Fuel problem. Plz help!

M

mike4110

Cadet
Joined
Oct 26, 2012
Messages
13
Hello all. I was hoping I could pick some of our knowledgeable members. This might be a little bit of a long post but I want to give as much info as possible. I purchased my Silverton 352 at the beginning of the season and ran into a fuel problem. The port side fuel tank had bad fuel in it. The first filter is a really fine screen almost the size of a CD. The links I posted show the filter clean and packed full of crap.
I was told that this stuff clogging the filter was algae or the varnish from really old fuel. I have no idea what it is. The best way to explain it is a consistently of like peanut butter.

What I tried to fix the problem:
1. Had the tank pumped dry... All 150gal of it.
2. Put a big Yamaha inline fuel filter in front the CD filter.

My problem I have now: I can run at cruising speed for about 5 min till the engine falls on its face. I changed the Yamaha filter but it doesn't seem to help. I am not sure if I have too much restriction in the fuel system that it cannot supply the engine.

I guess my question is... What is this stuff in my tank and how do I get rid of it. Also, is it too much restriction?



https://www.dropbox.com/s/qceymlzqmj...33150.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/oot88oy4rw...52339.jpg?dl=0
 
C

cionjay

Seaman
Joined
Aug 5, 2007
Messages
52
I had this happen to me before. It is an old tank with varnish caked up on the bottom. Mine had about a quarter of an inch of sludge in the entire tank. I was chasing this problem forever until I had enough. I pulled the tank out and cut (3) square holes on top of the aluminum tank in-between each baffle. I got my pressure washer and washed all of the crud out of the tank and even wiped it down, shop-vaced it and let it dry. I brought it to a local welding shop and they welded an aluminum plate over the holes that were cut. it cost me $40 and never had a problem since. I know it is a lot of work and may be very difficult to remove your tank but this is a sure shot to limit your headache. Another alternative is to call a fuel tank scrubbing company. They have a machine that will scrub and filter your tank. I am not sure how much this would cost. If you go the scrubbing route try calling your local fuel delivery company and they may know of a company for you.
image_228334.jpg
 
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alldodge

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,744
What is a CD filter? Also is this diesel engine or gas? Last are the picks below Yamaha filter or something else? 1screen.jpg
1screen2.jpg
 
Last edited:
Bondo

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,148
Ayuh,.... Find somebody that does fuel polishin', 'n tank cleanin',....

Or do the job yerself,.... probably need to pull the tank,....

At that point, droppin' in a new tank is the best way to go,....
 
gm280

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
When you filled the tank again and started the engine, did you have a clear and clean vent line? Sounds like you are running until the fuel pump can't suck anymore fuel and the engine stops because the vent is not allowing air in. I can't believe it is restriction with the filter, because it would seem that would stop the engine sooner... JMHO!
 
H

HT32BSX115

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 8, 2005
Messages
10,083
My problem I have now: I can run at cruising speed for about 5 min till the engine falls on its face. I changed the Yamaha filter but it doesn't seem to help. I am not sure if I have too much restriction in the fuel system that it cannot supply the engine.
Click to expand...

Seems like if the fuel system will flow fuel for 5 min or so at cruising speed.......you may have a fuel vent obstruction unless you start with a clean fuel filter/screen and it's clogged in 5min
 
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