Cautionary note when disabled boat is towed.

[fst415]

A few days ago, while underway in my 2015 RT-25SC, an alarm went off on the nav. station Volvo Penta gauge. The alarm noted that there was water in my fuel and that I should empty the water from the fuel. I immediately stopped the engine and checked the two fuel filters, which showed no water contamination. Nevertheless, I did not restart the engine as I did not want to damage the engine. Instead, I called TowBoatUS (my tow coverage provider) and arranged for a tow to the nearest boatyard (in Noyak, CT). Once at the boatyard, the mechanic checked the all the diesel fuel filters, bled the fuel, and examined the Volvo Penta fuel sensor. He concluded the sensor had malfunctioned and that there was no water in the fuel. Apparently, the fuel sensor setting off false alarms is quite common. That is the first point to note for other RT owners not having experienced this previously. More seriously, the dip stick check showed an oil overfill condition and sea water had filled the muffler, exhaust pipe and engine. Nor would the engine start. This situation came about as a direct result of my boat being towed with the exhaust seacock not closed. When being sea towed with the engine not running, this seacock must be closed, or else sea water will enter the exhaust system and enter the engine, cylinders, etc. The tow boat operator never told me that I should shut this seacock prior to being towed. I wonder how many RT owners know about this? Anyway, after three complete oil and filter changes to flush out all the water and a new fuel sensor, Little Toot is running as good as ever. The repair encompassed 9-hours of labor cost plus, oil, filters, etc! I just filed an insurance claim with BoatUS and will wait to see what transpires.

Bottom line, when you have to call a tow vessel because your engine is disabled, make sure to close the exhaust seacock before the tow commences!

Feroz

 

[Dale777]

Feroz,

Sorry to hear about the troubles that ensued from the towing.

Could you identify what you are calling the "exhaust seacock"? Are you referring to the seacock for the engine cooling seawater that is pumped through the engine by the engine impeller?

 

[fst415]

Hi Dale, yes, I am referring to the seacock (green handle) on the starboard side of the engine compartment adjacent to the large black muffler on my RT-25SC. Not sure if that is where the seacock is located on your RT-31S.

 

[sheral]

This has been discussed, here in this thread I believe... Andrew weighed in on it too and left the comment below in that thread.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7448


Re: Danger with water towing your Tug
Postby Andrew Custis on Tue Apr 26, 2016 5:25 pm

If a boat is being towed, it is common practice to shut the main engine seacock to prevent this from happening. On the bottom of the boats, we use a high speed pickup that is intended for boats that reach higher speeds to make sure the engines have enough water to cool them. It is possible that while towing without the seacock closed that water can fill up the muffler and get back into the motor.

 

[knotflying]

Restricting the hose going from the stuffing box to the exhaust elbow is also a good precautionary measure.