Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,166
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
Today I lost my port engine while underway. The problem occurred first by extra fuel smell, then gradual loss of RPMs and finally port engine stole.
My troubleshooting steps:
We ruled out the fuel pump being a problem only due to results from #4 (changing fuel filter). If the fuel pump was bad I’m thinking that the engine would not work for 1-2min.
At this time we also think that this is not an electrical issue due to the results from #4, but I can’t be sure 100%. I should also mention that there are no codes displayed on SmartCraft display.
I would really appreciate some suggestions. I hope to avoid changing all fuel related components as a process of illumination. However, is worth the shot to change the skinner valve?
Thanks,
Alex.
My troubleshooting steps:
- Since I had clunk of seaweed blocking scoop strainer the day before I checked the condition of seas strainer and dove to see if the scoop strainer wasn’t clogged. So, this had confirmed that there were no issues with water intake.
- I tried to start the port engine, it starts, idles for few seconds and stoles again. If I apply throttle it wouldn’t even attempt to start. If I keep the throttle at idle the engine again will start for a moment and quit right away.
- Got back in the slip on one engine. Went to discuss the issue with marina owner. Knowing that I always try the DIY methods he suggests to do a fuel test. I took the fuel water separating filter out, poured it in the small bucket and waited for 10-15min. I saw some water collecting at the bottom, but marina owner and another mechanic said that this shouldn’t be enough to stop the engine. So, marina owner gave me new filter to give it a try.
- I changed the fuel water separating filter (only the white one on the bottom, I'm not sure but I think the filter SAE J1171 is for return, at least that's how I was told) and engine starts right up and for the next 1-2min I was happy again, but then it stoles again and the symptoms are back to the way there were prior.
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- I go back to marina owner to report the results, this time he suggests changing inline fuel filter.
We ruled out the fuel pump being a problem only due to results from #4 (changing fuel filter). If the fuel pump was bad I’m thinking that the engine would not work for 1-2min.
At this time we also think that this is not an electrical issue due to the results from #4, but I can’t be sure 100%. I should also mention that there are no codes displayed on SmartCraft display.
I would really appreciate some suggestions. I hope to avoid changing all fuel related components as a process of illumination. However, is worth the shot to change the skinner valve?
Thanks,
Alex.
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