Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

[Jim In Tampa]

I have a 115 HP Seahorse motor on my WellCraft. The boat runs fine unless I run it for any length of time at 3/4 or higher throttle. After I run it fast the engine starts to quit and the primer ball collapses. If it dies completely I have to either wait for the ball to reinflate or switch between tanks a couple times. Once the ball reinflates it is okay for a few minutes then starts the same process all over. I have changed out the primer ball and even opened up the fuel tank filler cap to eliminate the problem.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

You are looking in the right places. Check for crud on the screen of the pick-up tube in the gas tank. Eliminate the screen & go with a water seperator/fuel filter.

 

[Jim In Tampa]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

SoLIttle thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately I have already installed a new water seperstor filter and removed the screen. I have even replaced all of the fuel lines.<br />What is the possibility that the fuel pump is not pumping enough fuel and the float bowls are runnig out of fuel?

 

[jlehan]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

i wouldnt think that the fuel pump is dying if the primer bulb is getting sucked down to the point of collapse, if your lines are new and the screen is clean, maybe a check valve in the primer bulb is not opening when it is needed. or possiable a check valve in the tank it self<br />but as i said i dought it is your fuel pump cause if your primer bulb is collapsing then u hve alot of suction<br />my 2 cents

 

[Jim In Tampa]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

Thanks for your help. I guess I will start over and check out all the lines, filter, and pick up.<br />Jim In Tampa

 

[alcan]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

Hi Jim<br />Are you using built in tanks or portables? Did you install the new bulb in the correct direction? Does opening the fill cap rememdy the problem? It sounds to me like a tank venting problem. If you have built in tanks check the anti-siphon valve.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

If the primer ball is collapsing, there is a restriction on the fuel tank side of the fuel bulb, starting with the check valve on the fuel tank side of the fuel bulb.<br />Check the:<br />1. fuel bulb check valve and the bulb orientation<br />2. fuel line for kinks<br />3. anti siphon valve at the tank<br />4. any fuel filters between bulb and tank<br />5. fuel pickup and/or screen in the tank<br />6. tank venting system<br /><br />Its gotta be one of these.<br /><br />Jim in St. Pete

 

[MDeVito]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

Could also have debris in your fuel tank causing an intermittent clog. I had the very same problem and the easiest way I found to solve it was to put an inline fuel filter right out of the tank before your water seperator and just clean the filter on a regular basis. Eventually the debris will all be picked up and caught in your filter. Hope this helps.

 

[rboat99]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

Jim, all of these suggestions are very good ones, but the easiest way to diagnose your problem is to purchase a small 3 or 6 gallon portable tank, and a cheap fuel line assembly (with primer bulb) and connect it directly to the inlet of your fuel pump. This will quickly tell you if your problem is in the pump or carbs, or if it is in your lines/fuel tanks. You can then work your way back and start eliminating compenents.

 

[rboat99]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

Just to let you know.<br /><br />You can get all of this for under $20 from Wal-mart.<br /><br />Also, in case you have a VRO system and you are not used to premixing, don't forget to add oil to your fuel if you use the portable tank. Not sure about your engine but from what I've read, most OMC/Johnson/Evinrudes seem to be a 50:1 mixture.<br /><br />Ralph from Tampa.

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Engine Dies(Lack of Fuel?)

Its starting to look like the Tampa Bay/St. Pete area is hogging this forum.