Problems With Diesel Engine

[DaveL]

I have been having problems with a Farymann A30 M diesel engine.The engine starts on first crank and runs just fine at all rpms......Then, sometimes out of nowhere (and usually when the sails are down and some sort of danger looms), but usually when you change the throttle, it'll "hunt" (rev up and down) and then usually die. Many times after this, it will not restart. I had my tank professionally cleaned (and then drained an replaced fuel), replaced the pickup, upgraded the primary fuel filter, replaced the fuel lines....so I'm assuming that it's not fuel.As you can imagine, this is extremely frustrating. Any suggestions would be appreciated.Dave

 

[andy]

look for a vacuum leak

before the pick-up pump. It sounds like you are getting a little air in the system.

 

[Bob]

What to Check

Hi, MOST LIKELYAir leak between tank and engine driven fuel pump. Air will stop the engine and can clear after some cranking or bleeding the system. Check every fitting and filter between the pump and tank. Small leaks will be difficult to find - engage the services of a mechanic who will have experience and pressure / vacuum gauges if you don't find something.OTHER CHECKS LISTED FROM NOT LIKELY to IMPOSSIBLEFuel - if bad will be very hard to start and will not develop full power. You should find something in the filter like water or particles.Air Intake Filter and partially blocked exhaust port- will limit full power and can stall the engine. May be difficult to restart, may run OK except at higher RPM. To rule out – remove air filter; remove exhaust manifold and inspect.Governor – Can cause variations in operating RPMs but not likely to result in a stalled engine.Timing – Not possible. Timing is factory set for the life of the engine and will not change without a mechanical failure.Compression – can limit full power and may even stall the engine under load.GOOD LUCK

 

[Jack Tyler]

Consider using vinyl tubing...

...to be able to view any air leaking into & thru fuel lines. Temporarily replace the fuel lines in place with clear tubing and perhaps this will also allow you to witness where in the flow the leak occurs.Jack