Help On Bleeding Fuel Line?

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D

Dave

AS a recent owner of a 1985 Cataline 30, I'm about to change the fuel filter for the first time on a Universal M25. I've checked the archives and Nigel Calder's book for a good "checklist" of the procedure for bleeding the M25 fuel line after a filter change without success. Anyone willing to share their experience and provide a list of the steps to follow in bleeding the fuel lines on an M25 after a fuel filter change? Thanks in advance.
 
G

Ghislain

Try this link...

Here's a link I was led too on this forum... Not too complicated, since I managed. Ghislain
 
D

Dave

Thanks, Ghislain.

Thanks for the link- exactly what I was looking for. This site is a great way to share and learn new information, and thanks for your quick respopnse!
 
J

J Smmonds

I have been told they are self bleeding.

I have changed the filter on my C30 (18hp) and was told by a diesel mechanic that the Universals are self bleeding, no problems so far. JS
 
D

Dave

Now we have 2 opinions

Other Catalina owners with M25 diesels, do you routinely allow the engine to "self bleed" after a filter change or do you go through the fuel line bleeding procedure in the Universal manual. Or, do both work and its just a question of how compulsive one wants to be?
 
C

Chris

Either way - you need to get the air out

Even if your model is self bleeding - it appears only several are - you still need to open the valve and let the air out.....everyone is really saying the same thing....I suggest you check for what looks like a bolt on top of the fuel filter - if it is there it is probably a bleed valve. Also - if you have a Racor or other type fuel/water seperator upstream of the fuel pump - check to see if it has its own bleed valve........be sure to fill up the bowl with fuel before you attempt to bleed the system or it will take a LONG time to get all that air out....good luck.
 
D

Dave

One last question.....

Was at the boat tonight and located the bleed screw on top of the filter and by the fuel injector pump. When bleeding, do you keep the ignition turned on and just let the buzzer keep sounding during the process or is there a better (and quieter) way to complete the fuel line bleeding process. And while I'm asking, the air filter has foam around the wire filter cage but no element inside. Is there an air filter element that should go inside the wire cage like in a car air filter?
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,075
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
M25 Bleeding

Dave 1. The buzzer simply means your engine power is on, BUT it also should mean that your fuel pump is running. The electric fuel pump is what lets you bleed the engine, since it's pushing fuel through. It should be plumbed after the Racor filter. In many boats Catalina did it backward, and ran the fuel to the fuel pump first, and then to the Racor. If it is that way, you can get lots of sh*t in the base of the fuel pump and it will end up stopping fuel flow. Check it out. Sounds like you have the bleed idea down" open the fuel filter bolt first, get fuel coming out, close that, open the thumb nut on th injector line, most times won't see fuel, start engine. 2. Air filter - Good, you have the newer filter. Nothing inside is right. The sponge should be cleaned regularly. Go to the Universal web site that Ghislain gave you above, and check out the parts section. The OLD air filters had oil inside and were a bear to clean. Also, as far as engines go, I highly recommend touring the C34 website, lots of engine information there and check out the message board. Both the site and the message board have individual search engines. Stu
 
D

Dave

Thanks, Stu

Thanks, Stu, for the excellent advice. Hope to see you on the Bay one of these days, although since we're in Redwood City most of our sailing is in the South Bay for now.
 
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