Alex & Bill

Thanks all for some good pointers. Since we will be installing a new fuel filter housing, filter and diesel pump on the Onan soon I will simply disconnect the fuel return line as Alex did whilst doing the job, and/or put a shut off valve on the return similar to what was done on Brava.

Until someone in the group comes up with a better long term solution (ie which can be activated from outside the engine room in case of a fire) I will strap/lock off that value in the open position to ensure it is never shut off accidentally.

Colin Streeter, Island Pearl II

Amel 53 #332, Brisbane.

On Thu, Sep 15, 2016 at 12:47 AM, Alexandre Uster von Baar uster@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hello Colin,

When it happened to me (while working on the engine), I simply disconnected the return line.
All depends in how much time you will address the Onan fuel filter…

Sincerely, Alexandre

--------------------------------------------
On Wed, 9/14/16, colin.d.streeter@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...om> wrote:

Subject: [Amel Yacht Owners] Siphoning Effect of Diesel Fuel Return line
To: amelyachtowners@...m
Date: Wednesday, September 14, 2016, 8:30 AM

 









The fuel filter on SM
#332 has developed an annoying "drip" leak from
the Onan's fuel filter unit. We have some surface rust
on the filter housing and on the fuel pump which is limited
to just those two units since they are located directly
below the sea water pump and we had sea water on them during
an impeller change at sea and I embarrassingly forgot to
come back and clean it up when back in
port.
Anyhow, I
turned off the main fuel shut off valve, assuming that would
stop the drip effect till I replace both the fuel filter
housing/filter and fuel pump, but have now discovered the
same problem as mentioned in an earlier post (some related
comments pasted below)... ie. the drip simply continues on
as the fuel is actually siphoning back into the filter
through the diesel return line!!
Since our tank is near full I am loathed to
drain it ahead of changing these units out. I find it
somewhat annoying that I cannot stop that leak via a shut
off valve, but also fully understand why Amel did not put
one on as should it was accidentally left closed whilst
running the engines then very serious damage would be
incurred.
Any
suggestions? I find myself somewhat tempted to put a shut
off valve on that return line but would be interested in the
wisdom of the group regarding the pro's & cons
first, or any better solutions, as it would be the first
time I've ever changed any original Amel spec on
#332.
Colin
Streeter, Island Pearl II, Amel 53 #332, Brisbane.
Australia


I've copied Bills
comments below on this same topic
---In amelyachtowners@...m,
wrote :

It is entirely possible that
my fear of boat fires is making me irrational. So anybody
should feel free to come to an alternative conclusion about
risks and benefits without me thinking they are crazy.

I have seen four boats on
fire. Two I put out, two I watched burn to the waterline.
The idea that I could syphon 200 liters (or 100, or 50) of
diesel fuel into an engine room fire with no way to stop it,
just strikes me as terrifying.

The remote handle for the bottom valve is there
to shut the valve in case of fire. It says so right on the
handle. That’s the logic Amel used for the design of that
valve. It is good logic. It is smart, it is as safe as it
can be. I like that approach. Every other boat I have had
had a similar arrangement. 

If you accept that logic I don’t see how you
can avoid thinking the syphoning return line should have the
same arrangement. It would feed fuel to a fire also. Why is
fuel that syphons out of the tank less hazardous during a
fire than fuel from the bottom?

Enough said. 

IF I find that the return line DOES syphon on
my boat, I will install a remote handled valve to shut it
off. Just like Amel did for the main fuel line. If that is
the case, I’ll post pictures and a description of what I
did. 

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--

Colin Streeter

0411 016 445