- Joined
- Oct 7, 2002
- RO Number
- 10399
- Messages
- 303
Sunday, we ran our 1984 36' Uniflite with 454's for about 1.5 hours slowly (about 1800 rpm) and them anchored out. It was about 92 degrees, so ran the genny to keep Admiral cool. When time to leave, started both engines and pulled anchor - one engine quit, then the other about 30 seconds later. neither would restart. Quick get anchor out before hitting the beach. Sleuthing time:
I bought MTBE gas first week of May - Changed out both fuel filters - there was no particulate matter, but couldn;t tell is full of gas or water (nothing separated), BUT it did not have a strong gas smell...) Got port engine running about 1500 rpm for 2 minutes before it quit like turning off the switch. neither would restart. Both would fire on ether starting spray, but not run. After one hour, called TowBoatUS and got dragged in. Monday, both cool engines fire and run normally for marina repair folks...
BAD FUEL or engine room heat?? - My Plan: Test fuel for water- got stuff today to test for water in tanks. recreate conditions and test temps using new infra red temp sensor. Verify tank vents are open. Add extra cooling in engine compartment to 12-4" vent hoses (from hull side vents) by adding second bilge blower blowing cool exterior air INTO compartment, as close to carbs as possible.
Any other thoughts or things to check out?
Sunday June 25 UPDATE
Yesterday I tested the fuel tanks and neither of them showed any trace of water in them. That was then ruled out as cause.
I ran both main engines at dock for about 45 minutes to get them to normal operating temps, than shut down. Started genny and ran for 1 hours (replicating conditions originally experienced). After that hour, I tested the engine compartment for heat levels using infra red thermometer - both carbs read about 150 degrees after sitting for an hour with the genny running (way too hot). Started the mains and they shut down by themselves after about 3-4 minutes - just like last week.
SO the problem IS HEAT!. I have 12-4" openings in the sides of the boat for air intake. My initial plan is to install a second blower blowing cool outside air INTO the compartment to provide added cooling. Any other suggestions?
Delaware Jim
I bought MTBE gas first week of May - Changed out both fuel filters - there was no particulate matter, but couldn;t tell is full of gas or water (nothing separated), BUT it did not have a strong gas smell...) Got port engine running about 1500 rpm for 2 minutes before it quit like turning off the switch. neither would restart. Both would fire on ether starting spray, but not run. After one hour, called TowBoatUS and got dragged in. Monday, both cool engines fire and run normally for marina repair folks...
BAD FUEL or engine room heat?? - My Plan: Test fuel for water- got stuff today to test for water in tanks. recreate conditions and test temps using new infra red temp sensor. Verify tank vents are open. Add extra cooling in engine compartment to 12-4" vent hoses (from hull side vents) by adding second bilge blower blowing cool exterior air INTO compartment, as close to carbs as possible.
Any other thoughts or things to check out?
Sunday June 25 UPDATE
Yesterday I tested the fuel tanks and neither of them showed any trace of water in them. That was then ruled out as cause.
I ran both main engines at dock for about 45 minutes to get them to normal operating temps, than shut down. Started genny and ran for 1 hours (replicating conditions originally experienced). After that hour, I tested the engine compartment for heat levels using infra red thermometer - both carbs read about 150 degrees after sitting for an hour with the genny running (way too hot). Started the mains and they shut down by themselves after about 3-4 minutes - just like last week.
SO the problem IS HEAT!. I have 12-4" openings in the sides of the boat for air intake. My initial plan is to install a second blower blowing cool outside air INTO the compartment to provide added cooling. Any other suggestions?
Delaware Jim