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Beta Marine Repower Solutions -> Beta Marine Engines -> engine stalling in gear
Post Info TOPIC: engine stalling in gear
cooper999


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engine stalling in gear
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Hello Stanley/Farron, 

We took a trip across the Bay last weekend, with no wind on the return trip, resulting in a 5-hour motor (our first motor this long since we've had the boat). The engine (an older D722) did fine for nearly the entire trip until we were about an hour away from our marina, when it stalled. I hadn't changed the filters after splashing and adding biocide in late May, so I thought that might be the culprit. After changing both primary and secondary filters, when I turned on the electric pump (facet gold-flo) to bleed, I noticed that it didn't seem to be pulling fuel as quickly/efficiently as it usually does, and didn't have any fuel come out the bleed screw. We were already anchored due to the stall, and with a storm having passed with another coming, were anxious to get back with a nervous guest crew. 

Engine started fine, before stalling again. I went to bleed and did get fuel/bubbles at the bleed screw before seeming to get consistent flow, and restarted and went back on our way. However, during the last few miles, the motor would run about 30-45 seconds in gear before RPMs dropped noticeably, and then it would stall. It would always start back up fine and I could rev it normally in neutral, but continued to want to stall in gear, making for an eventful trip back through the shipping channel with another approaching storm. 

I believe that the filters are seated correctly, and I checked the tank pickup tube (looks clear/fine). Starting it up again the other day, I did need to bleed again for it to run, but not since when I've visited the slip to check. 

Any ideas as to what could be causing the engine to stall after 30-45 seconds in gear (both forward and reverse), but run fine in neutral? 

Thanks for any insight you can provide-

Jim



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MAP


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Sounds similar to problems I've been having lately. I was motoring back home (Beta 16 in a Catalina 30), and was in a hurry. I gave her full throttle for maybe 5 minutes, before she bogged down and died. Restarted okay, but would only rev up about half-way then die again. Finally, would only run at idle in gear. I installed a squeeze bulb hand pump last year to help a bleeding problem, but this time I found that bulb collapsed as if under suction. It would not expand on its own. I believe the fuel pickup in the tank is obstructed, but haven't had a chance to check it out yet. I've never felt the need for a lift pump, but now will probably install one.

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Farron


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Hello Jim,

From your description I think you have a fuel blockage. Just as was experienced by MAP in his response. (A primer bulb sucked flat is an excellent indication if a blocked pickup tube)

You may want to examine the pickup tube for an anti siphon valve at the top of the tube. These anti siphon check valves can get clogged by debris. Also, some pumps do not tolerate debris and may be either blocked. The electric pump may even have a built in filter that is now blocked. **The Facet Gold Flow has a built in 74 micron filter**

The engine is rarely the case in this situation. A small portable tank of clean diesel connected directly to the engine fuel pump will tell you very quickly which direction to work towards.

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Best regards,

Farron

Technical Sales and Service for Beta Marine, US Ltd. Minnesott Beach, NC   PH: 252-249-2473  farron@betamarineusa.com
cooper999


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Thanks to you both. It seems I have some more detective work to do to assess any potential blockages. 



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my1972ih


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It would seem the tank vent could also cause a similar problem if obstructed or kinked?

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my1972ih
MAP


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I thought about the tank vent, and opened the filler cap, just to check.  No improvement.

I changed the primary filter (30 micron), and found a little water and "scuz" in the plastic bowl, but not very much.  I then ran the engine in gear, tethered to the dock, and it ran smoothly for several minutes, with no signs of bogging down.  But I could only get about 2800 rpm (vice 3600 max).  I attributed that to the boat being restrained and not running free.

Then a brain fart.  I found in the specs for the engine that it calls for an 8 mm fuel line.  I've been running with an old (but good condition) 1/4 in. hose from the tank to the primary filter, then 5/16 to the engine.  Did the math, and found that 1/4 is less than a third of the cross-section area of 5/16.  (5/16 is just a hair smaller than 8 mm.)

Next plan is to change to 5/16 hose all the way.



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Stanley


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MAP. It is a very good idea to have no restrictions in the fuel system. When you finally achieved this, please let us know how the engine performs.

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MAP


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Hi Stanley,

I replaced the entire fuel path from the tank to the primary filter with 5/16" hose and fittings.  Already had that size from the filter to the engine lift pump.  Took the boat out for a test run and the engine ran great all the way up to full throttle.  No hiccups or hesitation at all.  I'm tempted to declare victory, but will wait for a few more outings.

 



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