15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

debnal

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Mar 26, 2006
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I have an early '80s 15HP Chrysler that is in like new condition. It starts and runs great but after a couple minutes starts to stall and wants to kill. If I squeeze the bulb it will perk up and keep running. So, I can keep it running by squeezing the bulb every minute or so when it starts to stall otherwise it will quit. Tank vent is open. I replaced the entire fuel line/bulb/connectors but it still does the same. A friend had this exact same problem on an old Merc. He traded it it, I want to fix mine.<br />Any Ideas?
 

roscoe

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Oct 30, 2002
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21,752
Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

Welcome to iboats debnal.<br /><br />Sounds like the diaphrams have failed in the fuel pump.<br />By squeezing the bulb, you have become a fuel pump. :) <br /><br />A rebuild kit is available from any Mercury dealer, for about $17.<br />I believe the part number is FK10123, but have them check.<br /><br /><br />Aftermarket kit from any NAPA parts store should be part #18-7805, for about $8.<br /><br />Pretty simple to do. Remove a few screws, replace a couple gaskets, and the diaphram.<br /><br />If that doesn't fix it, then the float/neddle valve in the carburator is not opening. Repair kit for the carb is available from the same sources.<br /><br />Then when you get it running, you are invited to show us your handywork out on the water, click here.<br /><br />Basically, a bunch of us are getting together to go boating.<br />About 25 of us so far.<br /><br />Keep us posted on your progress with the motor.
 

debnal

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Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

THANK-YOU very much, roscoe!<br />I will try your suggestion and let you know what happens. <br />The Eau Pleine get together sounds interesting too, I have good buddy with a house on that lake.
 

ztim

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Mar 19, 2004
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Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

I went to the NAPA web site and typed in key words such as diaphragm, outboard motor, outboard gaskets, etc. Where at NAPA do you look it up? I think I may have a simular problem with my 6hp Chrysler.
 

debnal

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Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

I took apart the fuel pump(3 screws) and everything inside looks fine. Then followed the fuel lines looking for problems and found that the o-ring on the nipple where the tank hose connects to the engine was displaced. It was cracked and slid out of place further up the nipple. I think the engine may have been sucking air through there. I'm planning to replace it and try the motor again before I do anything else(as soon as the ice gets off the lake).
 

eurolarva

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Jun 24, 2003
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4,182
Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

Debnal that is a common problem and a good find on your part. As you said that can cause air to suck in and make the motor run lean and by you pumping it allows more gas. Good Find!!!<br /><br />ZTIM04 you will need to go to NAPA and ask to see their marine catalog. I have never seen an online version of it. The catalog has to be about 800 pages and has tons of stuff
 

ztim

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Mar 19, 2004
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Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

Thanks eurolarva. I will do that in the morning.
 

roscoe

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Oct 30, 2002
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Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

I had emailed NAPA last year, response was that the marine products are not online, and no plan to put them online.
 

ztim

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Mar 19, 2004
Messages
421
Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

I went to NAPA today, asked for the catalog, and was given a skinny thing from 2002. I told them about the online thing and they said they were only a privatly owned NAPA and couldn't do anything about it.<br /><br />I told them that no, all I wanted to do was see the book not have them put it online. Last time I go see those Bozos.
 

roscoe

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Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

The copy they gave me was their "old" store copy, copyright 2002, 608 pages. ?
 

debnal

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Re: 15HP Won't keep running w/o Bulb Squeeze

I searched several places for the o-ring and could not get the exact one but got one that is just a little thicker and it seems to fit fine. <br />I also did notice, after seeing the entire male connector on the shelf, that the o-ring really was in the right position(all the way up the nipple). <br />I slipped on the new one, started up the motor and she is running fine. The air sucking problem seems to have gone away!<br />MANY THANKS to all of you for the advice!
 
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