[C320-list] Perkins M30 Engine Fuel Injectors

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Hi Everyone-
I don't have a "problem" with my 1993/4 Perkins M30 injectors but suspect they should be replaced or serviced. I have never done anything with them since buying our boat in 2017 and don't know the history before me regarding them. I always add Diesel Kleen with new fuel which I understand helps keep injectors clean.  However, I replaced my engine mounts this past year and aligned my shaft which reduced some engine vibration. Then I "pegged" my throttle and eventually got some smoke (black) at the highest speed which makes me wonder about my injectors. Normally I run at about 2500 rpm and get +6 knots easily, so I don't push it harder.
I know I can remove and get my existing injectors checked/serviced locally.  It is possible I could get away with a low service cost that way (but also could get hit with parts costs). Parts4Engines in United Kingdom offers complete new injectors at $81 each https://parts4engines.com/en-us/collections/perkins-perama-m30-parts/products/perkins-m30-injector   or just a replacement nozzle at $77 each https://parts4engines.com/en-us/collections/perkins-perama-m30-parts/products/perkins-perama-m30-injector-nozzle   They say that the nozzle is the only wearing component so replacing only it can reduce cost.  However, the nozzle alone used to be priced a good bit less, so the difference now doesn't seem to make sense (seems like I should buy the full nozzles instead (only $12 more for 3 injectors). 
Does anyone have direct experience replacing M30 injectors themselves ..... any advice about the way to go????
Thanks, Dave Hupe  1994 C320 #32
Holland, MI

[Dan Winsor via C320-list]

Hi Dave, just did it last fall. Straight up ez, just use two wrenches on
fuel connections. Bought the 3 pack of Perkins label injectors. Started
right up but ill have to tell you next summer.
One of the very few boat jobs that took less time than expected and left me
whistling.

[Bill Culbertson via C320-list]

Catalina Associations have always been independent but loosely connected to Catalina Yachts.  We have been supported and encouraged by Catalina Yachts.  But now in the aftermath of Michael Reardon's carnage, this loose connection is more important than ever.  
Our C320 Association remains strong, independent, and thriving, We have no intention of changing that.  
Bill CulbertsonC320IA Secretary/TreasurerHarmony #859

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Excellent!  A great thing.....
Dave Hupe
1994 C320 #33

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 5:03 PM, Bill Culbertson via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:   Catalina Associations have always been independent but loosely connected to Catalina Yachts.  We have been supported and encouraged by Catalina Yachts.  But now in the aftermath of Michael Reardon's carnage, this loose connection is more important than ever.  

[John Cheek via C320-list]

Most excellent!!

[jason reynolds via C320-list]

I replaced my injectors last spring and agree with Dan very easy to do. My wife and I noticed immediately then engine ran more smoothly. Prior to replacing, I did consider having them serviced, but figured new was better and the cost was not prohibitive.

Jason
1994 c320 #68

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Dan Winsor via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 4:40:38 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: Dan Winsor <dandw...@gmail.com>; c320-...@lists.catalina320.com <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Perkins M30 Engine Fuel Injectors

[Bob Borelli via C320-list]

Very encouraging comments! My plan also to purchase injectors from Parts4Engines & install this spring.
After I get my boat back in the water & M30 started after the winter layup.
Question - bleeding new injectors after installation.
I am thinking just crack one injector at a time & hand pump the fuel pump handle till no bubbles, just fuel.
Then repeat? How did you bleed the new injectors?

Once I tried a hand held remote starter to turn over the engine to bleed fuel but could not attach alligator clips to the starter motor solenoid.
Not enough room for both clips on solenoid studs. So attached one to the battery, one to the solenoid but did not work.

Bob Borelli 1995 no. 209 & Perkins M30 on the hard at Worton Creek Marina.
I have to slide ontop of the ice to get back to the boat! And chopped thru ice & snow to plant my 6' ladder to get onboard.
________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of jason reynolds via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 10:33 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: jason reynolds <jer...@hotmail.com>

> https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fparts4engines.com%2Fen-us%2Fcollections%2Fperkins-perama-m30-parts%2Fproducts%2Fperkins-m30-injector&data=05%7C02%7C%7C8920162fa9bb43a0bb6008de6467a009%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639058593391465273%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=57DJuoAaLW6VNMI64DtlQIinJFP0unzkRImawYgjSwY%3D&reserved=0<https://parts4engines.com/en-us/collections/perkins-perama-m30-parts/products/perkins-m30-injector>

> or just a replacement nozzle at $77 each

> https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fparts4engines.com%2Fen-us%2Fcollections%2Fperkins-perama-m30-parts%2Fproducts%2Fperkins-perama-m30-injector-nozzle&data=05%7C02%7C%7C8920162fa9bb43a0bb6008de6467a009%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639058593391493103%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9JgvWWa1HdH2qz%2F4AvGGWARnAsT1I7AR1DmDCTQq%2BiQ%3D&reserved=0<https://parts4engines.com/en-us/collections/perkins-perama-m30-parts/products/perkins-perama-m30-injector-nozzle>

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

Bob,

To bleed the high pressure side of the fuel system (injector pump and
injectors) you need to crank the engine. The lift pump only supplies fuel
to the low pressure side of the injector pump. .

You are correct that you should loosen the fuel line at each injector (one
at a time). Crank the engine over until you don't see any bubbles coming out
- just fuel - and ideally tighten the fuel line while you are still
cranking. I'm not sure it matters, but I started with the injector closest
to the injector pump and finished with the furthest one.

When I replaced my alternator a few years ago, I added short pigtails to the
positive terminal of the alternator and the ignition switch terminal on the
solenoid. They end in insulated push-on connectors, and I connect a
temporary switch to those pigtails when I want to be able to crank the
engine from below decks. You could probably do the same with alligator
clips on the same terminals.

Be sure to pull the kill handle in the cockpit so the engine doesn't try to
start on the other two cylinders. And close the raw water intake seacock,
so you don't fill the muffler and risk water backing up into the engine.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA

[Bob Borelli via C320-list]

Thank you Mark!
________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Mark Seyler via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 5, 2026 1:03 PM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Cc: mse...@cox.net <mse...@cox.net>

> https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fparts%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ce42407dc932f4c23ce0208de64e0f6b1%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639059114555366623%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=eB1U2mh3moX24fuDqxmlNGSoTeoyp2UI7JHUdHsQRfw%3D&reserved=0<https://parts/>

> 4engines.com%2Fen-us%2Fcollections%2Fperkins-perama-m30-parts%2Fproduc
> ts%2Fperkins-m30-injector&data=05%7C02%7C%7C8920162fa9bb43a0bb6008de64
> 67a009%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639058593391465273
> %7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsI
> lAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=57D
> JuoAaLW6VNMI64DtlQIinJFP0unzkRImawYgjSwY%3D&reserved=0<https://parts4e
> ngines.com/en-us/collections/perkins-perama-m30-parts/products/perkins
> -m30-injector> or just a replacement nozzle at $77 each

> https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fparts%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ce42407dc932f4c23ce0208de64e0f6b1%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639059114555403871%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=6oIlx5zO9qimy3bdKJdLvPFfOQ97k3oGsnHD2Q1UVf4%3D&reserved=0<https://parts/>

> 4engines.com%2Fen-us%2Fcollections%2Fperkins-perama-m30-parts%2Fproduc
> ts%2Fperkins-perama-m30-injector-nozzle&data=05%7C02%7C%7C8920162fa9bb
> 43a0bb6008de6467a009%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6390
> 58593391493103%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiI
> wLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7
> C%7C&sdata=9JgvWWa1HdH2qz%2F4AvGGWARnAsT1I7AR1DmDCTQq%2BiQ%3D&reserved

> =0<https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fparts4engines.com%2Fen-us%2Fcollections%2Fperkins-perama-m30-part&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ce42407dc932f4c23ce0208de64e0f6b1%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639059114555433785%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Hw9YUQ9CERCxXjsnWzHLodtNxhNpsIcUrxB3Ena7eGw%3D&reserved=0

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Mark-
For bleeding the injectors you say "pull the kill handle in the cockpit so the engine doesn't try tostart on the other two cylinders". Am I understanding wrong but if you kill the handle doesn't that stop fuel flow? Thus, you can't bleed.  Please clarify.  
Thanks,Dave Hupe
1994 C320 #32

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

Dave,

You make a good point. I was recalling how I bled the system after I had my injectors rebuilt in 2018. But I think I must have been mistaken in thinking I pulled the kill handle. I'm not sure why the engine didn't start by the time I finished bleeding the 2nd injector. Perhaps because I was cranking without engaging the glow plugs? In any event, I agree that the kill handle shouldn't be pulled.

Sorry to have accidentally given bad information, and thanks for the correction!

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

I understood your cautionary note, but it didn't make sense.  I wonder if bleeding the injectors isn't necessary ..... does the high pressure pump feed it quickly to make it unnecessary?
Thanks, Dave

[surprise thompson87.com via C320-list]

I don’t have a Perkins but do they have cylinder valves that prevent cylinders from pressurizing while you crank? Opening those would prevent starting.

> On Feb 5, 2026, at 4:14 PM, Mark Seyler via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Dave,

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

No....Perkins engines do not have the compression valves (like Yanmar).

Dave Hupe
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Sun, Feb 8, 2026 at 8:22 AM, surprise thompson87.com via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: I don’t have a Perkins but do they have cylinder valves that prevent cylinders from pressurizing while you crank?  Opening those would prevent starting.