Conference unifix::sailing

2277.0. "Diesel Fuel Problems" by LEDDEV::PRUCHA (Larry Prucha 223-5725) Tue Aug 20 1996 15:07

Last week I was having problems with my Diesel fuel. I replaced both fuel
filters drained the primary filter several times, but could not get the engine
to run reliably. I fact to get it to run I had to fill the primary filter 
with fuel and bleed the air out, but it still wouldn't run for more than a 
few minuets.  So I figured the fuel in the tank was the problem, maybe it was 
so dirty that it was clogging up the primary filter, although it didn't look
bad when I changed it the second time. So I pumped the fuel out of the tank
and put fresh fuel in and tried again. Still I could not get the engine to 
run reliably for more than a min after putting more fuel in th eprimary feul
filter. I concluded that their must be a block between the primary fuel filter
and the tank. I didn't know what to do at that point so I called in an engine
mechanic. He tried to blow ait back through the line to the tank without 
success. He took the fuel line between the primamry fuel filter and the tank
off and tried to blow through it, but couldn't. He went to his shop cut the 
hose and found it full of chunks of fuel line. The hose had disintegrated 
inside. He made a new hose and replaced it and now everthing is fine.

Just thought you guys out there would like this little piece of diagnostic 
info when you run into a similar problem. I think I'll replace all the hoses
this fall when I put her into winter storage. The hose was about 12 years old.

Larry

    Larry,
    
    A couple of years ago, just after the low sulphur diesel fuel became
    mandatory for use I attended a seminar which Yanmar offered, dealing
    with Yanmar diesel engine maintenance and troubleshooting.
    
    One of the things the instructor talked about was anything made of
    rubber which had been in contact with the old diesel fuel, and was then
    exposed to the wonderful low sulphur diesel fuel would swell and then
    fail.  Hoses, seals, you name it.
    
    Sounds like your hose may have been a victim of the fuel change over.
    
    Thanks for entering your story here.  I think I may check to see what
    my hoses look like when I haul this year.  
    
    djc
    

Thanks for your feedback.  When I looked at the hose after it was cut open
I could hardly believe what I saw!  The outside of the hose looked like 
new!  

Larry