VP MD2020B Fuel system

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SteveA

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I'm just about to refit this engine after a service and saildrive diaphragm replacement. The last time I had to prime the fuel system it was a PITA - just wondering if anyone has tried pulling a vacuum on the fuel return line to fill the system up (and if this would work). I've one of those vac tanks for emptying oil sumps that I was thinking of trying.
 
I found out by accident that If I topped the fuel up to the very top of the filler pipe that the head of diesel was enough to self bleed the entire fuel system on our 2010D. I saved.myself the time and cost of fitting a bulb.
 
The Volvo 20x0 series will only prime with the lift pump when the engine is in the correct position, as shown by the yellow marks at the front. You can also tell that this is right by feel as there is a little more resistance. With this right, it is not unduly hard, but I wouldn't want to do it at sea.
 
PaulRainbow said:
Fit a primer bulb.
Click to expand...

I fitted a primer bulb to my MD2020B, and I have found it really useful.

Unfortunately I have had more cause to use it than I would have wished!

fuel-system.jpg
 
SteveA said:
I'm just about to refit this engine after a service and saildrive diaphragm replacement. The last time I had to prime the fuel system it was a PITA - just wondering if anyone has tried pulling a vacuum on the fuel return line to fill the system up (and if this would work). I've one of those vac tanks for emptying oil sumps that I was thinking of trying.
Click to expand...

I found out that an easy way which works is to open the bleed screws and lightly pressurise the fuel tank using a dinghy pump it takes very little pressure to fill the system and close the bleed screws as bubbles cease flowing.
 
Bilgediver said:
I found out that an easy way which works is to open the bleed screws and lightly pressurise the fuel tank using a dinghy pump it takes very little pressure to fill the system and close the bleed screws as bubbles cease flowing.
Click to expand...


Some tanks have a separate air pipe so one cannot always pressurise them effectively. On mine, to make matters worse, fuel collects in a dip in the pipe & it would blow fuel all over the deck. Just to be awkward it likes to do this if I fill the tank too fast!!
I would go for the bellows every time as pressurising the tank (even if possible) at the same time as bleeding the filters needs 2 people.
 
I use a Pela suction pump and remove the bleed screw on the injection pump and pipe will fit there,once I have fuel up to that point replace bleed screw loosen one of the injecters and crank the engine and that usually gets it started.
 
It worked - I fitted a hose from the fuel spill line to a pela suction pump and it primed the whole system in about 5 seconds and the engine started straight away. I had not broken into the high pressure side but had changed both filters. For when afloat I think a priming bulb in this line will be useful.
 
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