Hello all.

We're transporting our boat (Krogen 42) from Houston to Port Everglades FL
on the ICW. Great weather so far and good trip except for one maddening (and
potentially dangerous) problem. We'll be running normally down the waterway
at 7-8 kn, 2200-2400 RPM, when suddenly the engine will start surging and
faltering and die. After some frantic maneuvering to get to the side orf the
channel and anchor, and  doing the usual trouble shooting, we are able to
start the engine (Perkins 135) and proceed on. This has occurred twice after
about 20 hrs or running each time.

We have checked and changed the primary filters, both were changed prior to
leaving, and both appeared clean. We have consulted by phone with 3 diesel
mechanics who all say that it must be some fuel restriction or possibly air
getting into the line. We had one mechanic look at the system but he
couldn't find anything obvious.

We are laying over in Lafitte in the Barataria waterway west of New Orleans.
Does anyone have a referral for a good mechanic in the area? I think we need
to start tracing the fuel supply from the tank to the engine and rule out
all the possibilities.

Thanks

John Brees KK42

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Right Bob, and one way to detect that problem is to slowly unscrew the fuel
cap on the deck fitting while listening for any telltale sounds.  Due this
after a few hours' running.  A loud vacuum sucking sound confirms a pinched
vent pipe.

Bob Peterson
"Lopaka Nane"
47' Lien Hwa CPMY
San Francisco

-----Original Message-----
From: trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces@lists.samurai.com
[mailto:trawlers-and-trawlering-bounces@lists.samurai.com] On Behalf Of Bob
Clinkenbeard
Sent: Sunday, March 11, 2007 7:33 AM
To: trawlers-and-trawlering@lists.samurai.com
Subject: Re: T&T: Fuel / engine problems

Make sure the vent from the tank is clear or you will create a vacuum and
cause what you describe.

Bob Clinkenbeard
24' custom trailer trawler
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-aboardbobbinalong

You need to check for air leaks.  One way I have used to put a piece of
clear hose in the fuel line next to the lift pump and watch what passes.  If
it is bubbly or foamy you know there is an air leak.  You can move the hose
around, after the filter, before the filter etc. to watch for signs.  Don't
forget to remove the clear hose after checking.
Also check your filters for signs in the sight bowl if you have one.
I'm sure others have ways to suggest to check for air also.
Is it possible to add an electric fuel pump in the line temporarily to get
you home safely?

Bob Clinkenbeard
24' custom trailer trawler
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-aboardbobbinalong

I just fill up my tanks at 79 cents USD per gallon!  Where?  Brunei - eat
your hearts out.

Alchemy
USCG Doc. No.: 1177849 - Station ID (MMSI): 367070010
Call Sign: WDC7347 - FRN: 0014000947
Owners: Gordon & Yu-ching Anderson
Mailing Address:  4004 Wallace Lane, Nashville, TN 37215
Phone: + (615) 297-8289
Current Cellular: +60 (12) 835-1870
Current Anchorage - Kota Kinabalu, , Sabah, Malaysia
Email: alchemy@post.com
Web Site: http://www.alchemy-trawler.com/
Blog:  http://usmvalchemy.spaces.live.com/

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