Palmer P60 Questions

[AFisch]

Adam, sounds like a contaminated tank sorta. With fresh filters she runs for a while then dies. Repeat(?). That's pretty classic for a tank problem.

Perhaps you should replace the filters, install a gage and run it while paying attn. to the P-gage. I would also set up a temporary tank to feed the new stuff. If she runs well and does not die, bingo it's the tank.

If it dies and there is no spark it may be ign related. Note the ign should be checked as soon as she dies so be PREPARED to check it.

Dave Neptune

Thanks Dave...the fuel tank sounds like a pain in the a**...hopefully that is not the issue, but I fear it might be. I'll get the gauge installed and monitor, as well as attempt the spark test.

If it is the fuel tank...hopefully its not too difficult...I imagine I wil just have to disconnect /remove anything in the way and slide it right out.

I'll report back after I get a chance to head down again.

Thanks,
Adam

[joe_db]

These are not remotely safe for marine use, but can be useful for diagnostics.

https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-HELP-55241-Glass-Filter/dp/B000CO95SC/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=fuel+filter+glass&qid=1571680652&sr=8-5

[JOHN COOKSON]

Divide And Conquer

Thanks Dave...the fuel tank sounds like a pain in the a**...hopefully that is not the issue, but I fear it might be.
If it is the fuel tank...
Thanks,
Adam

Get the engine running correctly off an auxiliary fuel tank with clean fuel. This will stop the speculation "is the problem with the engine's part of the fuel system or is the problem with the with the boat's part of the fuel system"?
A fuel pressure gauge is almost a diagnostic must in this case.

TRUE GRIT

[AFisch]

Get the engine correctly off an auxiliary fuel tank with clean fuel. This will stop the speculation "is the problem with the engine's part of the fuel system or is the problem with the with the boat's part of the fuel system"?
A fuel pressure gauge is almost diagnostic must in this case.

TRUE GRIT

I have a nice clean 5 Gallon Fuel Jerry Can I'll use for this next weekend. And I'll get myself a pressure gauge as well.

Thanks

[AFisch]

Progress Update...

So I made it down to the boat with 1 kid...and got him to help me replace all fuel lines. Went to Marine supply and they were out of pressure gauges, but I did get new fuel lines, new in-line filter and finally did the Jerry Can test.

(side note which I think is relevant later: removing fuel line to fuel pump, gas drained from pump).

Hooked everything up to clean fuel in clean Jerry can and low and behold, problem still happened, although ran a little longer this time (I think due to fuel pump having been empty but then filling up). At least this means my fuel tank should be good and of no concern.

This all leads me to believe it is simply my fuel pump. I know there is an internal screen which likely has debris in it built up over time. The bottom is designed to come off so you can clean the screen, but it is stuck on there really good. I'll have to take pump off and maybe let it sit with some WD-40 for a while. Worst case (hopefully) is simply replace the fuel pump...So I am pretty pleased with narrowing down the issue.

If I knew more in the first place, I probably could have solved this the same day it happened, but I am learning as I go here (which is half the fun). I almost gave up and called a mechanic, but glad I didn't.

Thanks for all the help here, I learned a lot more about the other components and how to work around troubleshooting from all of you.

I'll get another update when I either clean out the fuel pump screen, or replace altogether.

[ndutton]

Have you contacted David Grosse at Boat City Yachts? He's kind of a Palmer specialist.

http://boatcityyachts.com/palmer%2060%20parts%20service%20repair.htm

[joe_db]

Try an electric pump

[AFisch]

Have you contacted David Grosse at Boat City Yachts? He's kind of a Palmer specialist.

http://boatcityyachts.com/palmer%206...e%20repair.htm

I have not...but looking him up, he is nice and close...might become my new best friend!

Thanks
Adam

[JOHN COOKSON]

almost gave up and called a mechanic,[/U] but glad I didn't.
.

I've forgotten what the problem is. Shutdowns?
A new thread would be a good idea.

Has the ignition system been eliminated as the cause of the shutdowns? See posts# 56,57,60.
Immediately after a shutdown, before the coil has change to cool, pull the big wire out of the center of the coil and hold it near ground (the engine) and check for a blue white spark while cranking the engine. A remote start switch (or a kid to turn the key) is handy for this test.
This is an easy test.

BTW when you posted on this forum you sort of did "call a mechanic". Lots of them in fact.

TRUE GRIT

[AFisch]

Try an electric pump

The one I have is electric...and I'll replace with another electric

[AFisch]

I've forgotten what the problem is. Shutdowns?
A new thread would be a good idea.

Has the ignition system been eliminated as the cause of the shutdowns? See posts# 56,57,60.
Immediately after a shutdown, before the coil has change to cool, pull the big wire out of the center of the coil and hold it near ground (the engine) and check for a blue white spark while cranking the engine. A remote start switch (or a kid to turn the key) is handy for this test.
This is an easy test.

BTW when you posted on this forum you sort of did "call a mechanic". Lots of them in fact.

TRUE GRIT

I have not checked for Spark, but did just replace the coil...I'll still do the spark test, but still pretty sure it is the fuel pump. But I'll test spark before buying a new one.

And yes...I suppose you are right, I put out the call to all the mechanics on this forum and learning a hell of a lot more than I would have if I called someone to come and fix it for me.

Thank you again to everyone here!
Adam

[JOHN COOKSON]

There is always a possibility of something haywire in the boat's part of the ignition system. The spark test is good summary test of the ignition system and so easy to do. I did reread the posts in this thread and the test has been suggested several times by your mechanics.

That having been said since you are working on the fuel system maybe keep working on the fuel side until you are sure it is correct and then go from there? Your choice. Your boat.

TRUE GRIT

Edit: If there is a OPSS in the fuel pump electrical circuit bypass it or short across it. I would do this before replacing the pump. If you don't know what the OPSS is put up a post.

[AFisch]

Ok...been travelling for work so haven't made it down to the boat until today (saturday the 16th)...

So, removed fuel pump and cleaned out the screen...but decided to buy a new fuel pump anyways to help eliminate that from my problems and I don't mind having a spare on board...low and behold...same issues.

Move on to spark test as soon as engine shuts down, got my kid to turn the key...and we have a strong blue spark.

After giving up and calling a trusted mechanic...he was good enough to encourage me to keep handling this on my own. Went to part store to get a can of starter fluid (I know, should have done this first as suggested, but learning as I go, so realize the mistakes I have made). decided to buy a new condenser for the distributor anyways..no big deal, $8.

Fired it up, like always, fired up strong but still shut down after a minute or so...after figuring out where the intake is for the carb, I ended up spraying some starter fluid in the next round when it was starting to die and that would keep it going when it wanted to die. disconnected the fuel line going into carb and made sure there was good flow coming out and good clean gas...

So I have now narrowed the problem down to the carburetor....the question is now...what is wrong with it...would it be just the float? would it require a full rebuild? can I get a new one for a palmer? How do I even remove the carb from the engine in the first place??

The mechanic I spoke to mentioned that most carburetor problems are problematic all the time...when it sits for a while, it runs for a while...so this makes me think just the float.

Any suggestions here would be greatly appreciated and this time I will take your word step by step...

Thank you all for your help so far!

[JOHN COOKSON]

shut down after a minute or[/U] so...after figuring out where the intake is for the carb, I ended up spraying some starter fluid in the next round when it was starting to die and that would keep it going when it wanted to die. disconnected the fuel line going into carb and made sure there was good flow coming out and good clean gas...
Thank you all for your help so far!

You seem to be running on one carburetor bowl full of fuel. When the carburetor bowl empties the engine shuts down.
How did you check the fuel pump operation when the engine wasn't running? If you bypassed the OPSS somehow and the fuel pump operated normally you've made the diagnosis - the OPSS has a problem.

TRUE GRIT

[joe_db]

Do you have a fuel pressure gauge rigged yet? I have had issues I would *never* have found without one.
You either have a pump that somehow quits pumping or something in the carb that keeps clogging up.