback. Serious stalling issues this weekend resulted in a visit from the mechanic who went thru all the steps you noted and then some. Engine now runs fine with cleaned fuel lines and new fuel pump. He removed the small screen in the intake tube which was clogged with a piece of gasket tape. He removed all gasket tape from fuel line connections and replaced with a liquid gasket material. The screen was discarded and the 10 micro racor provides first filiter.
Interestingly, a marina friend had an almost identical problem this weekend and wound up with the same remedy.

 

[peterbud]

Fuel problems

As crazy as it sounds make sure you check your over flow vent. I whent through a season of going crazy with fuel problems, ie water in my tank. I drained it twice replaced all of the filters numerous times, had a mechanic come out and check the engine. It ran good for a wile then allof a sudden I would have water again. By sheer accident as I came up to the boat I noticed that at some point the fuel overflow vent had been worked on by the previous owner and the vent was upside down. It was pointing up so everytime it rained waterwould get into the tank. It turned out to be an expensive simple fix.

 

[Jimm]

Fuel issues

I should have posted before -- the resolution to the stalling problem:
1 - teflon tape had been used on fuel line fittings - it deteriorates but doesn't melt. Mechanic said NEVER use the stuff - use liquid gasket only. A small piece of tape was periodically getting lodged against the fine wire filter inside the tube drawing fuel from the tank. That filter was also blocked in part from crude - little or no fuel was getting through.
2 - Fuel pump was not pumping at capacity.

Remedy: We removed the fine wire filter from the intake line, cleaned all fuel lines from engine to tank and replaced the fuel pump.

Result: a 12NM trip down bay against a 3ft chop and into the wind -- engine ran fine all the way, no problems since.

Watched carefully and learned - next time I'll do it myself and save a few bucks - but it was worth every 'penny' to watch a pro do the work.