Fuel blockage

[Sol T Pete]

So this boat has left us stranded once again! 72 gulfstream (165 merc)
The fuel system keeps giving me troubles and now I’m contemplating removing the fuel tank. I put a clear filter in-line and replaced the carb but yesterday the thing was dry when it cut out. I’m not sure where the blockage is but it’s somewhere between the tank and filter… maybe the fuel pump? The biggest thing stopping me from pulling tank is the fact that previous owner put new carpet down and I’m not sure how to locate it. Any advice is appreciated

 

[tank1949]

So this boat has left us stranded once again! 72 gulfstream (165 merc)
The fuel system keeps giving me troubles and now I’m contemplating removing the fuel tank. I put a clear filter in-line and replaced the carb but yesterday the thing was dry when it cut out. I’m not sure where the blockage is but it’s somewhere between the tank and filter… maybe the fuel pump? The biggest thing stopping me from pulling tank is the fact that previous owner put new carpet down and I’m not sure how to locate it. Any advice is appreciated

Can't be but a couple of places. If salt water boat, I'd remove and inspect tank. 72 is old. Some of the fuel pick up tubes have inline filters and they clog up. Trust me!!!!! U will have to pull carpet if tank is under carpet and maybe cut out the deck. Sorry.... It usually is and difficult to remove. You can buy a cheap auto electric pump and connect directly to tank's pickup lug/tube. See how it does or does not pump fuel. If not, pull pickup tube and examine. The inline filter may be inside the 1/2" (or so) tube. You may just need a new filter or water separator. Have you replaced it????? Do you know where it is? Follow the fuel line back to tank!!!!!!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

disconnect the existing tank and run from a portable tank to isolate the tank from the engine/fuel pump

test fuel pressure to isolate the fuel pump

then if the engine runs, and fuel pressure is good. look at the tank

most likely you have either dirt or a leak:
pumps will not draw fuel if there is a leak in the siphon line
dirt can plug anti-siphon valves
as tank indicated, many older fuel tanks had a strainer in the pickup tube.

 

[Sol T Pete]

I haven’t replaced the water separator or even located it. I’ll try these easier possible solutions before tearing into the floor. Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

water separating fuel filter is a yearly maintenance item. it would not be under the floor.

 

[Sol T Pete]

I don’t even see a water separator on this! Something to be added… I did pul the dip tube out of the fuel tank and the brass screen was seriously clogged so cleaned it up and going to test again this weekend.

 

[nola mike]

Also, clear in line fuel filters are a no no on an I/o

 

[Sol T Pete]

Also, clear in line fuel filters are a no no on an I/o

Good to know, thanks.