I have a 1984 Hunter 31 sailboat. Luckily the previous owner swapped the Yanmar for a Beta Marine 722. As I'm going through a refit and replacement of various items, I noticed seeping from the fuel return line.
Instead of going through the email process, which has been successful previously, thought I'd try the forum.
What type of lifting pump is recommended for the 722 and what would you suggest for fuel lines to and from the engine? Is there a way to avoid using hose clamps?
Also, due to the design of the engine bay, the air cleaner is very challenging to service. Would it affect performance if I put in a 90 degree elbow so the air filter housing would sit horizontal rather than vertical?
Thanks. I love the engine. It's proven it's worth more than once.
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Indecision may or may not be my problem. Jimmy Buffett
The BD722 is fitted with a mechanical lift pump. The pump is a Kubota item and is usually quite reliable. Are you having problems with this pump? If so we keep replacement in inventory, contact us for pricing. Usually in most installations this pump is sufficient, however, if the fuel tank is below the engine and the fuel lift is greater than 9" to 10", then a supplementary pump, usually a 12 volt low pressure, is required.
Alternatively, are you looking for a supplementary electric pump, if so, do you already have one installed and do you have a problem with it? from your message I took it that everything is working well. We do have replacement low pressure electric lift pumps available, again, please contact us for pricing.
For fuel lines, use marine rated fuel hose, you should be able to get this from most marine supply stores and yes, you will still need to use hose clamps. Make sure they are stainless steel.
Regarding your air filter. There is no problem relocating this and using an elbow to route the air flow. Make sure there are no reductions in the diameter of the elbow and hoses used to make the connections so that the airflow in not restricted.
I have a 12 volt electric pump located between the fuel / water separator and the mechanical fuel pump. It is making some noise when before it was quiet so I'm thinking time for a change. The run from the fuel tank pick up tube through the separator to the fuel pump is downhill, about 8 feet in length, so looks like I can remove it without any worries...
I was thinking about something like I have in the car with the stainless braided fuel line and screw on connectors to help protect the line but I can easily go with rubber line and clamps if the pressure isn't a problem.
Thanks for the info on the air filter. I think I have a solution without too much expense...I was more worried about the affect of the elbow on the air flow.
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Indecision may or may not be my problem. Jimmy Buffett
The noise from the pump may not be because of an impending failure, it may be because of a restricted line or filter and the pump is laboring. Make sure the fuel pickup in your tank is clear and there are no restrictions anywhere in your fuel lines.
Also, on the subject of fuel lines again. There is really no reason why you shouldn't us over-braided fuel lines on your boat, they sure would look nice, but at a price!!! Just make sure they meet or exceed the specifications of approved marine fuel hose.
I'll check the pick up to make sure nothing is blocking the tube. The filters is almost new (maybe 20 hours engine time) and I used additive in the fuel to deter biological growth.
Perhaps I just need to do a Bill Cosby and clean out the gunk by motoring around a day or two rather than sailing? Then change the filters and see what happens! But darn, that means I'll have to spend the whole weekend on the boat! That's so sad...NOT!
Thanks for the help.
__________________
Indecision may or may not be my problem. Jimmy Buffett
