Perkins 4-108 Fuel Injector Pump Leak

[Letrappes]

I noticed the smell of diesel in my boat a few weekends back so I got shopping around. I found a house clamp on the diesel return line was broken so I replaced it. I ran the engine for a while and didn't see any leaks.

This weekend I ran the engine for a while and when I went below immediately smelled diesel again. I found what looked to be a few leaks around the fuel pump but due to access it took a while to figure out this was from the top of the pump around the throttle I believe.

I was reading around and it was suggested that this might be caused by a blocked return line so I pulled the line off and put a wire through it. Seemed like I hit a block once that I pushed through. I started the diesel and the line ran free and when I reconnected it to the tank it appeared that the fuel injector wasn't leaking as much.

So now I'm wondering about the difficulty and any problems involved in replacing the seals/gaskets on this hydraulic pump. Does anyone have some guidance on this?

[Hartley18]

Sounds like the injector pump needs an overhaul.

Pull it out (following the instructions in the Service Manual to the letter) and take it to your nearest fuel injection specialist.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Letrappes

I noticed the smell of diesel in my boat a few weekends back so I got shopping around. I found a house clamp on the diesel return line was broken so I replaced it. I ran the engine for a while and didn't see any leaks.

This weekend I ran the engine for a while and when I went below immediately smelled diesel again. I found what looked to be a few leaks around the fuel pump but due to access it took a while to figure out this was from the top of the pump around the throttle I believe.

I was reading around and it was suggested that this might be caused by a blocked return line so I pulled the line off and put a wire through it. Seemed like I hit a block once that I pushed through. I started the diesel and the line ran free and when I reconnected it to the tank it appeared that the fuel injector wasn't leaking as much.

So now I'm wondering about the difficulty and any problems involved in replacing the seals/gaskets on this hydraulic pump. Does anyone have some guidance on this?

An injector shouldn't be leaking at all. Regarding the Injection Pump, you might want to read through this thread: DIY Injection Pump Rebuild - Cruisers & Sailing Forums . Its a bit long but filled with information. Also, check your oil for level and particularly for evidence of fuel contamination.

FWIW...

[HDChopper]

Exellent feedback & info HyLyte ! thanks bunches , as most boats I am looking at have pump problems !
Glad there not much different than tractors (of which I am familiar with ) .

[Letrappes]

Auto correct on the phone is fun. I do not have a leaking fuel injector. The fuel injector pump is leaking out of the throttle from what I can tell. I read the instructions on how to fix it and found the correct o-rings as replacements for a few bucks and will be getting them in the mail soon. In going this fixes the problem. I can't wait to play contortionist this weekend...

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Letrappes

Auto correct on the phone is fun. I do not have a leaking fuel injector. The fuel injector pump is leaking out of the throttle from what I can tell. I read the instructions on how to fix it and found the correct o-rings as replacements for a few bucks and will be getting them in the mail soon. In going this fixes the problem. I can't wait to play contortionist this weekend...

Hopefully that is all it is. We thought so too, initially. Be sure to check your motor oil for fuel contamination.

FWIW...

[Letrappes]

I'll check for diesel in my oil. If I have it I'll figure out how to get the girl injector pump out and have it rebuilt local.

[Capnblu]

Be very careful with your girl injector... might be something you want a professional to look at...

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Letrappes

I'll check for diesel in my oil. If I have it I'll figure out how to get the girl injector pump out and have it rebuilt local.

Frankly, I'd have the oil analyzed if you have any question at all. Once the seals go around the throttle shaft, they usually have also gone/are going around the drive shaft as well (as I discovered). And it seems that all of them go somewhere in the range of 3000 to 3300 hours.

As long as some lamo hasn't installed an over sized water heater under the head of the port quarter cabin berth, you can get to the pump through the inspection port there if you are something of a contortionist. You'll need an Allan wrench socket with a long extension to get to one bolt on the back-side of the pump. It's a real chore.

Good luck!

[Letrappes]

I really should read my posts as my auto correct on the cell phone does fun things. I unfortunately do have the water heater right there in the port bunk area making access fun. I honestly have no clue as to the hours on my motor as until recently the hour meter was not working.