Fuel separator O-ring, H27

Mar 26, 2012
108
Macgregor 26M Cave Run Lake (KY)
As a low-mechanical skill sailor, with no real diesel knowledge, I have a request for three pieces of advice regarding the Yanmar 2GM10 fuel system:

1. The secondary fuel separator has a metal O-ring with small indentations spaced regularly around it. Is there a special tool needed to loosen the O-ring? Can it be loosened by tapping with a screwdriver and hammer in a clockwise direction?

2. I am proud to have replaced the primary fuel separator filter and O-ring. Perhaps I should have put some diesel fuel around the new O-ring as it may be leaking air. Needless to say, the motor won't start despite an hour of bleeding by loosening the center screw on top of the secondary separator and repeatedly pressing the lever by the fuel pump.
Any suggestions would be welcome. We're coming into cold weather and I can't winterize the cooling system.

3. In the unfortunate event that I'm unable to start the motor, is enough suction created by just cranking the starter motor, several times for less than 10 seconds each time, to suction antifreeze through the motor?

Thanks, everyone, for reading and contemplating my plight. I didn't change fuel filters for two years for fear this would happen. A friend did this in 2012. He made it seem easy.
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,711
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
As a low-mechanical skill sailor, with no real diesel knowledge, I have a request for three pieces of advice regarding the Yanmar 2GM10 fuel system:

1. The secondary fuel separator has a metal O-ring with small indentations spaced regularly around it. Is there a special tool needed to loosen the O-ring? Can it be loosened by tapping with a screwdriver and hammer in a clockwise direction?

2. I am proud to have replaced the primary fuel separator filter and O-ring. Perhaps I should have put some diesel fuel around the new O-ring as it may be leaking air. Needless to say, the motor won't start despite an hour of bleeding by loosening the center screw on top of the secondary separator and repeatedly pressing the lever by the fuel pump.
Any suggestions would be welcome. We're coming into cold weather and I can't winterize the cooling system.

3. In the unfortunate event that I'm unable to start the motor, is enough suction created by just cranking the starter motor, several times for less than 10 seconds each time, to suction antifreeze through the motor?

Thanks, everyone, for reading and contemplating my plight. I didn't change fuel filters for two years for fear this would happen. A friend did this in 2012. He made it seem easy.
Make sure you re-opened the tank valve! If this is on a Racor check to make sure the o-ring is not twisted.. Should take about 100-200 pumps or so to fully bleed especially if you did not fill the filters before bleeding.. I have done about 4 in the last two weeks... Be sure you are using the right bleed screw, it is the smaller of the two and should get a new nylon washer after bleeding....
 
Mar 26, 2012
108
Macgregor 26M Cave Run Lake (KY)
Make sure you re-opened the tank valve! If this is on a Racor check to make sure the o-ring is not twisted.. Should take about 100-200 pumps or so to fully bleed especially if you did not fill the filters before bleeding.. I have done about 4 in the last two weeks... Be sure you are using the right bleed screw, it is the smaller of the two and should get a new nylon washer after bleeding....
Thank you, Maine Sail. I did open the valve. I didn't fill the primary filter before bleeding though. I'm headed out Wednesday to do just that and check the O-ring again.
I do have the right bleed screw, too.
How can I remove the retaining O-ring of the second separator in order to get the filter out?
You've reassured me that I'm on the right track. I need to be more patient, I think.
It'll be less costly to fly you in/out of KY for help than to replace a cracked motor if your up for it!
Before that though, I'll give it my best. I do have the friend I mentioned coming in two weeks. He's an engineer and our Cave Run Sailing Association Harbor Master. He should be able to pull my keester out of the sling!
http://www.caverunsailing.org/
I so much appreciate your expertise. Will let you know how it goes.
Isn't it funny how something so seemingly simple can humble us at times?