runs on 1 tank but not off the other

[deercat]

have got two plastic 6 gal. tanks. Runs fine on one tank but if switched over will not run at all. The primer bulb doesn't seem to get firm when switched to other tank. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: runs on 1 tank but not off the other

These tanks have a pickup tube that goes to the bottom of the tank, make sure it's intact and extends to the bottom.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: runs on 1 tank but not off the other

The pickup tube can be plugged also.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: runs on 1 tank but not off the other

Drain the tank completely and look carefully inside. There is a fair chance you will find plastic debris from the manufacturing process. This debris gets sucked onto the screen at the end of the tube or if there is no screen it can get sucked into the tube and clog the outlet fitting and work its way into the primer bulb. I experienced this on my own boat some years ago and I began looking into brand new tanks at various stores. To my surprise many of them had a significant amount of this stuff in them.

This is an example of similar debris found in one of my red plastic gas containers. This same material is found in outboard fuel tanks.

 

[deercat]

Re: runs on 1 tank but not off the other

It was the pick-up tube. It looked more like tubing to me. Will regular fuel hose at an auto parts store work for this? Thanks:

 

[Silvertip]

Re: runs on 1 tank but not off the other

If you can securely attach it, sure it will work.