Universal M-18 engine stall

[tkeithlu]

So, if I read it all correctly, an air leak in the suction parts of the fuel system could cause these symptoms, which is what I wondered, but given that bhstech has replaced most of the possible sources of a air leak, fuel starvation of one kind (sheer volume) of another (low vapor pressure bubbles) is less likely. Thanks.

[Shirvo]

Hi, I have a Catalina 34 with an Universal 25MX, Had a similar issue last year. I was lucky to find the problem very quickly. There was a fine crack in the bleeder valve pipe which was sucking air. New bleeder valve part $80, 5 minute job - problem fixed. - shirvo

[tkeithlu]

Now you're really giving me ideas. If I leave my M-25 genset for more than a few days without running, I have to bleed air to get it to start. I wonder if there is a tiny leak there somewhere. It is at the top of the fuel circuit, above tank level if the tanks are less than 1/2 full, and of course I turn off the tanks if I don't use the engine.

[bhstech]

Found the air leak! The tank shutoff petcock which I never close. I took out the tank pickup tube, again, removed the screen and had no blockage in the tube. I blew through the tank vent. No problem. I replaced the 30 year old tank shutoff with a brass pipe nipple. Problem went away. I did this on Sunday. Started ran at the dock, put in gear, turned it off, restarted several times. Waited 45 min. Did it all again. Yesterday, after sitting nearly 48 hours restarted without bleeding, sailed for 2 hours and started again without incident.