Caterpillar 3116 Stalls

[Kevin.F]

I have a 2000 Sea Ray Aft Cabin with twin Caterpillar diesels (620 hrs.) . I'm on my 3rd year with this boat and it's always run very well. I try to keep up on the air filters, change the oil, and replace the racor / secondary fuel filters. I run the boat most weekends so fuel is not stale. I usually run at about 182 Degrees....both engines.
My problem is my starboard engine has now stalled out on me 2 times in last couple of weeks. I had the boat yard mechanic look at it after the 1st time and he basically said everything checked out fine. I did run it after that (10 miles) with no problems.
This time I didn't make it a mile away from my home port when it stalled out again. I was idling for about 30 minutes waiting for a bridge to open so I don't know if that could have contributed to the problem. Once it stalled it would not restart until I went below into the control panel and flipped the switch off and back on.....reset the breaker?? Electrical?
There is no warning, no running rough or anything.
Anyone have any thoughts on what might be causing this engine to suddenly stall?
Thanks!!!

 

[ttmott]

Does the engine crank? If so only two logical things -
Fuel system, however fuel system problems rarely manifest at idle; seems you and your mechanic have been through this area.
Electrical elements that power the fuel solenoid. These problems can be sporadic like maybe what you are seeing. The electrical system that powers the fuel solenoid begins at the start switch which actuates a relay in the 3116's electrical box and that relay actuates the solenoid. Those relays, which are a standard Bosch automotive type, are cheap and easy to replace. A very easy way to determine if it is the fuel solenoid or it's electrical system is when the failure occurs find out if you can hear the solenoid click on and off when you cycle the ign switch; you should hear a distinct click.

 

[endless seas]

My primer pump would suck air from time to time and shut her down.Replaced the pump and the issue went away.

Good luck

 

[Kevin.F]

My primer pump would suck air from time to time and shut her down.Replaced the pump and the issue went away.

Good luck

Thanks, I will check that out. I appreciate the advice

 

[Kevin.F]

Does the engine crank? If so only two logical things -
Fuel system, however fuel system problems rarely manifest at idle; seems you and your mechanic have been through this area.
Electrical elements that power the fuel solenoid. These problems can be sporadic like maybe what you are seeing. The electrical system that powers the fuel solenoid begins at the start switch which actuates a relay in the 3116's electrical box and that relay actuates the solenoid. Those relays, which are a standard Bosch automotive type, are cheap and easy to replace. A very easy way to determine if it is the fuel solenoid or it's electrical system is when the failure occurs find out if you can hear the solenoid click on and off when you cycle the ign switch; you should hear a distinct click.

Thanks very much for that advice. I'm having the relay looked at this week.

 

[Sea Gull]

If you rub your engines and repeat "Frank Webster" three times, you could have your answer.

 

[endless seas]

That is a fantastic comment about FW. (-:

 

[Prosideus]

Kevin,

The relay is a very easy part that you can replace yourself on these engines. They are rather inexpensive and easy to find at an auto store. PM me if you want to discuss more.

See post #8.
Cat 3126 shut down while running

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?ur...&share_tid=79104&share_fid=10569&share_type=t

Here is a pic of mine before replacement.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Kevin.F]

Thank you all so much for all the advice. I had the relay changed out and so far so good. We went on a relatively short trip this weekend and the boat ran just fine. TTMOTT & Prosideus thanks again!!!!