7.6.3 Fuel system maintenance

Fuel tank:

Bleeding
The tank is equipped with a flametrap vent and with a visual check of the fuel level. The gauge includes a lower valve to be operated in order to display the real level in the engine room. The geometric shape of the tank allows the decantation of possible impurities or water in the fuel. For the drainage of water and possible impurities embarked with fuel, it is necessary to wait for some hours after refuelling, so that the suspended particles have enough time to settle down.
Drain through the opening of drainage valve located on the flange. To this aim take off the blanking plug from the valve, open the valve slowly and let the water and the deposits drain into a container, until only clean fuel comes out. After the operation close the valve, disconnect the hose and reinsert the plug. In addition to the venting valve, the fuel supply valves for the engines and generators are also installed on the flange.
During the long periods of inactivity of the yacht, when the tank is empty, we suggest to open the flange and to remove the fuel deposits embarked during refuelling.

WARNING

The bleeding of tank is a special operation, that has therefore to be carried out by specialized personnel. Contact the RIVA Service Department to receive suitable help.

WARNING

During the tank inner cleaning, it is a good norm, to ventilate the room for a long time with the help of fans and to wear all necessary protections, to avoid injuries caused by gas fumes.
During the flange assembly, make sure that the screws are correctly and uniformly tight, in order to prevent leaks of fumes and fuel.
Furthermore, check the condition of the O-ring.
These are extraordinary maintenance operations. Contact RIVA SERVICE in advance.

CAUTION

The draining should never be conveyed to the bilge. If the drained substances fall into the bilge, stop the bilge pumps immediately.

CAUTION

The bleeding procedure should be carried out every two or three refuelling operations.

ENVIRONMENT

Handle water mixed with fuel and dispose of it according to the rules in force. Use only authorized disposal procedures; in case of doubt, refer to the Port Authorities.

CAUTION

We advise to drain and clean the tank periodically, at least once a year.
Please remember that re-used fuel must be filtered.

WARNING

The bilges of the engine room must always be kept clean, so that fuel or oil leaks or penetrations from the engines or the generator can be easily noticed. If leaks are noticed, it is necessary to stop the engines and to let them cool and only afterward, if possible, repair the leak.
Finally clean the bilges.

ENVIRONMENT

It is forbidden to discharge bilge water mixed with oil or fuel into the sea, as it can cause serious pollution. Periodically check the level of possible oily waters inside the collection tanks under the engines; should the level be next to overflowing into the bilge, disconnect the magneto-thermal of pumps of the bilge suction system, to prevent accidental spilling, until the bilge is empty, in compliance with current legislation for environmental protection. During the maintenance operation in the engine room, it is compulsory to disconnect the magneto-thermal of the bilge pumps suction system, avoiding in this way accidental spills.

Fuel flow stopper:

Fuel checks and cleaning
Regularly check for the air outlet valve and clean the screen if necessary.
At least each season begin and end carry out the following checks:

• Check for the anti-splash sleeve and replace if necessary;
• Check that pipes and connections are not leaking and install new pipes and/or clamps if necessary.
  

CAUTION

First place the filling nozzle as deep as possible into the filling pipe (through the rubber of the anti-splash sleeve), then use the nozzle to fill the tank.

ENVIRONMENT

Fuel is harmful to the environment. Prevent any spilling.
Keep oil absorbent rags within reach as a precaution!

Water/fuel separator filters for engines:

Maintenance and check

Purge frequency or the replacement of the filter element are determined by the contamination level of the fuel.

Water drain from collection tank

Check or drain the water collection tank daily.
The collecting tank must be drained before polluting agents reach the turbine end.

WARNING

If the engine has to carry on running, select the filter to be left in line and carry out maintenance on the other one.
This operation is a good procedure even if the engine is not running.

• After having placed a capacious collection container underneath it, open the drain to discharge containments.
• Remove the cover and fill with clean fuel.
• Close the cover and tighten the T-handle firmly by hand.
  

Replacement of filter element

Replace the element according to the time intervals recommended by the Manufacturer or if a power lack is noticed, which indicates namely that the element is clogged.
The current value varies according to the different fuel systems. Also extra elements like a tank too full or fuel excessively polluted can clog the filter.

• Remove the cover.
• Remove the element by holding the handle and by pulling lightly forward with a twisting movement.
• Insert a new filter having the same filtering features of the one replaced.
• Check and, if necessary, replace the filter cover gasket. Apply a layer of clean fuel or engine oil on the seal before reinstalling it, insert the new element with a slow twisting movement downwards.
• Fill with clean fuel, then replace the cover. Tighten the T-handle manually.
• Start the engine and ensure there are no leaks. Repair any leaks with engine shut off.

Troubleshooting procedure

The main reason for a poor start-up or lack of power is the result of a clogged filter or of an air leak in the fuel system. If the device does not prime or does not hold the idle run, or air bubbles are visible through the check glass, first of all check the cover by means of the T-handle and vent it, if it had not been closed properly. Then check all connections and lines and make sure that no fuel line is clogged with contaminants. If the fuel tank is equipped with an incorporated filter, check for its possible clogging. If the problem persists and the filter element is new, address to Dealer.

CAUTION

The separators have to be checked at regular intervals as suggested by manufacturer, so as not to impair the engines operation.

Water/fuel separator filters for generators:

Maintenance and water drain from collection tank
For maintenance of the generator filter, replacement of the filter part and the troubleshooting process, please refer to the procedure for the main engine filters in the previous chapter.