We just installed a new Beta 14 in a small sailboat; it is hard to start initially but runs fine once it starts. Mechanic thinks there is air in the fuel line somewhere, and once this gets purged the engine runs fine.
My fuel tank sits below the engine, and the bottom of the tank is almost 30 below the manual lift pump. The mechanic is suggesting an electric fuel lift pump to address the hard starting.
If an electric fuel lift pump is needed due to the distance from the tank to the engine, why arent we seeing fuel problems while running?
If we install an electric pump, would we need to run the pump continually while the engine is running, even though the engine doesnt seem to have fuel problems once running?
Follow up question: can someone clarify this note from the installation manual: if a suction head of 0.25m or more is required...
Where do I measure the suction head distance? Is this the distance from the bottom of the fuel tank to the engine? (Where specifically on the engine, please?)
Thanks, Ricki
-- Edited by Rickiellen on Wednesday 27th of February 2019 05:04:58 PM
I believe that your mechanic is on the right track to solving this issue for you. I recommend a low pressure electric pump (1.5 to 3 PSI) as this can just be connected to the ignition and it will run when the panel is switched on. The pump will work best when mounted closer to the tank as they always push better than they suck. I can't see your actual installation so I cannot provide any answers to the the running issue.
The lift is from wherever the fuel level is in the tank to the lift pump on the engine. Any distance over about 4 feet combined with lift from a tank below the engine will exacerbate the problem. Even if the tank is just below the engine, you have to count the length of hose from the tank to the primary filter to the engine together.
Stanley, Im getting mixed recommendations, some for electric fuel lift pump and some say just add a loop to the fuel return line.
My fuel return line just goes from the engine to the top of the fuel tank, via a Vetus fitting on the tank; it doesnt make a big loop down to the level of the bottom of the tank.
Do you think just looping the fuel return down will do the trick? Or, do I need both solutions?
thanks so much for your help!
Ricki
-- Edited by Rickiellen on Thursday 28th of February 2019 09:52:41 AM
You do need a loop in the return line to avoid fuel drain back to the tank. It does not have to go the bottom of the tank but it does have to hold some fuel.
If this does not work on it's own. Then add the electric lift pump
