400db generator diesel fuel cut off

R

Ronxxx

Member
Mar 30, 2009
31
here and there
Boat Info
400db
Engines
2
I had to remove my genset and I can not find a cut off for the genset diesel fuel supply. I had to turn off the whole system but now have to move the boat under power and I know that diesel fuel will pour out of the genset hoses if I turn the fuel on. Is there a shut off valve for the genset supply - 1999 SeaRay 400DB
 
I recently tried to do the same so I could change the genny Racor on my 400DB. Only option I came up with was to turn off the starboard fuel selector in the starboard aft compartment in the cockpit. Is that what you did?
 
For a short term one time fix to get the boat moved, take a piece of cardboard and a pair of vice-grip pliers, fold the cardboard in half and fit it around the generator fuel line at least a foot from any fitting, then clamp the cardboard with the locking pliers. The idea is to just collapse the hose to shut off fuel flow, not mash the crap out of it.


McGyver
 
I spoke with maintenance guys and they say the only thing to do is cap the lines with brass plugs so I will do that for now and put my own gate valve in just before the Racors so I can change the filters at will. I guess back then it was just too much to expect the SeaRay geeks to think that people may want to change the filters without shutting the whole system down
 
Interesting - on the 400 DA's the feed lines each have a valve on the fuel tanks. The return lines, however do not but they are above the tank fuel level. Regardless, to keep crap out of the system the lines should be capped when disconnected.
 
Ronxxx said:
I spoke with maintenance guys and they say the only thing to do is cap the lines with brass plugs so I will do that for now and put my own gate valve in just before the Racors so I can change the filters at will. I guess back then it was just too much to expect the SeaRay geeks to think that people may want to change the filters without shutting the whole system down
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Sea Ray did offer fuel manifold systems as an added cost option on these boats. The fuel manifold required a lot of plumbing and 3 way-2 gang ball valves that were expensive. The valves controlled both the supply and the return, so for each engine supplied by the manifold, you had a choice of port tank, stbd tank or off. The fuel manifold had to be a selected option when the order for the boat was released to the factory so that means it was either your original purchaser or the dealer that ordered your boat for inventory and not Sea Ray who cheaped out here.
 
Maybe yours does not have it, but the fuel shut off petcock for the gen on our boat is on top of the starboard fuel tank, rear inboard corner. I just followed the fuel line to the racor back to the tank and there it was.
 
my3sons said:
Maybe yours does not have it, but the fuel shut off petcock for the gen on our boat is on top of the starboard fuel tank, rear inboard corner. I just followed the fuel line to the racor back to the tank and there it was.
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Mark, you have the super deluxe last one off the line put all the leftover inventory on it 2004 version. Ha!

I'll check again. Didn't find one of those the first time I checked.
 
Well I'll be... Past the Racors, past the exhaust, past the genset fuel lines there is a shut off petcock. It is snuggled in amongst the hoses and if I bend my arm around the exhaust stack, I can just touch it... not turn it at all since, I guess it has not been turned since 1999. I will try to devise a tool to reach it and turn it but in the mean time the plug and cap method seems to work. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Ronxxx said:
Well I'll be... Past the Racors, past the exhaust, past the genset fuel lines there is a shut off petcock. It is snuggled in amongst the hoses and if I bend my arm around the exhaust stack, I can just touch it...
Click to expand...

You got it !
 
Ronxxx said:
Well I'll be... Past the Racors, past the exhaust, past the genset fuel lines there is a shut off petcock. It is snuggled in amongst the hoses and if I bend my arm around the exhaust stack, I can just touch it... not turn it at all since, I guess it has not been turned since 1999. I will try to devise a tool to reach it and turn it but in the mean time the plug and cap method seems to work. Thanks for the suggestions.
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Found the return valve. Thanks Mark/Ron. By the way, the return is very easy access after opening the starboard hatch in the salon.

Also, the supply valve was just as Ron explained. I was able to reach it and turn it off by hand. Only issue for me is that it's stuck up in the insulation.

photo5_zpsfccefef6.jpg
 
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The sadistic bastards who design the things should have to work the things onboard in reality conditions, like now (12*F outside), for a month prior to being allowed to touch land or a shower. If they come ashore saying the design is perfect, put a bullet in their head because you know they are lying turds with no concern for the safety of your family.
 
dpmulvey said:
The sadistic bastards who design the things should have to work the things onboard in reality conditions, like now (12*F outside), for a month prior to being allowed to touch land or a shower. If they come ashore saying the design is perfect, put a bullet in their head because you know they are lying turds with no concern for the safety of your family.
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Go get 'em, Dave! Fortunately, this is diesel fuel supply, not gasoline.
 
Based on Frank's explanation, if this is optional item on 400DB, then it very well might not be installed. However, IMO, if your boat has controls to switch genny's feed and return between the tanks, then there should be a two shut off valves on each tank.
 
Alex F said:
Based on Frank's explanation, if this is optional item on 400DB, then it very well might not be installed. However, IMO, if your boat has controls to switch genny's feed and return between the tanks, then there should be a two shut off valves on each tank.
Click to expand...
Alex, the 400DB does not have selection for generator fuel source. It is always tied to the starboard tank. This valve is on that tank. We do have selection of the tank source for the main engines. I think the 420DB flipped that concept and only has generator supply source, but the engines are not selectable. Is that correct for your model?
 
That's correct, Bill. I have selector only for genny source, not the mains.
 
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