engine losing power

[newuser]

Having problems with my 2000 Beneteau 38. She''ll be motoring along fine, then out of nowehere, starts losing power. Sometimes power RPMs will pick back up after a few seconds, other times she stalls completely and has to be restarted. Thought it was the fuel lift pump, but we got a new one and the problem continues. Checked fuel-water separtor (fine) and fuel filter (clean). Am adding additives to fuel tank to break up any possible growth inside, but when I looked into tank through gas-gauge hole, it appeared clean... Anyone had this problem before?

[Hobgoblin]

Check out PBO(UK magazine)of april or may,if available.Someone had a problem a lot like this, and had replaced different items.
If you can''t find it i will copy it send you a fax.
Good luck,

Hobgoblin
The Netherlands

[gnorbury]

Check the tank vent. If its blocked you might be building up a vacuum and stopping/reducing the flow of fuel.

Graham

[teetor]

thanks Graham - do you knoww if fuel vent is clogged, whether additives will break it up? Or does the vent need to be replaced?

[Denr]

These are the classic signs of a dirty filter causing fuel starvation to the engine. What does it mean when you state "separator fine, filter clean"? Replace the racor fuel/water separator filter ($12) and any engine fuel filter(s) and your problem will be solved, remember replace not "looks clean"...REPLACE. The particles that clog filters are in the micron size range and cannot be seen. Key word here....REPLACE.

[gnorbury]

If the vent is clogged, you can typically blow it out with a foot pump or something similar.

I''d agree with the notion that most likely your Racor filter is bunged up. If you replace the filter and it still doesn''t work then stick one of those vacuum gauges on in place of the top nut.

Graham