|
|
|
|
|||||
|
||||||
Subject: TWL: Lehman Fuel and Raw Pump Comments
From: Rich Gano (rgano@XXX.XXX)
Date: Sun Apr 01 2001 - 16:49:01 EDT
Hi Garrett,
Your tale of filter changes brings back many memories of working on
CALYPSO's systems. Luckily, many years ago, when the dealer who was
overhauling my port Lehman asked if I wanted him the toss in a small
electric "priming" pump, I agreed. I have a .jpg diagram I could send, if
you like, but basically, the thing fits into the system at the manifold and
allows me to pressurize the system to both engines and generator as I need.
After 15 years of ownership, I would do it today myself, but back then, I
was a newbie and unnecessarily afraid to play with my big tinker toy.
Whenever I develop an air leak that shuts an engine down (I have - once), I
just energize the pump as an emergency backup to keep whatever quit running
until I get into port. When I change Racor 500 filters or FRAMS or finals
(yes, I have five filters to each engine, PLUS fuel polisher) and/or clean
the units, I simply reach down and flick on the pump and wait for a tiny
overflow (rag in hand) before spinning the tee handle finally shut. For
finals, I just crack the FORWARD bleed nut and energize the electric pump
and wait for bubbles to stop (no kitchen funnel needed at the final filter -
in fact, no open containers of fuel anywhere at any time).
Oh, when you play with your engine raw water pumps, I recommend you remove
the gear drive and check for wear and look closely at the union of pump to
geared unit -two bolts, no problem for a budding diesel mechanic like you.
Make sure the "ears" on the steel shaft are not worn/broken. Then get
yourself a set of those easy-on/off impeller cover plates with the knurled
knobs that you can spin on and off by hand. These units also replace the
cruddy paper gasket with an o-ring. VERY nice improvement.
Rich Gano
CALYPSO (GB42-295)
Homeport Panama City
I'd rather be cruisin'
|