Fuel Leak

[hcolvin1]

Two weeks ago I had by fuel filter replaced on my R25 D3 150 by a Volvo Penta mechanic. After 3 hours of run time I develop a catastrophic leak that pumped 15 gallons of fuel into my bilge and an unknown amount over board into a marina. The leak was caused by an improperly seated fuel filter gasket. To make a long story short the USCG was called, and two vessel assist calls made one to pump fuel from my bilge and the other for a tow when the belt failed on my sea water pump in the middle of Pudget Sound shipping lanes. I have a pic of the protruding gasket but can't figure how to post pics.

 

[Brian B]

Here's a recent link on how to post photos. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8796&p=61129&hilit=posting+picture#p61129
What did the mechanic have to say about this situation?

 

[Bruce Moore]

One of the methods for posting pictures is supported by having a photo album on Tugnuts.

Getting a User Photo Album for your Ranger Tug is easy but it requires submitting a request from within the site structure.

1. Sign on to the site, if you aren't already.

2. Select the User Control Panel link from the upper left corner of any page. Note: On the home page, this link is in your user menu in the upper right.

3. Click the Usergroups tab, then select the radio button next to the User Albums group.
Scroll down, choose "Join selected" in the drop-down menu, and click the Submit button.

Once you do this, an email is automatically sent to the administrator (me). That message will trigger my ability to approve your request, and you'll receive an email indicating your membership in the User Albums group has been activated.

I'll watch for the message, and look forward to seeing your pictures.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[jroyle]

Same thing happened on our Yanmar, mechanic did not tighten filter properly. It made a mess in the bilge but at least the mechanic cleaned it up at no cost.

 

[Red Raven]

Here's The photo of the problem gasket and fuel filter from hcolvin1 that caused the fuel leak. He sent it to me via email. Thanks!

I personally have had trouble with this filter twice. First, the Volvo factory must install it with a overzealous robot as it is nearly impossible to remove the first time. Second, the second time I replaced it it cross threaded. Fortunately I caught it before starting the engine. Also the filter mount threads were not damaged. Only the filter. A new filter went on no problem. Now this new item to worry about. Be very careful when replacing this filter!

Curt

 

[knotflying]

This is an issue on the Yanmar as well. You need to be very meticulous when installing the filter. As you look at the picture I suspect that a small amount of oil on the gasket may not have been applied. I always remove the gasket and apply oil with my finger on both sides. This allows the gasket to move with the turn rather than getting hung up.