Wondering if others have the same or similar problems. We race our J30 (do pretty well), hull number 424. Our problem is that after a heavy air race, or any time when we are in heavy air and choppy seas, meaning really bouncing around big time, our engine chokes out. We are getting air in the system somehow after heavy weather. If we're sailing and go to use the engine, the engine starts then quits in about 10-15 minutes. Or if it is running and we really starts bouncing, it will quit. The only thing that gets us going again is bleeding the engine. We have done all the "right stuff" changed filters, cleaned the fuel, etc. Doesn't help. This does not happen all the time - only in strong wind (25 plus), solid choppy sea, or when we've been racing and had to bury the rail a lot because of weather. I know, drop the traveler, we do, and we're reefed, etc. The issue is that it can be dangerous when we have to rely on the engine in heavy seas in an anchorage.

Anyone else have this problem? We are wondering if somehow the fuel pick up is floating or something in the design system. This does not happen unless heavy weather. It happens even with full fuel tank, clean fuel and clean filters. To get going again takes bleeding the system several times at the fuel pump and at the high pressure fuel lines.

All thoughts, others experiences, graciously solicited. We like the boat and want to keep it, and because we race a lot and use it in heavy weather, we need to find a solution.

Thank you, Greggus Yahr, "C-C-Courage", hull 424, Falmouth, Maine.

We had a similar problem on Mondial. The mechanic said that Yanmar had a problem in the way the fuel return lines were routed. He changed the plumbing so that it returned the unused diesel fuel to a "T" fitting about half-way between the fuel tank and the engine. This cured the problem. It didn't make sense to me at the time ... and still doesn't but it did work.