Universal M-18 fuel return line part identification

D

danclawson

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May 11, 2013
1
Catalina 27 6590 Des Moines Marina
The Universal M-18 diesel engine in my 1989 Catalina 27 wing keel has a leak in the metal line connecting the two injectors and taking unused fuel back to the tank. Universal was sold to Westerbeke, which lists a "fuel leak-off" line as part no. 302923 which appears to be the correct part. Here is the link: LINE - Westerbeke

At one time Universal (and also Kubota, which makes the block) used a rubber tube between nipples on the injectors, which is available, but the injectors in this motor do not have the nipples and the injectors do not need to be replaced.

If anyone can confirm that this is the right part or suggest something else it would be much appreciated!
 
twodzusfittings

twodzusfittings

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Aug 11, 2011
983
O'day 30 313 Georgetown MD
Where in the metal line, is the leak? Is it at the fitting or at what point in the line. In other words, is there enough metal hose to do a temporary fix by sliding a fuel rated rubber hose over the two metal lines? You'll need to cut out a section from the point of the leak, about 1/2" then slide the rubber over and maybe use a thin piece of SS wire and twist it over each end.There is very little pressure in that line.
(I'm finding it a little hard to explain the process of repair so please excuse me if it sounds confusing. I attach a drawing of what I'm trying to describe)
 

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kloudie1

kloudie1

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Nov 6, 2006
10,095
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Another option is to find exactly where the leak is, remove the "leak-off" manifold and take it to a machine shop that can silver solder the leak.. If it is a corrosion pinhole, ya probably going to have another one or two that are going to be a problem soon.. In that casae, you can cut the manifold apart at the ends of the connectors and leave a "nipple" on each end.. Then as 2 Dzus says get a piece of small fuel line and use spring clamps (like on a lawnmower) to hold the ends of the hose in place..
There is no pressure on that line since it dumps back into the fuel tank and the flow rate is tiny..
(Yes, my wife calls me a CAE* because I fix most things even if she wants a new one) * Cheap Ashed Engineer
 
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