2004 Johnson 30 hp. bogs down with ethanol fuel

[imported_Chuck]

Early in the season my engine ran fine with last years left over fuel. Upon topping off the tank with the new ethanol fuel, the engine starts but contiues to stall out?
I've drained the tank and added K100 when I refilled with new ethanol gas. The engine idles fine until it warms up then stalls, it'll start then stall out after a few seconds. I installed a fuel/water separator to no avail. Any Suggestions????

 

[funpilot]

Re: 2004 Johnson 30 hp. bogs down with ethanol fuel

Ethanol will absorb a lot of water. Draining the fuel was good. Can you try a different fuel tank and hose system? The fuel lines sold in the past 20 years or so should be alchohol resistent, but more recently rubber quality has suffered. If your fuel system is the same year as your motor though (2004), I would tend to think it is the motor.

Sounds like your carbs are dirty, or contaminated, or your fuel pump has an issue.

 

[hunt-fish.com]

Re: 2004 Johnson 30 hp. bogs down with ethanol fuel

I agree with funpilot, having a small 3 gallon tank with a separate fuel line is great for troubleshooting the fuel, tank and lines prior to the engine.

I've read in this forum that the alcohol may actually dislodge some of the crud thus, you'll have to do the carbs. Search for ethanol.

John

 

[imported_Chuck]

Re: 2004 Johnson 30 hp. bogs down with ethanol fuel

Ethanol will absorb a lot of water. Draining the fuel was good. Can you try a different fuel tank and hose system? The fuel lines sold in the past 20 years or so should be alchohol resistent, but more recently rubber quality has suffered. If your fuel system is the same year as your motor though (2004), I would tend to think it is the motor.

Sounds like your carbs are dirty, or contaminated, or your fuel pump has an issue.

 

[imported_Chuck]

Re: 2004 Johnson 30 hp. bogs down with ethanol fuel

Thanks guys! I'll try the separate fuel tank.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2004 Johnson 30 hp. bogs down with ethanol fuel

Don't be in such a rush to blame E10 fuel. This a 2004 motor which is designed to run on the stuff. If the boat is also a 2004, there should be no crud to loosen. Ignore about half the E10 garbage you hear because most of it just that -- hearsay from unscrupulous shops who need a new reason to get into your wallet. It can be a problem in older boats, especially those with neglected fuel systems. Ethanol can also degrade some fuel system components in older engines. We in the midwest have used this stuff for years with no problem. Moisture can be a problem with very large tanks and with fiberglass tanks but these problems seem to be on large boats in coastal and great lakes waters.

 

[OBJ]

Re: 2004 Johnson 30 hp. bogs down with ethanol fuel

Gotta agree with Silvertip and I'd be looking at the engine instead of the fuel.

Couple things....have you tried hitting the choke when it wants to stall and see if it comes back or stalls faster?

If the engine comes back after hitting the choke, then you have a fuel supply problem. If it gets worse, most likey your getting to much fuel.

Also the ignition system can't be overlooked. Poor spark can also cause stalling. Checking compression is also a good idea even if it's only to rule out a bad hole.

A bad air leak in one of the fuel lines or the tank not venting good cannot be ruled out.

I believe the first thing I would check is the link and sync....make sure the cam follower roller is in good shape and is in line with the reference mark on the cam as the throttle plates begin to open.