Westerbeke 10B 2

[Bostwick]

1988, ten horse. Has 2 fuel tanks, Racor at each tank, and the 2 fuel filters on engine.

A few years ago engine began to be hard to start, but ran well, good power, good exhaust color, guages nominal. Had the injectors rebuilt but they were fine. I also had a mechanic replace all the fuel lines. Eventually I learned that with significant pre-heat the engine would start right up. The Westerbeke preheat also actuates the electric lift pump and I believe, but don't know, that I was in effect repriming the engine each cold start.

A few days ago I ran out of fuel in rough weather while heeling - no surprise - and switched tanks but engine wouldn't start. The next day I checked each fuel filter and all were clean. I then ran the engine under load for 30 minutes and it ran well.

A few days later went for a day trip and the engine ran well but on the way back it cut out. Started right up. This had not happened before - the engine has always run well once it started.

But now it will start but not run. Gives every evidence (to this amateur) of fuel starvation: starts, runs up, then RPMs immediately drop off and it stalls.

I am convinced that the present problem is related to the hard start problem I started having several years ago, but I don't know.

The only part of the fuel system that hasn't been lately serviced are the tanks. I am careful about fuel - top off tanks in fall, use conditioner - but maybe the tubes that go into the tanks are fouled?? The engine was intalled some 15 years ago and in my 10 years of ownership the tanks have not been cleaned. I have always had clean filters so I kind of assumed the tanks are clean too but maybe not.

Any ideas?