sea. Every installation includes a fuel filter and a fuel filter/water
separator for that extra measure of safety.
In order to run, a diesel's only requirement is clean, waterfree,
airfree fuel and combustion oxygen. There are no spark plugs or
ignition requirements. 95% of all diesel engine problems result from
fuel problems. The engine manual that comes with the engine describes
the bleeding procedures and every owner should know how to do this. The
fuel feed line must be 100% air tight or it will suck in air which
eventually will reach the high pressure pump and cause the engine not to
start until this air is expelled. All engines are test run at the plant
and are fully bled, however, air may be introduced in trucking or
launching and must be bled out once the boat is launched. The fuel
system consists of rubber hoses secured with hose clamps and threaded
fittings made tight with pipe dope tape or sealer. The complete fuel
line from the pick-up tube in the tank to the fuel pump in the engine
must be tight or air will be introduced.
All CDY engine installations incorporate two fuel filters which also
must be air tight. Any time the fuel system is opened up, as when
changing a fuel filter, air will be introduced into the system which
must be bled out.
Other problems that can occur are caused by dirty or water laden fuel.
Water is especially harmful in that its presence in the delicate
passages of the high pressure pump will cause rust which may ruin the
very costly fuel injection system. The best way to avoid water in the
fuel is to keep the fuel tank nearly full at all times. This reduces
the air space in the tank, which cuts down condensation. The water
separator should be periodically checked and drained when necessary.
Diesel fuel stabilizer also works, is highly recommended, and can be
obtained from your local fuel dealer.
When filling the fuel tank, care must be taken not to overfill it. This
will result in excess fuel being expelled out the vent hose and into the
ocean which is illegal. Care must also be taken to see that the fuel
fill cap is replaced securely so that no water will leak into the tank.
Fuel drawn from a cool underground tank will expand when placed in the
warmer ship’s fuel tank. Therefore, the tank should only be filled to
95% of capacity to allow for expansion.
Diesel fuel, while less volatile than gasoline, is still combustible and
extreme care should be taken while fueling or working on the fuel
system. Never allow a mechanic to use ether as a starting aid. Ether
can cause over pressurizing of the small cylinder on an auxiliary
diesel.
The aluminum fuel tank is located under the starboard settee. All
fittings may be readily accessed through a cutout below the cushion. A
5/8" ID rubber hose vents to the starboard side of the transom. The
vent fitting incorporates a stainless steel mesh screen insert.
www.capedory.org - 28 -
To Next Page
Loading...