T&T: Back to my engine stalling problem

[Brent Trathen]

I had a not so similar starting problem that bugged me and $600 worth of
mechanics time for a year or more.  I finally on my own determined the fuel
system was siphoning back through the lift pump, when not running of course.
I installed clear tubing in the return line and over night air collected in
the high point of the tubing.  That was letting air into the system through
the return fuel line.  I changed the lift pump and the problem was there off
and on. I also installed a separate return line from the injectors but this
did not help. I finally installed a vented loop in the fuel return line from
the injection pump and it has been fine for over a year now.

Worked for me and the cost was minimal.  It is worth a shot.  By the way
this was on a Perkins 4-108.

Brent
IDA B
Willard 30



-----Original Message-----
From: trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com
[mailto:trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces at lists.samurai.com]On Behalf Of
Jake2124 at aol.com
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 3:36 PM
To: trawlers-and-trawlering at lists.samurai.com
Subject: T&T: Back to my engine stalling problem


A couple of weeks ago I described a problem I was having with my  engine
stalling after first starting. I thought I found the problem when I
discovered
the fuel filter was almost plugged ( 10 inches Vacuum)

WRONG!!!!!!!

Still have the problem. Let me describe it again:

The engine starts in about 1/4 revolution, runs for about 10 seconds, then
shuts off. All at once, runs out of fuel. If I then crank for about 20
seconds,
 it starts and continues to run just fine all day. If I start it the next
day,  starts and runs perfectly.If I wait 2 days, starts and runs perfec. If
I
wait 3  days, it starts instantly, runs for 15 seconds, then almost dies,
but
keeps  going and runs fine all day etc. If I wait 4 days or a week or two,
it
starts,  dies, crank then is fine after it starts. I have checked all the
fuel
line  fittings, I replaced all the gaskets on my Racor, I also replaced the
fuel  filter, no cigar. There are, as far as I can find with pretty close
inspection,  no fuel leaks. I can say that this happened after I purchased
fuel, and
that the  day before this started, my fuel filter vacuum gage read zero.
After
this  started it read 10 inches HG. Also, at the same time, I was in pretty
rough  seas. So, new fuel, rough seas, plugged filter, and this problem.
Personally, I  think the fuel and plugged filter are just a coincidence, and
have
nothing to do  with the problem. Also, the fuel lift pump has no leakage out
of
the "weep  hole", the air inlet on the "dry" side of the pump. Could a valve
in the lift  pump be leaking internally or something. I am pretty much
stumped
and welcome  any suggestions. Just more info:  The Racors are higher than
the
lift pump.  The fuel pick up is from an equalizer line between the tanks,
lower than the  Racors. One marina operator said he had a similar problem
that was
some air  bubble in the tank that was solved by pumping a bunch of fuel out
with a high  speed pump, but that was after the owner had run out of fuel. I
have never had  less than 115 gallons in my tanks.

Thanks

Jake
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