Failed Fuel Shut Off Valve (Bavaria Yacht)

[Jon magowan]

The fuel shut off valve on my Bavaria 33 Cruiser has failed open (the engine continues to run, regardless of the position of this switch).
I can’t seem to be able to source a replacement. Does anybody have any idea where I might be able to find a new one of these, or, failing that, a suitable alternative ?
In reality, is this valve a really vital piece of equipment or should I just save myself the time, money and hassle ?
As always, very grateful for all inputs. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tranona]

Weak point on the boat. It is a gas valve originally and usually the problem is blockages and jamming shut. This is a good replacement although it needs reworking the pipework
//www.asap-supplies.com/fittings-valves-strainers/valves-spares/bulkhead-mounted-ball-valves

 

[Stemar]

A whole load of fuel taps here - take your pick

Search | ASAP Supplies

If you want a plumbery or mechanical bit. ASAP is always a good place to look.

 

[Jon magowan]

Thanks guys. You always come up trumps

 

[penberth3]

The fuel shut off valve on my Bavaria 33 Cruiser has failed open (the engine continues to run, regardless of the position of this switch).
I can’t seem to be able to source a replacement. Does anybody have any idea where I might be able to find a new one of these, or, failing that, a suitable alternative ?
In reality, is this valve a really vital piece of equipment or should I just save myself the time, money and hassle ?
As always, very grateful for all inputs. Thanks in advance.

View attachment 168002

Can't help with your question, but it's good to see important things accessible and labelled. I'd definitely keep a valve fitted

Regarding the problem, the spindle to the ball valve can shear or round-off. Not repairable, a replacement shouldn't be too expensive.

 

[QBhoy]

You’re likely right and need a replacement..but forgive me for asking…how much running time did you let elapse, before assuming that it’s at fault ?
It’s incredible how long a small diesel will run for, just sipping at the residual fuel in the system after a shut off valve.

 

[Roberto]

The fuel shut off valve on my Bavaria 33 Cruiser has failed open (the engine continues to run, regardless of the position of this switch).
I can’t seem to be able to source a replacement. Does anybody have any idea where I might be able to find a new one of these, or, failing that, a suitable alternative ?
In reality, is this valve a really vital piece of equipment or should I just save myself the time, money and hassle ?
As always, very grateful for all inputs. Thanks in advance.

View attachment 168002

What is the vertical position of the tank wrt to the engine? If it's higher, or the fuel level is higher, then you must have a shut off valve or it may be a bilge full of diesel at each change of filters.
Also, an alternate way of not forgetting to open the water seacock is to leave the starter/plastic key on its handle after having closed it

 

[Roberto]

double

 

[Jon magowan]

Thanks guys.
Yes, Roberto, that’s what I was particularly worried about as I was changing the fuel filters today. I tried to disconnect the fuel feed pipe from the tank, but it wasn’t about to give in too easily, so I thought I’ll just check again…….
I ran the engine for a few minutes them flicked the switch closed and hey presto, the engine died after two or three minutes. I did it twice just to make sure and it died again. It did take awhile but it definitely cut out….eventually (Thanks QBhoy).
So I was able to change the fuel filters with no drama.

The strange thing is, I’m sure I got into the marina after a days sailing this summer to find the fuel shut off had been shut all day! So perhaps I have an intermittent fault. Now I have lost confidence in the valve and will probably change it anyway. Intermittent faults, aren’t they just the worst

 

[Tranona]

Thanks guys.
Yes, Roberto, that’s what I was particularly worried about as I was changing the fuel filters today. I tried to disconnect the fuel feed pipe from the tank, but it wasn’t about to give in too easily, so I thought I’ll just check again…….
I ran the engine for a few minutes them flicked the switch closed and hey presto, the engine died after two or three minutes. I did it twice just to make sure and it died again. It did take awhile but it definitely cut out….eventually (Thanks QBhoy).
So I was able to change the fuel filters with no drama.

The strange thing is, I’m sure I got into the marina after a days sailing this summer to find the fuel shut off had been shut all day! So perhaps I have an intermittent fault. Now I have lost confidence in the valve and will probably change it anyway. Intermittent faults, aren’t they just the worst

I expect it is partially blocked. The problem with the valve is that the hole is too small - enough for the fuel flow rate but not the full diameter of the pipe. You won't get a fuel leak if you remove it as the pick up point in the tank is lower than the valve. The one I linked to is 1/2" and the pipes are 3/8" or maybe 8mm.