Always Investigate an Alarm

Headed away from the dock on Friday, 30 mins out and low fuel pressure on port side. Not an alarm, just an out of range, least severe warning. Since we were close, went back to the dock and replaced Racors and final filter, issue resolved. While changing filters I noticed my freshwater pump cycling but was pre-occupied and forgot to check it out. Headed out to Halibut grounds and about 5 hours after leaving the dock and sitting on the hook my STBD ZF engine control alarms (engines not running) and drops control. I reset it and all seemed well. 30 mins later it does same thing. I go to engine room to shut it down and do hard reset. While there I hear water pump cycling. I check water tank level and I’ve lost over 2/3 tank. Water is in my C/L bilge but can’t see leak, looks like water coming from behind water heater which is an ugly place to access. So I secure pump and just turn pump on/off when needed and conserve water. Head to our overnight mooring spot, no issues with ZF controls while underway. Next afternoon we decide to head back to town. Wind comes up and I’m in 3’-4’wind waves and suddenly STBD engine control drops out and I’ve got Port only - ugh!. Reset it and start again, 2 mins later same thing, STBD drops. Fortunately I was close to the channel where water got better and only an hour from my slip running on Port only. Like a dumbass, when we got to the slip I decided to mess with stuff the next day so filled the water tank so everyone could shower and get cleaned up. Turned water pump off for the night. Next morning I start searching for source of leak in earnest. Had my son climb down into the bilge to see if he can see behind water heater and where water is coming from. “Hey dad, it looks like water is coming out of this hole where a pipe runs through to the STBD side. Start opening hatches and accesses working my way STBD. On the farthest outboard access panel under the VIP berth I’ve got water everywhere, absolutely soaked. And, of course, guess what is located here? Yep, my ZF engine control head units and they are drenched. Mother F—-er!!

I find the leak which is a busted fitting in the original potable plumbing. Fortunately that line goes to a previously removed feed for an ice machine so easy enough to put a valve and a cap and fix the leak. Now I’m wondering if I ruined my ZF head units. I pull all the Deutch plugs out of the head unit and they all have water in them. I use a shop vac and suck the water out of all the plugs and receptacles. Out comes the portable heater and fan. Four hours later all seems dry so I get up the nerve to plug everything back in and power up the controls. It’s my lucky day and all working as it should.

The moral of my long story is to always check equipment when something isn’t right. If I would have simply looked at my ZF system when it alarmed I would have found my water leak, fixed it before hundreds more gallons of water was sprayed everywhere and likely not dealt with the stress of losing an engine while underway. I got very lucky this time and will head my lesson next time I get an alarm!

And I plan to add some type of spray shield or wrap the fittings in this area to prevent a reoccurrence should a fitting fail again in this area.

Depends on what you consider Barn Doors. Our biggest Butts this year so far are 141 and 115. And 6 in the 75#+ range. We typically don’t keep them if they are 100# or larger.

very large Halibut are old females. They are egg laying factories. And the meat tends to get mealy or grainy and can be wormy. The best quality meat tend to be in the 15-25 # range but usually still good up to 75-80# range.

Good points CR. No chlorine in the water but prudence is still the best path. I’ll do some additional work and monitor closely. May be some Corrosion Block spray? I think I’ll contact my ZF rep and see what they suggest.

I talked to CAT today regarding the low fuel pressure alarm. Even though it cleared with new filters they say the fuel pressure reading at idle of 59 psi on STBD engine is too low. Other engine is 75 psi at idle. They recommend replacing the fuel return/check valve and feel it may be stuck open a bit. They said the engines shouldn't dip below 75 psi. Surprisingly it is a low dollar part. I'll replace it on my next trip.

Should be, I asked them that question and awaiting reply to that. I have the 5 year Platinum package so should be covered. But the part is only like $50 so I'm not too concerned. Mainly want to make sure I don't void anything by doing the work without a CAT Tech. I don't want to fly a guy up just to replace that little part.

Talked to a ZF Tech today. He did not recommend any corrosion block or further action other than to monitor the plugs. He said the head units themselves are sealed very well so no water would get in there which confirms what I have seen. As for the plugs and receptacles, given it was fresh water he said unlikely I will have any issues and simply recommended I inspect them occasionally for any sign of corrosion but doubtful that will happen. Whew!