Raycor is the problem?

[Luther]

Before I start the Westerbeke 8kva generator the glass in the Raycor shows diesel is down to the level of the plastic insert
Westerbeke starts immediately, runs 10-15 seconds then dies.
After repeated cranking for 20-30 seconds the Westerbeke gradually comes to life and then runs perfectly.
The Raycor glass will then be full.
Diesel level in Raycor gradually drops when generator not running.

There are no diesel leaks anywhere.
Am I right in assuming air must be getting in the Raycor?

[leftbrainstuff]

You might have a restriction on the suction side. Easy to check. Disconnect hoses and see if you can blow or suck diesel. I use a mityvac and siphon jar.

Restrictions could be something blocking the pickup, crushed hose or pipe, bug growth in a hose, a collapsed hose internally or even a filter installed in correctly. None of these are visible or detectable without validating each part of the circuit is ok.

[Terra Nova]

Originally Posted by Luther

...There are no diesel leaks anywhere...

There is an air leak.

[RaymondR]

Originally Posted by Terra Nova

There is an air leak.

I had one I could not find for years and it turned out to be a very small crack in the alloy filter housing where a tapered pipe thread fitting had been screwed in too far splitting the alloy.

[NYSail]

Did you check lid gasket? Smear with fuel at change? Sometimes they can get twisted