Fuel Pump Fail?

[rjabara]

I changed the fuel filter a few weeks ago on my M35 with no issues.  I think M35 is self bleeding but I bled anyway.  Ran for 20 minutes at dock, no issue.  Week later went sailing and motored a good amount with no issues.  1 week later as I was preparing to leave the dock, engine at idle and warming up, the fuel pump started making a very loud noise, not the usual clicking but a constant growling and within a minute the engine stopped.  When trying to restart, no clicking just a constant growling when I engage the pump.  Engine starts and dies soon thereafter.

I am assuming this is part failure and not air in the system but I had never heard that sound before.  Fuel filter new, water separater perfect, no significant vibration.  Is this what your diagnosis would be?

I plan to change out the pump on Friday, and thought I would ask if I there is anything else I should check?

Here is my setup

Thank you

[Noah]

Caveat: I am NOT a mechanic. One thing to check. There is a small cleanable filter inside most Facet pumps. Probably not your issue but... Another random thing, but again may not be your issue; have you checked to see if you have a screen on the pick-up tube in your fuel tank.? If there is, remove it.

[Craig Illman]

Wack the side of the pump with a wrench. On my first trip, ten years ago, with my 1990 C30, my original pump failed. I thought I'd run out of fuel. Luckily, I'd already had purchased towing insurance. Anyway, after a lot of testing I just replaced it and never had a further problem. The "whack" would keep it running about five minutes.

[scgunner]

Rich,

Fuel pumps are cheap, replace it.

[rjabara]

Well, fuel pump replaced but did not resolve the problem.  It seems like the pump is maybe trying to suck fuel but nothing coming in and that is why it is making that strange noise.  However when cracking the secondary fuel filter I was getting diesel coming out so at least some fuel is getting to the filter.

If any other thoughts, I'll take them.  Thank you.

[Noah]

Did you check for a screen on the fuel tank pick-up tube?

[Jim Hardesty]

If any other thoughts, I'll take them

Here's one you probably don't want to hear.  Just because you just changed your filters does not mean they are not dirty again.  If your fuel is dirty, they may need more changes. 
Did you replace the old filters with a lower micron filter?
Jim

[scgunner]

Rich,

Well obviously the next step is to find out where the restriction is, it's somewhere between the fuel tank and the pump. I'd start with the tank and work your way forward, it's likely the problem either dirty fuel or fouled pickup. Well at least now you've got a spare fuel pump.

[rjabara]

Thanks, I will check the pickup this weekend.  The filter change was identical to the last, and new fuel (due to brand new tank) was 2 seasons ago. 

Appreciate your help.

Rich

[Kyle Ewing]

Try bypassing the filter and pumping a couple of gallons of fuel into another container to check flow and contaminants. 

[Ron Hill]

Rich : From your Hull # /production year you could (originally had) have a screen in the end of the fuel pickup tube.
Easy to check - remove the Beckson port in the port side cockpit locker. This gives you access to the top of the fuel tank and the fuel pickup. Take the screws out of the pickup assembly and lift it up thur the Beckson hole and look at the end of the pickup hose. If you have a fine metal screen - remove it. Then replace thee pickup tube back in the tank.

A few thoughts

[rjabara]

I will check, but I bought (gulp) and installed a new tank from Catalina Direct 2 seasons ago due to a tank leak.  I cannot recall if the pickup is new with the new unit or I used the old pickup.  I don't recall reusing the old one. 

[Ron Hill]

Rich : Usually a new tank does NOT come with a pickup tube assembly.

A thought

[rjabara]

Update, the pickup tube looked fine, no screen, and I was able to blow through with no resistance. Fuel level checked manually and confirmed 3/4 ish full.  I then took off the racor that I just replaced 2 weeks ago and it seemed overly flooded with fuel, not the usual amount that comes out when I change the filter.  I couldn't unscrew the water separator bowl so I couldn't replace it yet but I will try that next.  What are the chances that it is backing up at the secondary filter and not getting through to the engine, with fuel being pushed back to the primary?  I'll try Kyle's advice and see if I can get a clean stream into another container at the secondary filter.

[rjabara]

Also, no extension hose on my pickup.  Do I need this?