Operating instructions
Port main engine primary fuel filter.
The fuel valves are under the
engine room workbench.
Starboard engine secondary fuel filter.
4L: Fuel System
4L1: Fuel System Concept
The Diesel fuel aboard Dream Catcher is carried in two side
tanks of 500 gallons each. This gives the boat great cruising range. As
long as both engines are operating, fuel consumption should be fairly
uniform, and the boat should stay “in trim”. If it doesn’t, you can reduce
consumption from either tank by operating the control valves —
although they normally should all be simply left open!
You should understand that Diesel engines pump an excessive
amount of fuel from the tank, and then use the excess to cool the injection pump equipment
on the engine, then return that excess back to the tank! Typically, an engine might pump 40
gallons/hour, but use only three or four: The extra 36 or 37 gallons "makes the circuit" through
the pump and back to the tank.
4L2: Filling the Fuel Tanks; Fuel Fill Locations
With the large fuel tanks, you can fuel the boat pretty fast using a standard hose and
nozzle (like those on auto gas pumps); there is one fuel fill on each side deck.
Use the single “DIESEL” fill on each side deck.
Fill all the tanks completely but do not spill fuel.
Do not overfill, causing excess fuel to spill from the tank vents on the
outboard sides of the boat. Listen carefully for the “filling-bottle” sounds of
the fuel fills as the fuel in the tanks reaches their tops. Be careful!
4L3: Fuel Filters
Diesel engines require absolutely clean fuel to
operate continuously. As a result, there are two kinds of
fuel filters on the boat. The primary filters are mounted on
the inboard side of the engine stringers alongside each
engine.
The secondary filter is on the engine itself. It is very
fine and is the final protection to be sure the engine’s fuel
is absolutely clean.
If the engine
stops, it is likely a filter
is clogged. Follow
through carefully, and remember you will have to prime the
engine to re-start it. See the engine manual for this
procedure.
Section 4L: Fuel System 4.28