Changed cool fuel 3 filter now 8.1 not starting

Vincent J. Martin

New Member
Aug 23, 2017
10
Cutler Bay Florida
Boat Info
340 Sundancer 2007
Engines
Twin 8.1 Horizons
My 2007 searay Sundancer was due for routine maintenance. All went well on both 8.1 engines, changing plugs, changed the starboard sea water pump, engine oil, all done the week before. At that time, both engines fired up, all checks we're done and both engines ran fine. Last week, I replaced both engine cool fuel module 3 - both filters. Both engines fired up but then the port stalled just as it warmed up. The port Engine restarted, ran a few minutes but then it stalled. Now it won't start at all. Thinking I did something wrong, I checked the modules "new" seals and added fuel to the filter chamber. I tightened up the 10mm bolts and turned over the port Engine. Bam, it started right up but in 4 minutes, it stalled. Now it just turns over. I primed the fuel system by 5 time switch engagement. I checked for fuel at the Schrader. Starboard sprays up hard, many inches. The port however, had fuel at the schrader but it just spilled out, not sprayed like the Starboard. Key engagement gives 12v power to the 2 pump pigtails. Engaging the engine switch with the port fuel module lid off, you can see it "spins" fuel in the base of the filter chamber. (Low pressure Fuel pump is running). All I did was clean out the bottom of the filter chamber, (removing small black like grit) and replaced the two filters in that module. My fuel modules were replaced years ago (warranty paint issue by MM)
Common sense tells me no fuel is getting from the tank to the fuel module? Any advice?
 
Agree that it appears fuel is not being drawn out of the tank with the low pressure pump. If nothing stopped working then the only thing I would think is an air leak preventing the vacuum from developing. Check all seals, check the fuel line connection into the CF module.
 
To all my SR Friends. I found the scraper ring had torn slightly. With a replacement installed, and fresh fuel in the filter chamber, I was able to get the engine to run @ 3 minutes. With no fuel from the tank to the chamber, I took off the fuel supply side and found no suction when activating the dash switch. Off came the fuel module. Out came the pumps to visual, but no smoking gun. Tomorrow we will 12v test each pump to determine if at fault.
 
The low pressure pump is bad. But the now problem is a pump housing Stud broke off in the body. Tried drilling it out and using an extractor. That attempt failed when the extractor broke off in the hole. This fuel cooler is one of the painted one's. I've got a new one on its way. I've now Got a spare hi-speed pump and vacuum breaker. What to do with the old one? Either a dual candle holder or place in display at the dock tiki hit.
 
The new CF3 is installed on Port engine. Needed Loctite 567, no locals had it. Amazon to the rescue. Must use 567 on elbow threads on brass fitting from inlet fitting to CF3. Must prime filter chamber, key on, prime pump 3x, repeat both steps 3x. Check for good spray "up" at Schrader. If spray is up, more than flow out, then ok to start engine. If Schrader up flow is poor, check for air leaks. That is plan for this Saturday morning. Stay tuned my friends.
 
The new CF3 is installed on Port engine. Needed Loctite 567, no locals had it. Amazon to the rescue. Must use 567 on elbow threads on brass fitting from inlet fitting to CF3. Must prime filter chamber, key on, prime pump 3x, repeat both steps 3x. Check for good spray "up" at Schrader. If spray is up, more than flow out, then ok to start engine. If Schrader up flow is poor, check for air leaks. That is plan for this Saturday morning. Stay tuned my friends.
 
All good with NEW Cool Fuel Module 3 installed. Used Loctite 567 on threads of fuel inlet "elbow" fitting already installed on CF3 at inlet. Inserted pump power wire into harness. Powered up helm ignition switch. Primed the NEW CF3 1/4 way up filter chamber, added fuel in cup for filter, just below overflow tube and added some engine oil to the CF3 wiper gasket. Tighten (3) 10mm bolts on CF3 filter housing. Primed fuel pump with helm switch 3x, heard fuel movement. (Good sound) next, at Schrader, made sure good up flow (Had hard spray - meant good pump pressure in rail) started port Engine, coughed a bit but started up and ran fine thru to full warm up. I checked for leaks and double checked all clamps. All good. Thanks for everyones help that guided me to success!
 
Is it true that the new cool fuel modules are around $1500? I just had all of my injectors cleaned and calibrated (they were plugged with black cool fuel III paint) and purchased a new fuel rail. I cleaned up the peeling paint in the module and am preparing to reassemble soon. By the way, if anyone needs their injectors serviced, I highly recommend Boats Unlimited (John Mosetti) in Texas. John is meticulous and documents the servicing of your injectors, including videos of flow pattern and volume testing.
 
The problem with the peeling paint is that it happens downstream of the filters. As a result it moves downstream and the paint residue collects in the injector screens.
 
I purchased my new FC3 from local dealer for $1225. The re-install was a breeze (be sure to get Loctite 567 for elbow thread and add fuel (@1.5") to chamber and (1") to the filter cup at install to prime) Upon removal of both filters, I found at the base of CF3, it was sediment and paint particles. The Starboard CF3 replacement is next. . .
 

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