fuel delivery problem

cschauerj

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
36
The boat died on me the other day. After a few checks I realized the boat was starving for fuel. I could disconnnect the outlet on the fuel pump, turn the motor over and nothing. It has a mechanical pump thats driven via a cam off the seawater pump. The pump is about 4 months new. It's got a clear hose that goes to the carb. and it's my understanding that if the diaphran in the pump fails fuel leaks into this line. The line is clean so that rules the pump out. The belt that drives the seawater pump is new, plenty of tension, and is not slipping so that is ruled out. At this point I started checking the lines from the tank on up. The screen on the tank p/u has no buildup or restriction whatsoever. The one-way valve in the line also seems to be working as perscribed. Every other line to the tank is flowing freely. There is a shutoff between the filter housing and the pump but it has always remained opened. The fuel filter/water separator has about five hours of use on it and I was able to blow fuel through the housing easily. In short, I could not find a reason for the problem but when everthing went back together the fuel pressure came back and it worked fine. I'm nervous to take the boat out again without pinpointing the problem first. Is there something obvious I'm neglecting to check?
 

petryshyn

Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2001
Messages
2,851
Re: fuel delivery problem

its possible a piece of s##t got in one of the check valves holding it open. Maybe just disconnecting lines and removing slight restriction passed it through....<br /><br /> :confused:
 

cschauerj

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
36
Re: fuel delivery problem

Hello again friend. Anything is possible. I wish other things would just "fix themselves" too. Wasn't sure if it was possible for the fuel tank to vapor lock if the engine was demanding alot of fuel for an extended period of time. I can't imagine a vent line getting clogged. I know there is one but don't have any idea where.
 

petryshyn

Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2001
Messages
2,851
Re: fuel delivery problem

don't know what kind of pump you got, but the diaphram pumps associated with automotives can pull a vacuum low enough to collapse a tank! If the tank was improperly vented, a huge vacuum sound would be heard when filler cap removed.....<br />Pumps don't fix themselves, so if its still working, the diaphram and spring must be intact and the valves are working. I'll stick with the s##t idea! The next time it happens, remove filler cap and listen.....<br /><br /> :)
 

cschauerj

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
36
Re: fuel delivery problem

I like the **** idea myself too. We'll see how it goes. Thanks again.
 

12Footer

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
8,217
Re: fuel delivery problem

Hi,CS.<br /> Me too. I would carry a very good compliment of tools on the next trip, along with trying to schedule another boater to follow. Carry one of everything. But it sure sounds like the **** in the check valve or somewhere...And when you took it appart, you opened it up.<br />We all know, ANYTHING can happen out there. It's best to be as prepaired as you can.<br />Good luck.
 

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: fuel delivery problem

CS, ther is another possibility yhat has not been adressed.....those belt driven seapump/fuel pump combos had a problem with fuel contamination in the lube resivoir...the gearlube in there would get so thin it would not lubricate the pump cam any longer, and wipe off the cam/pump arm.....even the pivot for the pump arm inside the fuel pump can wear enough so the pump will feed enough fuel for idle but not enough for a high demand......those pumps have to have the lube flushed once a year to survive...next time out, I would take a 6 gal outboard tank with me to use as a replacement fuel tank, set on the back seat, it will gravity feed the carb, and at least let you get back.....
 

cschauerj

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
36
Re: fuel delivery problem

Two weeks ago I had the fuel pump off and inspected it. Looked fine. I drained the oil out and topped it off with new gearlube at that time so it should be good to go. Good idea, I'll bring the backup tank with me.
 

cschauerj

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
36
Re: fuel delivery problem

Took the boat out today with good results. Apparently the hypothetical piece of s##t in the check valve has passed. :)
 

petryshyn

Commander
Joined
Oct 3, 2001
Messages
2,851
Re: fuel delivery problem

and that can be a goog thing.....cause everybody needs a good s##t now and then...LOL<br /> :D :D :D <br /><br />right on CS!! maybe your luck has turned around!
 

cschauerj

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 23, 2001
Messages
36
Re: fuel delivery problem

You ain't lying. :D :D <br />Went out again today with no problems to speak of. This is two times in a row now with no mishaps. I better go knock on wood.
 
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