We took the boat out for a little cruise Sunday, and before we even got out of the marina our port engine died. Got back to dock on one engine, and finally figured out the electric fuel pump died.
After a run to NAPPA, we got a new fuel pump installed and took off again. After a couple of miles our starboard engine died and when trying to restart, the starter would not crank. Seemed like dead batteries, but we checked them and they had a full charge. Again got back to dock on one engine (quite a challenge manouvering in with current and wind). Turned out the problem was a melted starter solenoid.
We are really lucky that both engines didn't quick at the same time!
Here are pictures of the culprets:
Today after we changed out the starter solenoid and got the starboard engine going again, we tried to run the gen set and it sounded like it was starving for fuel. Checked the fuel pump and not much fuel flowing. Back-flushed the in-line fuel filter and that seemed to fix things. I know we will be struggling for some time with the aftermath of all the old/bad fuel the previous owner had on board.
We are trying to get the boat ready for a night trip with friends this Friday following the Portland Christmas Ships -- a fleet of boats fully decked out with lights that cruise the Portland Harbors this time of year:
Hope engine problems only come in groups of three -- keep your fingers crossed for us!!!
Later, Curt....
1967 fiberglass 38' Chris Craft Commander Sportfisher with twin 427 CID 300 HP engines.
edit comment: The problem Curt and Jim were experiencing, turned out to be "sawdust" or equivalent, in the bottom of the fuel tank. Here is the thread that outlines the discovery and solution.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/424840/message/1146731677