Westerbeke 27 HP stalling at 5.7 knots and 2500 rpm??

[Greg McKenzie]

Our Beneteau 331 (2001) has developed this annoying habit. Flat water, no breeze and surprise. It stalls.
Starts fine right after and am convinced I am not going over anything to cause the diesel to cease up.
Any thoughts?
Greg McKenzie

 

[Podjo]

How many hours are on your fuel filters?

 

[Greg McKenzie]

They were replaced this Spring...I don't have exact hours but will start tracking. Thanks, Greg

 

[jviss]

Fuel

It seems that it must be a fuel problem.

I would check the following:

• water in the fuel. Take a look at the water separator, if might be full of water. This is important, water in the fuel can ruin injectors;
• air leak in the fuel line;
• electric lift pump not working, or working intermittently;
• fuel tank vent partially plugged.

 

[Mike B]

If your filters are clean (I would replace them just to be sure) and you're still having the problem check the filter on the fuel pump. There should be a small filter screen just inside the intake fitting on the pump. Clean the screen and see if it makes a difference. Found this out from a well respected diesel mechanic after I replaced the pump on a Westerbeke 30B, which I believe is the same engine you have. BTW if you do take the intake fitting off make sure you use the proper thread sealent when you refit it. Do not use teflon tape as diesel fuel breaks it down and bits and pieces can find their way into your fuel system.

 

[Stu Jackson]

If you haven't yet: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5078.msg32616.html#msg32616

Keeps the small filter under the fuel pump a LOT cleaner...

 

[Cayennita]

Check the air filter. It might be very dirty and restrict your air intake. Check the exhaust hose. It might be soft and after getting hotter starts to collapse preventing proper flow.
The engine needs air. Make sure that the engine compartment is properly ventilated.

 

[Hermit Scott]

Kinked fuel line is a possible cause, unlikely but maybe. It definitely sounds like you are running out of fuel somehow when the demand is up.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Does she run fine at 2500 for about 15 minutes then the problem occurs?
Check the tank vent for mud dobber nest.

 

[Don12364]

Fuel Bug??
Have you refilled recently?
The sequence goes:
Bug clogs small screen on bottom of dip tube or anywhere else there is already a restriction.
Engine stops. But vacuum has been created in fuel line so fuel trickles through. (Or motion of boat causes blockage to drop away from screen).
So engine starts up again directly, but soon stops again.

Alternatively some loose particle in the fuel line which can move to obstruct flow.

Recommendation for either cause is to open both ends of fuel line from primary filter to tank and blow it through into a container so you can see what comes out. If squeamish or mouth blowing doesn't clear it you may need to use a small 12volt tyre compressor as sold in motoring accessory shops.
Caution - If it's a rubber hoze fuel line don't let the pressure go too high.

 

[Hermit Scott]

Fuel Bug??
Have you refilled recently?
The sequence goes:
Bug clogs small screen on bottom of dip tube or anywhere else there is already a restriction.
Engine stops. But vacuum has been created in fuel line so fuel trickles through. (Or motion of boat causes blockage to drop away from screen).
So engine starts up again directly, but soon stops again.

Alternatively some loose particle in the fuel line which can move to obstruct flow.

Recommendation for either cause is to open both ends of fuel line from primary filter to tank and blow it through into a container so you can see what comes out. If squeamish or mouth blowing doesn't clear it you may need to use a small 12volt tyre compressor as sold in motoring accessory shops.
Caution - If it's a rubber hoze fuel line don't let the pressure go too high.

I like the taste of diesel. When I am out of Fosters, that is what I switch to.
My dad bought a car new, but somehow had a pinched fuel line. Same symptoms, gets to 55mph and then dies. Then starts up just fine. They disassembled the whole tank and fuel lines before they found it. Crap clogging up a line/screen/filter seems like the simplest answer.