Weeping fuel lines

[davidpm]

Two out of 3 injectors on a universal m25 seem to be leaking a little. I'll tighten them as much as I dare but what is the next step?

I took off the injector hose/pipes and polished the end of the fitting and cleaned everything as best I could.

Engine starts and runs very well so I hate the idea of replacing the injectors but even though it is only a few drops raw diesel doesn't sound like a good idea.

[timebandit]

New banjo washers??

Rick

[djodenda]

Originally Posted by timebandit

New banjo washers??

Rick

I agree with timebandit

[davidpm]

How suicidal is it to run the boat with fuel lines that weep about a drop every minute or so?

[erps]

Not suicidal in my opinion, but it will be stinky and it may get into your bilge.

Also, IIRC, the M25 has fuel return lines secured with its own nut and washers underneath the injector fuel pipes. The fuel pipes should be steel and capable of withstanding a good amount of torque. Maybe your leak is a little lower at the fuel return lines.

Here's a link to a parts manual over at the C-34 website.

http://www.c34.org/manuals/Parts-List-1of2.pdf

[davidpm]

Thanks for the parts list Ray

What is a banjo washer where does it go, what does it look like and is it something I can change myself?

[sailingdog]

A banjo washer is a thin copper washer that is inserted between the banjo bolt and the fitting the banjo bolt screws into and is designed to act as a seal. They're usually considered sacrificial and often one-use.

They are also often referred to as "crush" washers, since they are usually "crushed" when installed properly. Do not over-tighten the banjo bolts, since that is often a cause of leaks such as the ones you're describing. Below, is a photo of some fittings, including the crush washers, which are aluminum in this case.

BTW, having a slow diesel leak can also result in huge fines if your boat pumps some overboard and you get caught doing so. There is an international treaty against oil discharge, and this covers recreational boats, and in the US, the EPA and USCG has been cracking down on it.
So fixing the problem may be a very smart idea, unless you like paying the government thousands of dollars in fines.