engine tickover drops

[Novachris]

Hi I have a Perkins perama m30, sometimes at tickover the revs drops from 1000 rpm to 500 causing the whole thing to jump about,it goes back to normal if I put some revs on and bring the lever back to tickover position. The last few days the engine starts then cuts out even if I put lots of revs on but then starts at second attempt and runs fine all day, it sounds like fuel starvation to me.
I have changed the filters but it is still the same.

 

[VicS]

Air getting into the system somewhere ??????

 

[johnww]

No really easy straightforward answer to this one I'm afraid. I've just rebuilt a Volvo MD2030 which is essentially the same lump so I am familiar with the engine which in general are very reliable.

For what its worth, more often than not its not the engine as such but the associated systems i.e. fuel, air etc.

If the symptoms have started recently then usually its something that's happened recently like recent fuel fill, filter change or maybe any recent changes to the fuel system?

My personal experience only I'm afraid but definitely start by checking the 'basics'

If it becomes something more specific try another post - plenty of people out here able and willing (thankfully!) to help

Best of luck

 

[Novachris]

Thanks John.
The problem has been going on for about three months,I have changed all filters and swopped the fuel decanter type filter for a cav type. One theory is that I have been using old fuel that has been stored for years f.o.c but yesterday used some red that I perchased from the marina, slight difference in colour so maybe there's my problem.