The Perkins 4.108 is a legendary marine diesel engine, but it is notoriously difficult to bleed once air has entered the high-pressure side—especially after an injection pump replacement. If your engine is cranking but refusing to fire, and you know you need a new stop solenoid, you are likely dealing with a combination of a “fuel shut-off” state and trapped air.
At Yes Centers, now located at our new facility at 1207 Marina Bay Drive, we specialize in the “old school” mechanical expertise required to get Perkins engines back in service for boaters in Kemah, Seabrook, and League City.
Why Your Perkins 4.108 Won’t Start After Pump Replacement
Replacing a CAV rotary injection pump on a Perkins 4.108 is a major task. If it won’t start now, there are three critical areas that usually need attention:
1. The Stop Solenoid (Fuel Shut-Off)
The stop solenoid on a Perkins 4.108 is the “gatekeeper” for fuel.
The Issue: If your solenoid is failing or not installed, the internal fuel rack remains in the “closed” position. No matter how much you bleed the system, fuel will never reach the injectors.
Our Solution: We can install and wire a new 12V fuel shut-off solenoid, ensuring it pulls the stop lever to the “run” position when the key is on. We also verify the manual stop cable is not binding, which is a common secondary issue.
2. The “Bear” of a Bleeding Process
The 4.108 is famous for having multiple bleed points that must be opened in a specific order. If you replaced the pump, you must bleed:
The Secondary Filter: On the engine block.
The Pump Body: There are two small 5/16″ bleed screws on the CAV pump itself (one on the side and one on the top governor housing).
The Injector Lines: Since the pump was replaced, you must crack the 5/8″ flare nuts at the injectors themselves and crank the engine until air-free fuel “spurts” out.
3. Injection Timing
When a new pump is installed, the timing marks on the pump flange must align perfectly with the engine’s timing gear. Even being off by a few degrees can cause a “no-start” or excessive smoke. We use precision tools to ensure your Perkins is timed correctly to its original factory specifications.
Expert Perkins Service in the Kemah Area
Don’t wear out your starter motor or drain your batteries trying to bleed a stubborn Perkins. Yes Centers provides expert mobile diesel service to all marinas within a 30-mile radius of Kemah, including Watergate, South Shore Harbour, and Texas City.
We have the experience to handle the nuances of these classic British diesels and can get your 4.108 running smoothly and reliably.
Visit our new location or call for dockside help:
Address: 1207 Marina Bay Drive, Kemah, TX 77565
Phone: +1 281-538-9377
Service Area: Kemah and every area within a 30-mile radius.
