j&lgray
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2008
- Messages
- 644
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-28
- Vessel Name
- Trilogy
Greetings;
Greetings;
This is for the owners of the Yanmar 4BY-180 engine that was generally in the classic R-27. We recently experienced an engine issue where the RPM’s started to fluctuate about 200 to 400 RPM’s. This happened at the same time, the thermostat completely opened at 190 degrees. Using the throttle to compensate, an engine alarm, “Main Throttle Sensor” appeared. Thinking that the fuel filters were clogged, both were immediately changed. Still, the issue happened every time the engine was started from a cold start. By the way, to clear the alarm, turn off the engine, wait 20 seconds and restart.
Five days later, the problem went away. What happened? Using the problem-solving strategy of “what has changed,” I am only guessing but feel certain, that the problem was fuel. The day before the engine issue, we took on 60 gallons of ValvTect diesel. After 5 days of use, much of the fuel was gone and replaced. I have never used ValvTect diesel before and learned from their website that their diesel has a long list of additives. My read of the Yanmar manual is to not, ever, put any additive in the diesel. So my hunch, because I am not an engineer, is the additive’s in the ValvTect brand of diesel was incompatible with the Yanmar engine.
I am sure that ValvTect makes a fine product and they sell a lot of fuel. I are, for one, will not buy it again.
Greetings;
This is for the owners of the Yanmar 4BY-180 engine that was generally in the classic R-27. We recently experienced an engine issue where the RPM’s started to fluctuate about 200 to 400 RPM’s. This happened at the same time, the thermostat completely opened at 190 degrees. Using the throttle to compensate, an engine alarm, “Main Throttle Sensor” appeared. Thinking that the fuel filters were clogged, both were immediately changed. Still, the issue happened every time the engine was started from a cold start. By the way, to clear the alarm, turn off the engine, wait 20 seconds and restart.
Five days later, the problem went away. What happened? Using the problem-solving strategy of “what has changed,” I am only guessing but feel certain, that the problem was fuel. The day before the engine issue, we took on 60 gallons of ValvTect diesel. After 5 days of use, much of the fuel was gone and replaced. I have never used ValvTect diesel before and learned from their website that their diesel has a long list of additives. My read of the Yanmar manual is to not, ever, put any additive in the diesel. So my hunch, because I am not an engineer, is the additive’s in the ValvTect brand of diesel was incompatible with the Yanmar engine.
I am sure that ValvTect makes a fine product and they sell a lot of fuel. I are, for one, will not buy it again.