[C38] quick n' easy bleeding

Don Strong drstrong at ucdavis.edu
Sun Apr 15 14:16:47 EDT 2012


Inserted a pumping bulb from an outboard fuel line. I still have to undo 
the two bleeding screws, and some diesel does drip onto the fuel rags.
It takes 6 minutes to go through the process.
Don


On 4/15/12 11:08 AM, D McC wrote:
> All this talk about Max's query and the stories of fuel problems has 
> prompted me to finally post this.
> A couple of years ago I added biocide to my fuel tank and shortly 
> after, while motoring back to the slip, the engine died of fuel 
> starvation. The filters were clogged. I changed the filters, bled the 
> system, cleaned up the mess and went on my happy way. Next time out 
> after about an hour of motoring the engine died again. New filters and 
> another cleanup and no fuel would pump.  Turns out that the biocide 
> had killed off the colony of critters living in the tank and they 
> dropped to the bottom and that was enough added crud to completely 
> clog the pickup tube. I had to use a compressor to clear the line.
> I disconnected the fuel tank and started using an external tank until 
> I can get my tank cleaned out. All of those repeated bleeding 
> exercises prompted me to find a better way to bleed the air from the 
> fuel system.
>
> Bloody Diesel
> or
> How I Solved Bleeding the Air from the Diesel Fuel Line.
>
> I have the original 3 cyl Universal 5424 (M-30) Engine in my 1982 Catalina 38.
> Due to a severe debris problem in my fuel tank, I have had to change filters often and
> then bleed the system.
> (tank to be scrubbed soon and for the interim, I am using an external tank)
> Bleeding this fuel system is nasty and messy and requires feeling around to find a
> nearly impossible-to-see bleeding 'bolt' on top of the engine fuel filter housing.
> Performing this task while under way is an exercise in near-futility and keeping one's
> latest meal down....while taking a partial bath in diesel fuel.
> My solution has been to install a system of valves and tubing to bleed the air and fuel
> back into the tank via the injector fuel return line.
>
> My first test of the installation was a complete success ...
> I replaced my filters, turned the key and electric fuel pump on, opened the new engine
> fuel filter valve for a minute or so, closed it, opened the injector valve for another
> minute, closed it, warmed the injectors, turned the starter and she started as though
> I had never opened the fuel system.
> Not a single oil diaper was harmed in the bleeding process.
> My solution consists of 2 different and hard-to-find metric to NPT thread adapters
> that replaced the bleeding bolts on the top of the engine fuel filter housing and
> injector pump, 2 needle valves, various compression fittings and a few feet of 1/8"
> poly tubing.
>
> I neglected to take pictures of the components and project as it was assembled.
> I'll try to follow with pictures of the finished product and a parts list for my setup.
>
> ~Dave McCarthy
> sv Pretty Lady ~ Catalina 38 #148
>
>
>
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>
> Common Sense is a rare gift from the Gods.
> Most people have only technical training!
>
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>
> The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span those hours spent in 
> sailing.
>
> <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
>
> When in doubt, try the vice You haven't tried before!
>
>
>
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-- 
Donald R. Strong
Professor
Dept. of Evolution and Ecology
University of California, Davis 95616

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