[TSOJOURNER]

I have a 1 cylinder Yanmar 7.5 hp inboard on my Bayfield 25. Over a month ago, I was motoring out and the engine started sputtering and then completely shut off. I had fuel in the engine. I turned the engine off and then back on and tried to start again. No Joy. I have had numerous boat guys tell me I ran out of fuel, and we bled the engine. Again no joy. When I turn the key and press the starter button, it whirls up but will not engage. Any suggestions. I have heard that the fuel filter may be clogged and I should change, but this was done in April.

Can anybody offer some advice, please, the girlfriend is nagging me about taking her sailing this week.

 

[SVCetacea]

Do you have a filter with a drain on the bottom? If so, drain it a bit and see if water comes out. If not or just a little comes out, change the filter and bleed the line. If it starts then you have fuel issues (or just a dirty filter).
Thats always a good first step when the engine dies and wont restart.

 

[crzhors]

Fuel problem

May I suggest you and your girlfriend cuddle up and read Nigel Calder's book together....

 

[TSOJOURNER]

Palmetto,

Take it easy, man. It's fuel...it's always fuel.

Change the filters. There should be 2. April was a long time ago. Be sure to fill up the filters with fuel before puting them back in to make bleeding faster.

As you bleed, make sure that there is ample fuel flow. If not, there could be a clog on the intake from the tank.

If it still wont start, loosen an injector and turn engine over until fuel flows freely and without bubbles from the injector nut. If you do too much turning over (more than 1 minute combined) you may have to empty the sea water from your exhaust system. Not doing so could cause problems we don't want to talk about.

After fuel is flowing freely from the injector nut, tighten nut and fire her up. She'll go!

Let us all know how it goes.

 

[jrd22]

Sounds like you have two problems. First is probably fuel filter(s). Bleeding the system (after changing the filters and filling them with fuel) may involve finding the bleed screw on the injection pump and getting the air out of there before you crack open the line at the injector. The location should be in your manual. Generally it's a good idea to shut off the raw water valve while bleeding to prevent sea water from building up in the exhaust manifold and then into the cylinder by way of the exhaust valve. Remember to OPEN the valve when the engine starts. The second problem sounds like the bendix on the starter not engaging if I understand your post correctly. Might be able to just replace the bendix, but knowing marine engine parts you'll most likely have to buy a new starter

 

[theartfuldodger]

I have a small question, might you have bought some new fuel and its fish oil based, have run into this situation twice, the give away was while trying to bleed the system there was not a very strong smell of deisel. Once we replaced the fuel with real fuel and bleed the unit it ran, and both of these engines were yanmar 1 cylinders.

 

[TSOJOURNER]

Thanks Guys

My problem ended up being a faulty mechanical fuel lift pump. I replaced and sailed all weekend. Thanks again for all the great advice and thoughtful comments.

Peace,

Palmetto Pirate