Mercruiser 1.7 TDi (Isuzu) Fuel System

[rafiki_]

Hi, Anyone with any experience of draining water/changing the fuel filters on the above? Main query is how to reduce the inevitable diesel mess? And how easy is it to prime the filters after changing?

Is there a sensible maintenance handbook available? I have the original Mercruiser book, but it is so full of Do Nots that it is not particularly helpful with the Can Do's.

It also suggests drainin/cleaning the fuel tank after 5 years. my boat is now 5 years old. This sounds like a real mission!!

 

[alt]

Diesel mess - When un-doing the filter, have a plastic (doubled up) bag under-neath at the ready then drop the filter into it.

There is a primer on top of the filter housing, and a bleed screw if I remember correctly. I do remember that this was explained in the users manual

As for draining raw water and closed water system, can't remember off the to of my head but it was explained in the users manual also.

For specific info go to http://groups.yahoo.com and do a search for "mercruiser 1.7" or similar and you'll find the users group - but beware, just like any other online users group, be prepared to hear lots about the pitfalls of that engine

Other than that they're a very simple engine to service

Hope this helps

 

[rafiki_]

Many thanks for this alt, will join this group. Should be very helpful

 

[Clyder]

Don't waste your time with the Yahoo group for this engine. It's full of Yanks complaining about the catastrophic overheating failures of this engine on #3 piston when trying to push 24ft plus Topanga fishing boats across Catalina Bay. FFS! It's only a 1.7!!!

Anyway I am in the process of doing what you are speaking of. Changing the filters, fitting an inline sedimenter and cleaning my tank out. The filters are easy enough, as is the tank but it is messy!!! Get a good syphon pump, take the tank mounted sender unit out and away you go...several drums of Ribena later...job done.

Best of luck

Clyde.

 

[rafiki_]

Clyde,

Many thanks for your advice. Do you fill the filter housing before re-assembly to the engine, or prime using the pump on the filter top?

Rafiki

 

[Clyder]

Fill both filters up to the neck with fresh fuel then screw on. If you've a good battery and the boat fires first time it'll draw the fuel through on it's own. It might be a bit lumpy on start up, if this happens leave it to settle down for a few minutes. If it doesn't settle then bleed off the air from the pre filter first.

Hope this helps.

Clyde.

 

[rafiki_]

Many thanks Clyde, will give it a go in a couple of weeks. Are the oil filters easy to get off?

 

[Clyder]

Oil filters? I presume you mean oil filter? This is a piece of pi$$ to do. You only need a socket (can't remember the size off hand)to undo the cartridge top. Remove the top half, exposing filter. Refit new filter and replace all O rings. Re torque the retaining nut to 25Nm torque. Take care not to overtighten. The most important part of the job is to pre ube the turbo BEFORE restarting.

To do this push in the STOP button whilst you turn the engine over on the key for about 15 seconds. Let the starter cool down for a minute or so then repeat. This will lube the moving parts in the turbo at a much lower speed than if the engine were to fire....saving you excessive wear and tear.

Clyde

 

[rafiki_]

Thanks Clyde, yes did mean filter, but have 2 engines. What is access like? Service book says 6.5 litres of oil. Seems a lot for such a small engine. Have you done a drain?

Rafiki

 

[Clyder]

The fuel filter spins off with the aid of a filter strap easily enough. If you can source the Isuzu part,or across match, rather than the £25 Quicksilver part let me know would you?

6.5 litres of oil it is. I have changed the oil using a hand operated syphon. (Quicksilver part no: 802889A1) and the adapter (part no: 32-863642) You can use any syphon pump so long as the tube fits down the dipstick aperture. Remember to run the engines up to operating temp. before drawing off the oil..it makes the whole job a lot easier (and faster).

What make of boat do you have?

Cheers

Clyde

 

[rafiki_]

Thanks Clyde. I have a small electric pump which should do the trick. Trying to work out what to drain the oil into, as 13 litres is quite a lot!

I have a Sunline 31, bought last October, and first commissioned in 2003. Not many built, and manufacturer currently in administration, but looks to be well built, and ticks the right boxes for me. Will get some photos when my camera comes back from repair. She is moored at Tewkesbury on the R7, and we are looking to get into the Bristol channel in the Summer.

Rafiki

 

[rafiki_]

Sorry Clyde, meant to ask your recommendation for oil. Any preference?

 

[Clyder]

Any good proprietary oil will do. Mercruiser specify a viscocity of 15W-40 for all temperature running. I think I'm using a 10W-40 (Shell general grade oil, I'll check the drum and re-post)

Cheers

Clyde