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Butler · 25-06-2012, 22:33

Got the fuel injector pump back on. Engine was running fine but I was getting fuel dripping into the bildge so I checked and tightened the three dripping high pressure tube fittings I found after running it under load. Then I went to start it up again it is suddenly idling at 2,000rpm My best thinking is that I did my job "too well" and now that all the air is excluded the engine is running more efficiently the idle is too high.
I would like to adjust the idle as per the manual.
Has anyone done this? Would appreciate any tips.
Can anyone think of another possible problem indicated by this change in idle speed?

Thanks folks!

Irish rambler · 26-06-2012, 00:33

If you look at the top of the pump you will see the throttle linkage connected to a lever, get someone to move the throttle forward slowly with the engine OFF to identify the right linkage,(the other is the stop control) return the throttle lever back slowly and you will see the lever on top of the pump go back to a stop bolt, this stop bolt has a locking nut, hold the bolt and undo the locking nut several turns, now with the engine running adjust the bolt anti-clockwise to reduce the revs to approx 650/700 rpm (there'll be a 'sweet spot' where it ticks over smoothly) then re-tighten the locking nut. A wee tip,when tightening fuel lines don't overtighten, or you will stretch the threads and have to replace them.
I hope this helps you.

Butler · 26-06-2012, 15:39

Thanks Irish. Will take a pass at it tomorrow.
Yeah, took it easy on those compression fittings. Made sure that the tubes were properly seated then tightened with a light hand. Checked with engine under load and adjusted just enough to stop the dripping.

Butler · 28-06-2012, 12:43

Spoke with another Perkins owner just yesterday who told me that the local injector pump shop we all use here got sloppy with the proper settings for his Throttle arm comming out of the pump after re-installing the throttle arm casing, that this was typical of them and suggested I ignore the manuals' recommendation for setting the idle by tweaking the anti-stall device and just adjust the screw that stops the throttle arm.
Very simple, very easy. Thank goodness for my dockmates!

Irish rambler · 29-06-2012, 08:58

Glad all is fine with your pump now, if a pump is properly set up it should be trouble free for years of service. Boat engines don't very often wear out if they are maintained and serviced religiously, most damage is through lack of use/servicing or sad to say, amateur mechanics fixing things which aren't broke. Happy cruising..