New betamarine owner

toastchee · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009

Hi sailors!

I am a new partner on a Tartan 30 repowered with a Betamarine diesel. At this point, I don't even know what model it is. On top it is marked 200-01410 but that didn't seem to correlate with any of the models in the damn owner's manual :-)

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So my questions...it is a bit hard to start and is known to cut out after about 20 mins at 3500 rpms. Will bleeding help here?

Prior owner states that the steel fuel tank nearby should be replaced as it is 30 some years old and probably rusting. Also the cabin is really stinky with the diesel smell. How should I start to troubleshoot this? How dangerous is this? ? ?

The control panel will let you turn the key ccw or cw (with warning alarm). which way warms the glow plug? The manual said CCW but it didn't seem to make a difference.

Thanks for any advice!

deniseO30 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009

It sounds like the PO knew the tank was leaking! Diesel is not really explosive or dangerous but it is not something you want to be dumping or leaking into the water. EPA=$$$$$$!

Why don't you find a local person that knows such systems and ask them to help you learn how to change fuel filters and do routine maintenance? Pay someone if you have to. you really need to know these things. Runs and cuts out may very well be clogged fuel filter/s I don't know the engine model but I'm guessing it's a 18 -20 hp model. for a 30ft boat.
good luck

r.furborough · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009

What you have is a Beta Marine BD722 (Now Beta 20) based upon a Kubota D722 20 Beta Marine US Ltd. Distributors for Kubota based marine diesel engines and generators for sailboats, yachts and trawler boats.

Speak to Stan at Beta Marine US regarding your issues - (252) 249-2473

timebandit · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009

Sounds like a vent problem to me.

jrd22 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009

Why in the world would you run it for 20 minutes at 3500 rpm? Isn't that maximum rpm for the engine? Usually the CCW direction on the key is for the glow plugs, is it spring loaded in that position?

toastchee · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrd22

Why in the world would you run it for 20 minutes at 3500 rpm? Isn't that maximum rpm for the engine? Usually the CCW direction on the key is for the glow plugs, is it spring loaded in that position?

I'll dblchk my numbers but it definitely isn't at the top of her range...

mitiempo · #7 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009

Most marine diesels max at about 3000 rpm. Based on Beta's specs for the BD722, max rpm is 3600 rpm. Was this under load or in neutral? A diesel should not be run at high rpm unless under load. When running your best rpm is probably between 2500 and 2800 rpm. You also probably won't gain more speed past this - just dig a bigger hole in the water and burn more fuel. Reserve max rpm for short runs when you really need it.
I'm not sure about the glow plugs as I've never had a diesel with them.
If you smell a lot of diesel combined with the advice to remove 30 year old steel tank I suggest you have that work done asap. Unless you have spilled diesel fuel while changing filters or bleeding lines there should be no diesel smell. A diesel is a closed system with injectors and the only openings the engine has to the atmosphere should be the tank vent and the exhaust. As I write this I am sitting at the salon table within 6 feet of a Yanmar that has no smell whatsoever.
If you're not sure about the operation of your diesel get a good book like Calder's book (shown below). It might be a good idea to pay a good mechanic to spend an hour going through your engine and systems on the boat to learn how to operate them properly.
Brian

toastchee · #8 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009

thanks maybe we are running it too high.

Northeaster · #9 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009

I removed the (likely original) aluminum fuel tank in my 30 year old boat, as I figured it should be checked / cleaned. Lucky I did. it had pits on the bottom, where it sat on a wood frame. I was able to dig small holes in the tank with a screwdriver. It had been leaking somewhat, as the wood smelled heavily of diesel.

I replaced the tank with the new 19 gallon moeller poly fuel tank (around $150), and it came complete with the sending unit. I think it is a no brainer to replace the old tank, if you can get at it. Even removing the engine is not a big job. Just label all wires, and don't adjust your engine mounts, so the alignment will still be good.

I now have very little worry about clogged filters, and even water (my racor never has any in it) for a few years, as the tank is so much cleaner than an old one. Don't get me wrong, I still change filters, etc, but thye will be much less fouled than if I had a bunch of crud in the old tank, getting stirred up with every big wave you hit.
While i had the engine / tank out, I took the opportunity to clean / sand and paint the engine compartment, and the engine itself. It is so much better to have it redone. Can see leaks easily, and keep everything clean.

Waltthesalt · #10 (**permalink**) 10-20-2009

Unlike gas engines diesels don't like being run at low load. You want to be about 85-90% otherwise you'll get carbon build-up. It's aggrevated by running the engine at low power then shutting it down without getting it fully loaded and the cylinders up to temperature. Check with Beta.