Starting a Westerbeke after layup.

[darnoldone]

We just purchased a 1978 32 Oday which has been very lightly used. The latest survey in 2007 showed 428 hrs. on the diesel and today it sits at 505. I have no info on the duration of inactivity or how the fuel system might have been left. The boat has been on a lift out of the water since 1996 so the deterioration due to salt water immersion has been avoided. I am preparing to move the boat to a yard to freshen the finishes, reupholster cushions and add some cruising gear. My question concerns starting the diesel with a fuel supply that I'm uncertain of. Should I add Stabil or perhaps another fuel treatment? Should I drain the fuel system and change filters adding fresh fuel? Something in between? Whatcha' think.

Highest regards,

Darrell

 

[svchickadee]

Instead of using the fuel in the tank consider a jerry can instead. Route both the input and return fuel lines into the jerry can and then change the fuel filters. You might want to change the engine oil and filter also. If possible first turn the engine over without starting it so the engine oil will lube the engine. This is a good idea when the engine has set for a while.

 

[darnoldone]

Thanks for the advice. Makes sense and simpler than draining the tank on the lift.

D

 

[Richard19068]

"The latest survey in 2007 showed 428 hrs. on the diesel and today it sits at 505. I have no info on the duration of inactivity or how the fuel system might have been left. The boat has been on a lift out of the water since 1996... My question concerns starting the diesel with a fuel supply that I'm uncertain of. "

I don't quite understand the above. If it's been on a lift out of the water since 1996 how did it go from 428 hours to 505 hours between 2007 and now?

 

[darnoldone]

It's been sailed during that time although sparingly it seems, and it was returned to the lift at the end of the day.

 

[Richard19068]

It's been sailed during that time although sparingly it seems, and it was returned to the lift at the end of the day.

Okay, I get it. Didn't think of that for a 32. That's a lot of work for a day sail! Sorry I don't have an answer to your question other than the opinion that if in doubt I'd drain or pump out and refill If has been sitting more than a year or so. Chickadee's jerry can method is good but still leaves you wondering about the age and quality of the fuel in the tank.

 

[darnoldone]

That was my thought too. I'm going approx. 2 to 3 mi. through a canal to the boatyard near Placida Fl. where I'll be on the hard for 60 to 90 days. Best left for then I think so maybe a jerry can would fix me up for that.

 

[svchickadee]

The county where I reside has a free hazmat disposal once per year. Worst case is to pump out the old diesel and dispose of it that way. If the current fuel tank is not integral to the boat I consider replacing the tank.

 

[darnoldone]

The 32 has all systems, tanks, pumps etc. under the cockpit sole with great full width access. Toying with the idea of larger fuel tanks, sooooo.

 

[DeniseO30]

There is a very good chance it has the aluminum fuel tank and just from age, the bottom of my have pinholes that aren't leaking because of sludge right now. Using a separate tank is a good idea. I'd not believe it's really that low on hours. But we can hope!

 

[RAD]

If it were me I'd first change the oil and filter and add fresh oil, then with a 5 gallon jug of fresh diesel and the supply and return lines inserted into the jug then replace the filter on the engine, bleed the system up to the output on the filter before the injector pump as per the manual .......your just about ready to go,hold the glow plug switch for 30 seconds and hit the starter button.....I'll bet old red will fire right up.
Is it a Westerbeke 30?
any old fuel needs to be disposed of because of the possible algae that might be living in the tank and filters due to the climate and years of sitting......forget about any additives its just not worth it
I replaced my tank with a 24 gallon plastic tank that fit through the lazeret and if I remember correctly any thing larger wouldn't fit but there was enough room so a 5 gallon diesel jug is secured right behind the tank as a spare and that engine at cruising speed draws .75 per gallon so you could run 30 hrs and still have a few gallons left

 

[darnoldone]

Yes, it's a westerbeke 30 and yes the hours are correct @ 505! I seem to find lightly used items with regularity. My daily driver is a 1976 Alfa Romeo spider that I found in a garage with 54K original mi.