BMC 1.5 €0 budget start challenge

[Captn_Black]

Hey shipmates, I did have an account here before, but forgot the login for my old email. I'll update my new profile when I have time.

So, my vessel is a 36' steel Bruce Roberts Spray, junk rigged schooner, fitted with a 1982 (I think) BMC diesel, thanks to various problems I inherited from previous owners, I was forced to call in a tow from the coast guard, and am now at a mooring which I must leave at the end of the month. The engine sat idle for a year, and I was not ready to set sail, and she still wasn't running when I was forced to leave old anchorage to escape approaching storm. I had her running 10 months ago, but bust a fuel line moving her initially.

Anyway, due to losing both anchors in the coast guard rescue, I shall have no money next month either.

Messures I have taken so far are to clean fuel tank, lift pump and change fuel filters to help with diesel bug issue (bug treatment costs €50 here in canaries, so not an option currently). She turns over via starter motor okay now, but only shows the barest sign of wanting to start even with wd40. I want to avoid easy-start, which I can't afford anyway - food budget 50 cents a day this month, so 0 means 0.

The spring in the main filter non-return valve was completely f**ked, so I replaced it with a spring from a biro, works ok now. Fuel system bled multiple times.

I am cleaning the air filter today, though admittedly I don't know if that was the issue, as didn't try turninh her over without it - starter battery hooked up to solar panel today. On that note she turns over with as little as 12.35v in my 75ah starter battery.

I'm not sure if I have an issue with the injector pump - I was able to bleed air out of high pressure lines, but once the bubbles cleared there seemed to be only a drop of fuel coming through every 2-4000 revolutions or so (4-8 seconds of starter turning).

I have a reasonable selection of basic tools and supplies to complete the job, but neither money or failure is an option. Any ideas?

Cheers

Edit - high pressure lines themselves were a little rusty, as I removed them and did not replace them while waiting on parts to fabricate new injector pump return line, because I thought they were stainless, could be rust inside. Should I use phosphoric acid for cleaning maybe?

The 4 screws on injector pump end plate have had the non-tamper fitting removed - could this have also contributed to the original low pressure problem? I had assumed that was caused by the crack in fuel line, that I didn't spot till it finally went.

[Captn_Black]

Also, oil has been topped up, but not changed, I have a spare oil filter, but wanted to save it till I have enough oil for complete change. Should I change filter and reuse old oil, or just wait till I have enough oil to replace it? Within context of starting engine; I don't want to waste time on anything that won't help.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome (back) aboard the CF, Captn Black.