Using primer to keep engine idling

[jenoble01]

Issue started with defective primer bulb, replaced bulb which was then being sucked flat, disassembled and cleaned fuel intake, primer bulb no longer sucking flat. The only thing I noticed yesterday was the engine didn't want to idle very well after being out for a couple of hours. While idling through a no wake zone the idle slowly started tapering off and the engine died. It restarted after a couple of times and then when it started to repeat this I bumped the primer a couple of times, it would idle back up and be ok for a few more minutes. Once I reached an unlimited speed zone it took right off with no hesitation. This is what led me to the primer bulb originally, however it was much much better this time. I could at least get it to run. I'm leaning towards a carb cleaning, or a little bit of left over air from having the fuel system opened up. Any input?

 

[rwash91]

Re: Using primer to keep engine idling

If you had enough crud in the tank to plug up the fuel line inlet screen,I wonder how much made it to the fuel pump screen?? I would look there and check the carbs for restrictions or crud! Good luck

 

[LORDY611]

Re: Using primer to keep engine idling

If you had enough crud in the tank to plug up the fuel line inlet screen,I wonder how much made it to the fuel pump screen?? I would look there and check the carbs for restrictions or crud! Good luck

Would the gasket for the screen be reusable?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Using primer to keep engine idling

Would the gasket for the filter screen be reusable?

Yes, it would. Sounds like you may be running a bit lean at idle. Don't know what engine you have, but if it has low speed mixture screws, you may want to turn them out 1/4 turn and see if this helps...

 

[jenoble01]

Re: Using primer to keep engine idling

It's a '96 225, I thought about bumping up the idle a little bit. It idles at about 1000 RPMS on muffs, but you put it in the water and under load and they drop, however I don't know what they drop to right off hand as I didn't think to look at the tach. I know it drops down to about 800 RPMS and then ends up stalling out.