Beta Bv1305, about 4600hrs on the clock. Last filled up full with diesel at Middlewich a week ago with the usual dose of Fuelset, and since then worked up to Bugsworth without incident. Day off yesterday, ran the engine for an hour for hot water, all still OK.
Set off this morning and after about a mile the engine appeared to labour briefly and then stalled as though the prop was fouled. Restarted straight away on the key, quick burst of reverse and away. Same thing, so pulled over for a weed hatch moment. Prop clear, shaft turns freely. Must have shed whatever it was…
Set off again, same thing. Engine starts fine every time but as soon as “anything is asked of it” it labours and stalls. No noticeable smoke. Restarts fine. Pull over for a think…. Check plenty of fuel, air filter is clear, so change the fuel filter (last changed 150 hours ago, recommended interval 600 hours, but usually done every 200 alongside the oil filter). Start up and away we go, no issues on a 9 hour run all the way to Macc.
So, presumably a fuel starvation issue of some sort? The fuel out of the filter was clear and bright, no sign of water, no sign of black bug slime or other detritus. Filter appears clean, although I haven’t hacked it open yet for a good look. I don’t have the wherewithal with me to investigate the bottom of the tank, but I’ve given it a good slug of Marine 16 and am hoping for the best.
What does the team think? Early diesel bug outbreak? Tank crud?