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Messages - Tad.beagley

#1
Looking for one in good condition. Email me at tad.e.beagley@ml.com or text 781-771-2547
#2
Main Message Board / Electronic Fuel Pump
September 07, 2018, 06:18:50 AM
First off, I want to say that a good deal of value i see in my 1988 tall rig wing keel is due to this organization, and the incredible amount of info provided, and expertise of members! :clap

This is my second year with the boat, and so far have been able to fix a broken gear shift cable, starter issues with new fuse, along with several other small fixes while getting it ready this past winter.

The day after I was reveling in my success of fixing the starter issue, I went to bring the boat in to the dock to bring a group out for a sail, and the starter turned over great....but the engine would not catch :0

After filling up the fuel (fuel gauge does not work, just keep filling it up. It's on the list) I switched out both the racor and fuel filter thinking that perhaps it was full of sediment or loosing suction from old o rings..still would not start. I then thought that perhaps the electronic fuel pump was broken (though I could still hear it pumping, thought perhaps the diaphragm broke internally) so I replaced it. I was about to buy a $140 replacement from Catalina Direct, with a $40 shipping fee when I read about the NAPA pump, which was available at my local store and for only $60!

I fitted the new pump on, and after some messing around ( loosening the fuel filter once, and loosening that valve by the fuel line located after it comes from the filter going into the heads) it started right up.

I let it run for 15 minutes because the batteries where low from cranking it over previously. Turned it off, and started it again just to make sure.

I promptly made myself a celebratory dark 'n stormy, congratulated myself one again for besting an issue with the guidance of this site, and not hiring a mechanic, and took my inflatable in feeling quite smug.

Then yesterday, I went to take a few others out for a sunset cruise, held my breath as I pushed in the glow plugs and relaxed as she quickly fired up. Then, about 8 seconds later it started sounding choked, and it stalled again... I tried the ignition 3 more times but it would not catch. I then cracked the filter to see if fuel was getting in there and it started running out. I checked that valve (which all I can think is meant to bleed the system) and it was shut tight. Not remembering how it was at first I loosened it a turn or 2. Tried the ignition again and it started right up.

I canceled my sail (weather looked bad anyway) due to my nerves, and fear of it stalling again on my way into the dock with me singlehanded at the wheel. But then let it run for about a half hour with no hiccups.

Hoping for some clarity and peace of mind from the experts here on what happened, and if there is some other issue I'm not thinking of:
    what is that valve and how should it be set?
      The pump seemed to be working great, but I could not believe the gravity feed when I disconnected old pump (on my list to put a fuel shutoff as suggested this winter) and after reading some posts that the electric pump is not always necessary when tank is full, I'm not 100% confident that was my issue.
        Pump seemed to be working, but seem a little warmer than I thought it should

        Sorry for the novel, but any thoughts/guidance would be much appreciated!

        Tad Beagley
        North Star
#3
Anyone know the specs on this? Hoping to pick an extra one up when I try to fix this tomorrow. Seems simple enough, but if anyone has unsure or tips that would be great!
#4
Thanks again! Heading down there at 3:00 am EST, I'm sure we will be talking soon!
#5
I'm joining my surveyor tomorrow for a pre-purchase on a 1988 Catalina  wing keel. It was finally hauled out for the survey, and the pic reviled the dreaded Catalina smile. I have read from several sources that one of the main issues with this crack is water getting to the wood plank and rotting it compromising the structure. I have also read in many places that the wood plank issue is a "pre-1988" issue. Hoping to get some clarification on two things:

1. are there any 1988 models that have the wood plank supporting the keel bolts, and if so is there any easy way to tell?
2. if there is not a wood plank, is there some other issue from this crack that would be a deal breaker?

Thanks for all the great info!
#6
Hope to get connected to someone, I know that everyone is well  booked but hoping someone has a good connection familiar with the Catalina 34s.
#7
Couple specific questions I have about the improvements that would need to be made:
All the running rigging needs to be replaced; anyone done this recently and have an idea of what it costs?
The bimini is fine, but the dodger needs to be replaced. Is that just the canvas that needs to be replaced, and what does that typically cost?
#8
Awesome information! The wiring on this boat was redone 2 years ago, and there is only 281 hours on the engine which is the original 25 hp diesel. There is a few cosmetic issues on the deck, but still feel like I'm getting a deal on this boat! Waiting the other shoe to drop still...
#9
Happy Friday All,

I'm looking at an 1988 tall rig with the wing keel in the northeast. I visited the boat last weekend, and I'm looking for a surveyor to do a survey when the boat gets hauled out in the next few weeks. I wanted to see if anyone had advice on what to look for? The one concern I have with the boat so far is the fact that it is stored in the water year round, and if there are any issues from blistering below the water line from this?

Hope this all works out, and I become a Catalina 34 owner in addition to a member of this group!!!!!

Tad Beagley