Gabriele D

Hello everyone, I'd like to share an issue I recently experienced on my 2006 Bavaria Cruiser 37 equipped with a Volvo Penta D1-30 and SD130 saildrive. The engine has approximately 2,600 operating hours, and I hope this information may help someone facing similar symptoms. While motoring at a steady 1,500 RPM (I have an Autoprop propeller), the engine suddenly started losing RPM and eventually stalled. After restarting, it would no longer idle properly and was unable to maintain its normal idle speed of around 900 RPM in neutral. Interestingly, no engine alarms or warning lights were triggered. At the beginning of the winter lay-up, I had performed the annual service, including changing the engine oil, the oil filter, and the fuel filter. The fuel tank was also completely full, so contaminated fuel did not seem to be an obvious cause. Once back in the marina, I started with the usual checks. I replaced both the Volvo fuel filter and the Racor pre-filter, and I inspected the diesel for microbial contamination. The fuel was clean, with no sign of algae or debris. Both filters were also surprisingly clean. However, while replacing the engine fuel filter, I noticed that it was only about half full of diesel. This suggested that the fuel supply to the filter was insufficient, leading me to suspect the mechanical fuel lift pump. Fortunately, I had a spare fuel pump on board, so I replaced it. Afterwards, I disassembled the original pump out of curiosity and discovered something I had never noticed before: inside the pump, beneath the small cap on the top, there is a small serviceable mesh filter. This internal filter was almost completely blocked by algae and microbial deposits. After installing the spare pump (#79109#), the engine immediately returned to normal operation. It now idles perfectly and runs smoothly throughout the RPM range. Lesson learned: even if the primary fuel filter and the Racor filter are perfectly clean, don't forget that the mechanical fuel lift pump itself contains a small internal filter that can become clogged. It is easy to overlook because it is not part of the normal service routine, but it can seriously restrict the fuel supply. From now on, I will inspect and clean this small filter during every annual service. I hope this experience helps other Bavaria and Volvo Penta owners. Has anyone else come across the same issue?

Hi, in my case the issue was simply that the nut that tightens the steering wheel kept coming loose . I solved it by applying a good threadloked, and it hasn't moved since.