Ran out of Diesel....can't start engine

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Jan 3, 2009
1
Hunter 356 California
I have a Hunter 2003 356. I unexpectedly ran out of diesel...got towed back to dock. But, can't start the engine. I replaced the water fuel separator and cleaned it out, I have pushed fule to the next point before the fuel filter and having trouble getting it to the fuel filter. It is a yarman engine and the provided documentation isn't very clear. Help!!!
 

Johnb

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Jan 22, 2008
1,462
Hunter 37-cutter Richmond CA
Your problem most likely has a pretty simple solution. You need to give the model number for your engine so folks can supply specific bleeding instructions.

In the mean time do not crank the engine excessively with the raw water through hull open. This is to avoid filling the exhaust with water and getting it back into the engine. In fact if you have already cranked quite a bit shut off the raw water until the engine has been started, then open it promptly.
 

MrUnix

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Mar 24, 2010
626
Hunter 23 Gainesville, FL
You need to bleed the fuel system of air. A quick google search will turn up loads of documentation on how to do it. What engine do you have? A Yanmar 3YM30 saildrive? If so, check here: http://psyberspace.com.au/yanmar/

Cheers,
Brad
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Pickup Tube

Check the pickup tube going into the tank and maybe it is clogged if not getting fuel to the first filter,is fuel going to the fuel filter if you disconnect the hose from the tank to the filter and than try bleeding,my 2007 H-36 is self bleeding but not sure about your model.
nick
Nick
 
Jun 2, 2004
31
Hunter 356 springfield, va
I have a 2003 H356 fitted with a Yanmar 3GM30F engine which was standard for that model and year. I think that you need to fully bleed the fuel system to get the air out of it. Our procedure is pretty simple. The highest point in the fuel system is just adjacent to the engine-mounted fuel filter. Look for a small hex head bolt near where the fuel line from the filter enters the engine. Back off the bolt - you will need an extension for your wrench because the bolt is in a really tight place - and use the manual lever on the fuel pump to move fuel up until you see some leaking out from under the bolt. Retighten the bolt and crank the engine. This should solve your problem.
 

Rick

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Oct 5, 2004
1,098
Hunter 420 Passage San Diego
You need to be a bit more specific although if I understand correctly, you are having trouble getting fuel to the engine (secondary) mounted filter. If that is the case, you probably have a clog at the fitting on the tank or somewhere between that and the engine mounted filter. Since you ran it out of fuel, you tried to use the crud in the bottom of your tank which most all tanks have. Algae, etc.

Tip: I use my oil boy to bleed the system all the way to the manual fuel pump. Just disconnect the fuel hose that goes into the manual pump on the fuel tank side and hook your oil boy line to that. A tremendous time saver if you dont have an electric fuel pump.
 
Jun 25, 2012
942
hunter 356 Kemah,the Republic of Texas
I have a 2002-356-30gm30 Yanmar...Don't forget there is a bleeder screw at the front top left of the engine. Check your engine manual that came with the boat when it was new. It show its location and gives bleeding instructions.
 
Dec 1, 1999
2,391
Hunter 28.5 Chesapeake Bay
You may have air in the fuel system beyond the secondary filter. If so, it may help to bleed each injector too.
 

Squidd

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Sep 26, 2011
890
AMF Alcort Paceship PY26 Washburn Wi. Apostle Islands
I have pushed fule to the next point before the fuel filter and having trouble getting it to the fuel filter
Old fashioned unscrew filter, fill filter with diesel, replace filter...start engine...??

Least that's the way I do it on my skid steer when I run dry...
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
I assume that you have a 3GM engine. You will need to bleed it past each bleed point. Typically you can either use the thumb pump on the manual fuel pump or use the key with water intake closed to assist you in pumping fuel to the high pressure side of the system.

You may want to ask a dock mate to give you a hand if you cannot figure this out for your self.

I would also suggest that you get some banjo washers and replace any of them where you need to loosen those types of fittings.
 
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Rick

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Oct 5, 2004
1,098
Hunter 420 Passage San Diego
I assume that you have a 3GM engine. You will need to bleed it past each bleed point. Typically you can either use the thumb pump on the manual fuel pump or use the key with water intake closed to assit you in pumping fuel to the high pressure side of the system.

You may want to ask a dock mate to give you a hand if you cannot figure this out for your self.

I would also suggest that you get some banjo washers and replace any of them where you need to loosen those types of fittings.

TY Steve, all very good points I forgot. Bleed everything including the secondary and also the bleed screw right before the high pressure section. The bleed screw is just right above your throttle arm on the starboard side of engine.
 
Dec 16, 2006
353
Hunter 25.5 Cayuga Lake, NY
Bleed the entire system from the tank to the injectors until clear bubble free fuel is coming out at the injectors, then do it again! As others have stated be careful of excess cooling water being pumped into the exhaust elbow. Diesel injection systems are not designed to pump air, very little air will take forever to purge thru with motor cranking. If you have a lot of air in the system, which I'm sure you do, you will destroy or at the least severely shorten your starters life if you try to crank it thru. Bleed Bleed Bleed!!!
 

Rick

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Oct 5, 2004
1,098
Hunter 420 Passage San Diego
Word to the wise. If you are not a mechanic, dont F8ck with your high pressure side other than cracking an injector.

Bottom line if you dont understand what I just said... dont do it. You can get hurt actually.
 
Dec 16, 2006
353
Hunter 25.5 Cayuga Lake, NY
+1 for Rick

I work on diesels everyday professionally. The absolute worst repair is restarting a diesel motor that has been ran dry. Once you have it running, do your motor a huge favor by finding a way to prevent this from ever happening again.
 
May 27, 2012
1,152
Oday 222 Beaver Lake, Arkansas
The high pressure fuel line from the pump to the injector can exceed 2000 psi. It can and will inject fuel into your skin under the right circumstances. However, it will really only come out that hard if they are only lightly cracked open. If you loosen the fitting enough the fuel will just ooze. If you wear a glove and play with it once its running you'll see how it works.
 

Rick

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Oct 5, 2004
1,098
Hunter 420 Passage San Diego
+1 anchorlanker.. and +1 to Wrenchbender.

My take is dont go doing exploratory surgeory if your not a doctor.
 
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