Nasty Diesel Leak by Compass Marine How To

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Nasty Diesel Leak

#1 There is not a single fuel priming bulb I can find certified for BELOW DECK USE. This one was used to prime a Racor fuel filter after filter changes..

#2 It SPLIT and leaked nearly 75 gallons of fuel into the bilge.

#3 The boat still smells to this day......

#4 Please try to use sound best practices when installing below deck fuel systems..

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Siegfred		16-Oct-2018 01:25
To answer the previous comment, I agree that the split didn't occur just spontaneously. I think it's obvious that this type of rubber was never designed to withstand the mechanical dimpling effect of being manually compressed. The surface of this rubber bulb appears to be of a type that might have been in common use many years ago. Still, I feel very fortunate to have seen this, because I installed a squeeze bulb between the diesel tank and the primary filter assembly about 2 years ago. As a general rule, I prefer manual equipment over electrical if made well and rated for the application. So, I plan to replace with an electric fuel pump for convenience, but will keep my eyes open for a manual pump rated for diesel fuel, to use as a back up.

Capt. Ron		16-Nov-2013 02:59
Curious, as to what caused the split in the primer bulb?, abrasion ? , diesel fuel, and rubber de-lamination? Or what?