Beta BD722 20hp - Diesel Leak - Check Yours

[Ammonite]

I've recently been trying to figure out why my Beta 20hp was filling the cabin with fumes and think I've finally found the solution. My engine dates from 1995 (so not sure how applicable this is on later models) but there is a short length of rubber tubing from the last injector which connects the injector to the fuel return pipe to the tank. It's a pretty flimsy affair (roughly 5mm id, 9mm od) and mine had perished at both ends (on the underside where you couldn't see it). I reckon it's been dripping diesel onto the engine for ages but I haven't noticed it because it gets burned off when landing on the hot engine. Suggest you check yours just in case.

 

[VicS]

I've recently been trying to figure out why my Beta 20hp was filling the cabin with fumes and think I've finally found the solution. My engine dates from 1995 (so not sure how applicable this is on later models) but there is a short length of rubber tubing from the last injector which connects the injector to the fuel return pipe to the tank. It's a pretty flimsy affair (roughly 5mm id, 9mm od) and mine had perished at both ends (on the underside where you couldn't see it). I reckon it's been dripping diesel onto the engine for ages but I haven't noticed it because it gets burned off when landing on the hot engine. Suggest you check yours just in case.

Injector spill back.

Diesel dripping onto a hot surface in this way is can be as dangerous as petrol.

 

[cagey]

Diesel lines

Check out ASAP web site, they sell high pressure diesel lines at various lengths,id's and end fittings, yours probably at end of life by now, no dis just an opinion.
Happies
Keith

 

[Ammonite]

Seems really odd why Beta used such a pathetic rubber pipe for this, held on by a couple of spring clips (the type you pinch together to slide on the pipe and release to grip) I hope the later models are better. Anyway I'm replacing it with proper fuel line and clips

 

[cagey]

Can't be arsed

Get real the hose is 7 years old

 

[Ammonite]

Just done a bit more investigation and it looks like Beta use the same type of spill off pipe as lots of other manufacturers, so apologies Beta. It also makes me think there must be a reason for using this rather than fuel line. Will give them a bell next week to see what they say.

 

[Iliade]

just run in

Get real the hose is 7 years old

It failed.

This is not a market where dangerous failure modes are acceptable.

It should have been made of better material.

End of story.

 

[cagey]

Silly

It failed.

This is not a market where dangerous failure modes are acceptable.

It should have been made of better material.

End of story.

Fair comment I will pass your comments onto Airlines etc., think maintenance is an end user responsibility. As I don't know you then you will understand why I don't care whether you check your engine etc but as I am aware that materials deteriorate over usage,time or environment then I stand by my response. It is 7 years old . Using your argument, impellers, diaphragms and the like should not need replacing.
Happies
Keith

 

[earlybird]

By my arithmetic, the OP's pipe was 17 years old, not 7. This pipe failed on my Beta a year or so ago, so about the same life; not too bad. Replacement took about 10 minutes at the most.
The leak allowed a slow fuel drip onto the side of the inlet manifold, then to the engine pan, well away from any hot parts, An absolutely minimal or zero risk IMHO.

 

[savageseadog]

It will be standard leak back tubing. If significantly disturbed, ie pulled off and put back on, it will not normally seal properly as it tends to harden after a few months of use. CES (the motor factors) do a leak back kit complete, renew all of it.

 

[rob2]

Strangely enough, many inland boats have similar problems as the inspectors force them to fit solid metal return pipes and they then get fractures due to vibration/engine movement. Hoses and pipes on any engine need regular inspection and occasional replacement. On my car, I expect this to be done as part of the service (should be at that price). On my boat I know better than to pay someone to change the oil, so I inspect them myself.

Rob.

 

[Bilgediver]

I've recently been trying to figure out why my Beta 20hp was filling the cabin with fumes and think I've finally found the solution. My engine dates from 1995 (so not sure how applicable this is on later models) but there is a short length of rubber tubing from the last injector which connects the injector to the fuel return pipe to the tank. It's a pretty flimsy affair (roughly 5mm id, 9mm od) and mine had perished at both ends (on the underside where you couldn't see it). I reckon it's been dripping diesel onto the engine for ages but I haven't noticed it because it gets burned off when landing on the hot engine. Suggest you check yours just in case.

Halfords do spill back kits. with hose and connectors.

 

[Ammonite]

Answer from Beta Marine re leaking spill off pipe

They support the idea of replacing the leak off / spill off pipe with ISO fuel line and securing it with proper fuel line clips rather than butterfly clips. This is what's used on the later engines. The OD of the injector pipe is 5mm apparently, ignoring the bezel / ridge (I haven't measured mine yet to confirm)