Bringing it back to life...

[180shabah]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

BIG OOPS!!

I don't know why I thought you had an alpha. I may be a little off base here, but it still shouldn't be too difficult. Besides, even if you have to take a couple of weekends to do it, because of unforseen parts needs, it will still save you a few hundred dollars by doing it yourself.

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

OK, got the money pit out this weekend, and I am almost positive I have it figured out. First, it is a 3.0 OMC engine with the silver/grey outdrive (1986) and it is not an ignition problem, it is a fuel problem. The spark plugs are getting spark, and the engine is firing but does not stay firing. After further examination, I am pretty sure it is the fuel pump, but let me get your opinions on the matter. The over-fill tube from the carb is all clogged with gelled gas (I assume that's what it is, it's green) right near the carb. According to the manual I have, this would be due to a bad filter screen inside the pump or something like that? Anyways, disconnected all the hoses and the overfill hose is caked with the stuff, and it looks like it has been an ongoing problem, cause there is a lot of gel and the tube is clogged. So, my plan is to replace the fuel pump and overfill tube, but I need to wait til I have time to handle it.

So, what do yall think? Does it sound like I have it figured out right? I checked the ignition system, replaced plugs (definitely needed but not the problem) and battery cables, they were going as well. Checked spark going into the distributer and that was all working, and like I said, the engine was firing just not running. Oh, and I will also probably have to replace the fuel line from the gas tank, it is looking bad.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Sooooo... any suggestions or comments? Am I right about the green sludge being gelled fuel? It is a gel-like substance, and bright green. Am I right about a bad fuel pump? Also, can someone tell me how to find the right part number? My repair manual doesn't have the part numbers, and my boat is at my parents house so I can't look at the part. All I know is that it is the kind with the spring-loaded bowl and filter that sits on top of the pump.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

I'm still trying to figue out the rubber boot part. You said above First, it is a 3.0 OMC engine with the silver/grey outdrive (1986) So does this boot go all the way around the outdrive? If so you have a Stringer drive and not a Cobra like a few of us probably thought. Are there trim rams on each side of the drive?

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Yea, it's a stringer, I was mistaken about the Cobra part (again, novice, the manual I have is for a cobra, so it will only work for engine work for me, or so says the guy at the local marina) It is the pre-set trim (gears on the port side). And yes, the boot goes around the whole outdrive, and seals in the hull. I think it is a horrible horrible design. The boot isn't my primary concern, though it is a concern, I used a tire patch and sealant to patch the hole, and I check it for cracks and holes every time before it goes in, and check it constantly for leaks while out on the water. My main concern right now is getting it running.

 

[Robj]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

It is very easy to check a fuel pump. Pull the fuel line off from the carb, put it in a can and crank the engine a few times. Fuel should come out of the line. If not you know it is a fuel problem. Could also be a gummed up carb, which I think is more likely. Remove the throttle cable and then more the linkage to give it gas. When you do that, you should see fuel squirting in the throat of the carb. Also when you crank it, do the plugs smell like fuel?

Good luck and have a great day,

Rob.

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Thanks, I will try that. Couldn't say for sure if the plugs smelled like fuel, but I put new ones in and after cranking the engine a few trys, I took one out and it was already getting discolored (black) from firing. It is getting fuel at the beginning, but it is not maintaining a flow. I have the whole thing disconnected now, but the fuel pump is still on there, waiting to find a cheap new pump. I won't be able to run those tests til AT LEAST the weekend. Boat is at my parents house in their garage.

Also, as far as the gummed up carb, would that result in the green gel in the overflow hose? It is completely gummed up going into the fuel pump. My shop manual says that if this is clogged or has fuel in the line, it is a bad filter screen inside the pump and needs to be replaced. What do you think?

 

[Windykid]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Spray some WD/40 or fuel down the carb throat and see if it runs, If it does rebuild the carb, change fuel pump and filter.

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

How about starting fluid? I used some of that, and it was the same story. Engine fires for a second then stops. Seems to me it is getting fuel but only a short burst. I was also thinking of rebuilding the carb to be on the safe side. Never done it before, difficulty? Price? Time I should expect to put in? Thanks Windy!

 

[180shabah]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

How about starting fluid?

NEVER use starting fluid. It can cause more harm than good.

Just poor a little gas down the carb then hit the key and see if it starts.

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Well ok then, I will keep the starting fluid for some day when I want to make a spud gun! I will try the gas down the carb.

Still waiting on an opinion about my diagnosis of the fuel pump and the green gel...

 

[180shabah]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

WAG on the green gel, Old water contamination - lead to algae growth in the line. Introduction of fuel turned it to gel?

There have been issues with ethanol and MTBE creating a sludge, but it is not green.

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

It is seriously the consistency and almost clarity of green jello.

So my next question is, who put jello in my fuel line!!!!

Just kidding.

 

[Coors]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Starting fluid ain't even good in a tator gun- Lady Clairol, un-scented is good. Starting fluid is good for cleaning parts, though, but not as good as brake cleaner.

 

[Robj]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

There should be a drain plug in the float bowl. Remove that and gas should come out, about 5 tablespoons worth, give or take. No fuel means bad fuel pump. That clear line on my engine is actually to vent the fuel pump. If the pump leaks, the fuel gets sucked into the engine as opposed to leaking out. Whatever you do, do not replace your fuel pump with an automotive pump. They are different and doing so can be dangerous.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Oh, I know, no plans on doing that. It's a very specialized and expensive part, only the part made for it will fit. I will look for the drain plug. As far as the overfill line (clear hose), I was under the impression it drained from the carb to the pump. What kind of engine do you have? Like I have said before, I am no expert, so teach me!


(please)

 

[Robj]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

I have a 4 cylinder Volvo 2.3 litre engine. Regardless of the engine, they are basically the same as a car engine with some modifications for marine applications. I am not an expert at marine engines either, however I have worked on many car engines. Actually the marine engines are easier to work on because they do not have all the electronics that automotive engines have. Regarding that clear line, I read that on one of the forums that it is actually a vent line incase the pump starts leaking. Another good forum is marineengine.com.

Good luck,

Rob.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Rob is right about the Clear tube. In the event of a ruptured diaphram in your fuel pump, the gas is sucked into the carb. You will run rich and probably have a bit if a stumble, but this is much better than an explosion, because of a puddle of gas in the bilge.

 

[hole-in-da-water]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

Cool beans, thanks for the tip. Am I right in replacing the fuel pump? I don't want to spend 130 bucks and not have to. I will also plan to do the carb rebuild.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Bringing it back to life...

I am not near as experienced as many here but I would rebuild the carb first. I would agree that the green slime is algae. It will mess up your carb something fierce. Dipping and rebuilding a carb is never such a bad thing. You will have to get it done if you have algae anyways. This way you can eliminate the carb and then move on to the fuel pump if necessary.

Note, replace the bellows on the engine. If you sink and the insurance company finds the repair it may be a bone of contention as to them paying off. Also have you checked the fines and expense involved with environmental cleanup?