View Single Post
  #19   IP: 24.152.132.140
Old 11-24-2019, 06:53 PM
ndutton's Avatar
ndutton ndutton is offline
Afourian MVP
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Torrance, CA
Posts: 9,619
Thanks: 198
Thanked 2,208 Times in 1,425 Posts
OK, the fuel system modifications are complete. They include:
  • A higher volume, more robust primary fuel filter sourced from eBay coupled with a new vacuum gauge also sourced from eBay. This combination was a problem in the early stages so I vacuum tested the assembly on the bench. I found the new quick release T handle that came with the new gauge would bottom out before the filter top could achieve a seal (it secures the top). Reverting to an older gauge mount solved the problem. The final successful test held 5" Hg for 2 days.
    Name:  012.jpg
Views: 1219
Size:  123.2 KBName:  015.jpg
Views: 1255
Size:  163.0 KBName:  011.jpg
Views: 1229
Size:  93.2 KB
  • Disconnecting the manual fuel lift pump in favor of an electric Facet pump. The old manual pump remains mounted to cover the hole on the side of the engine block. The Facet is powered from the keyswitch through an override switch.
  • Removal of the Yanmar engine mounted fuel filter. Known issues as discussed earlier.
  • Installing a new hose barb style banjo into the injector pump inlet. Previously a metal fuel line from the Yanmar fuel filter attached there.
  • Addition of a fuel polishing system with a diverter valve and an override pump operation switch. The diverter valve is plumbed between the Facet pump and the injector pump inlet. It directs fuel from the Facet pump to either the injector pump or the diesel return line. The override switch is a SPDT. Turning on the pump override (for filter purging and fuel system bleeding) isolates the auxiliary pump power from the keyswitch circuit avoiding a backfeed.
  • New hoses throughout.
    Name:  003.jpg
Views: 1281
Size:  205.4 KBName:  002.jpg
Views: 1326
Size:  261.2 KB
The owner is overjoyed with the ease of dry filter purging and fuel system bleeding with the polishing system. It is much easier and faster.

He took the boat for a 4 hour test run yesterday. The RPM blips, precursors to eventual previous shutdowns have disappeared and to our surprise he can achieve an extra 150 RPM at wide open throttle. This also eliminates our concerns about the pickup tube. Returning to the slip he called with a report and we agreed he should do a quick bleed test at the injector pump just to compare. Previously he would limp home, do the bleed and get frothy fuel every time. This time = solid fuel, clearly improved from before.

A final word about the tank
The slobber of Permatex looks like Hell but it solved a problem a while back although perhaps not elegantly. There is a direct reading fuel level gauge mounted there and that area of the top of the tank was very wavy, so bad that the normal cork gasket had no chance of sealing the installation. Like I said, it might look like shi-shi but it doesn't leak.
__________________
Neil
1977 Catalina 30
San Pedro, California
prior boats 1987 Westsail 32, 1970 Catalina 22
Had my hands in a few others

Last edited by ndutton; 11-25-2019 at 07:14 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to ndutton For This Useful Post:
Administrator (11-24-2019), sastanley (11-25-2019), thatch (11-24-2019)