Diesel Frustration...Resolved?!?

[John Dupras]

First a big Thank You to all that offered insight into the diesel problem on Mariah. As promised, an update. I replaced the primary fuel filter, bleed screw and washer on the engine. The spare that was on the boat when I got it was not exactly the same diameter as the original equipment filter I put on this weekend. After bleeding the system twice, it fired right up on the second compression stroke, just like the old days! I changed the oil and filter (another story) and it not only fired up right away, but it is quieter and smoother than before. Taking Larry's advice, I cracked the injector nuts while it was running and got good fuel flow at both injectors. The real test will be in a couple of days when it has sat a while and I fire it up again. Let's just say I have way more confidence in it (and me) than I did before. Thanks again to all that gave me input. Next up Rigging Tension....

John
s/v Mariah



john_dupras@hotmail.com

[Larry DeMers]

John,

Superior! You did it! It's very good to know these things..bleeding the diesel, replacing filters, oil etc. Never stop learning or being curious about your boat and it's systems.
I sure hope that the engine starts fast in a few days. Plese let me know.

When you get to the rigging tension, I can help you out there too. I wrote a piece about the process for the group...it's back in the archives under either my name or Rigging Tension. If you have trouble finding it, let me know and I will search through my HD for it.

Good Job!

Cheers!

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30

First a big Thank You to all that offered insight into the diesel problem on Mariah. As promised, an update. I replaced the primary fuel filter, bleed screw and washer on the engine. The spare that was on the boat when I got it was not exactly the same diameter as the original equipment filter I put on this weekend. After bleeding the system twice, it fired right up on the second compression stroke, just like the old days! I changed the oil and filter (another story) and it not only fired up right away, but it is quieter and smoother than before. Taking Larry's advice, I cracked the injector nuts while it was running and got good fuel flow at both injectors. The real test will be in a couple of days when it has sat a while and I fire it up again. Let's just say I have way more confidence in it (and me) than I did before. Thanks again to all that gave me input. Next up Rigging Tension....

John
s/v Mariah

demers@sgi.com

[John Dupras]

Thanks Larry - just a quick question on the rigging. I found the earlier thread and have looked at Brian Toss'ssite as well. I bought a Loos guage (ps-2) and quickly checked the rig. The port side is higher than the starbord side and the forestay is below specs. Question on the backstay. Mine is forked about head high. do you measure the tension in all three legs or just above the fork? (This, by the way will be a bear as the previous owner ran the coax for the VHF out the rear vent and taped it all the way up the backstay to the masthead). I understand the principal. Now the next giant step is to work up the courage to go up the mast and take a good look around. Maybe, since I live in Seattle I should call Brian Tooss in Port Townsend and have him take a look. Learn from a pro and all that...

Thanks again. I'll certainly let you know how it's going out here.

John
s/v Mariah



john_dupras@hotmail.com

[Larry DeMers]

Hi John,

With a split backstay, I can see no reason not to adjust both of the lower ones equally, then check the single part for overall tension which should match the forestay tension, and the uppers. I have not adjusted a split backstay before so there may be a surprise in there, but from a purely engineers perspective, I can see nothing to prevent you from using the measurements at the split portion of the backstay. Remeber that the angle of the stays means that to achieve say 480 lbs tension on the gauge, you will have to add more than 240 lbs tension to each of the split stays..how much depends on the angle of the stays to the main stay.

I highly encourage folks to take on a pro and learn from them by watching and asking questions..especially Brian Toss. Heck, I can remember Brian on Tv even. He was on the show that started my salivating for a keel boat.."Under Sail"..a weekly series on PBS about sailing. Brian was Mr. Knot on the show. Cool guy. I would love to meet him sometime.

Good Luck!

Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30

Thanks Larry - just a quick question on the rigging. I found the earlier thread and have looked at Brian Toss'ssite as well. I bought a Loos guage (ps-2) and quickly checked the rig. The port side is higher than the starbord side and the forestay is below specs. Question on the backstay. Mine is forked about head high. do you measure the tension in all three legs or just above the fork? (This, by the way will be a bear as the previous owner ran the coax for the VHF out the rear vent and taped it all the way up the backstay to the masthead). I understand the principal. Now the next giant step is to work up the courage to go up the mast and take a good look around. Maybe, since I live in Seattle I should call Brian Tooss in Port Townsend and have him take a look. Learn from a pro and all that...

Thanks again. I'll certainly let you know how it's going out here.

John
s/v Mariah

demers@sgi.com

[Ben Thomas]

First a big Thank You to all that offered insight into the diesel problem on Mariah. As promised, an update. I replaced the primary fuel filter, bleed screw and washer on the engine. The spare that was on the boat when I got it was not exactly the same diameter as the original equipment filter I put on this weekend. After bleeding the system twice, it fired right up on the second compression stroke, just like the old days! I changed the oil and filter (another story) and it not only fired up right away, but it is quieter and smoother than before. Taking Larry's advice, I cracked the injector nuts while it was running and got good fuel flow at both injectors. The real test will be in a couple of days when it has sat a while and I fire it up again. Let's just say I have way more confidence in it (and me) than I did before. Thanks again to all that gave me input. Next up Rigging Tension....

John
s/v Mariah

John, read the earlier threads. I had Brian Toss tune my rig, cd30.Money well spent and I would highly recomend giving him a call. as he probably is in Seattle as much if not more than in Portland. I have only run into three other cd owners here in portland, or. one 25, two typhoons one of which is my old boat. and mine. Will be in Bellevue sometime late july early august to move stepson back to portland after his summer internship at an engineering firm before he goes back for last year of college. I'am hoping to take some time off this summer and sail milagro up into the san juans and gulf islands. it may be a good time to raft up. let me know, Ben



btlandscaper@imagina.com

[Steve Alarcon]

John,
I'm in Seattle also, and have taken classes from Brion. Not only does it make for a great weekend in the Wooden Boat Capital for the West Coast, but Brion is a great teacher (learn to tie a bowline behind your back left handed with your eyes closed prior to attendance!) I highly recommend them; they have given me the confidence to not only take on my vessel's tuning requirements, but to also provide some counsel for my friend and neighbors at Elliot Bay Marina. Buy the video for reference. By the way, would be interested in meeting up with you relative to your engine issues; the same have plagued me for some time now. Where do you keep Mariah?

Steve Alarcon
CD30 Temerity
Seattle



alarcon3@prodigy.net

[John Dupras]

Steve - Actually, I am at Tyee Marina in Tacoma. Being pretty new to sailing, we haven't gone very far yet. I hope to change that though, with such a great boat. I am having a new main built now and it will be ready July 4. The old one is the original (21 years old) and as you can imagine, a bit baggy and tired. I would certainly like to meet up with any of the CD owners in the area. If you are coming down the Sound this summer, let me know. My schedule is hectic, which is all the more reason to get on the water!!.

John Dupras
s/v Mariah



john_dupras@hotmail.com