fuel issue (clogging)

[Dave_A]

Ok...

I seem to have a problem with the gas tank on my boat...

Specifically, the pickup plugs up...

I say 'the pickup plugs up' because i have a primer-bulb from an outboard on the fuel line back by the engine, and when this 'issue' happens, the engine stalls and the primer bulb is sucked flat...

Since the fuel filter is between the bulb and the engine (and there is NO filter between the bulb and the tank) I am assuming that there is sludge/gunk in the tank...

Blowing the fuel-line out with an air compressor 'cures' this problem short-term... But it's back fairly quickly afterwards....

The tank is in a very inaccessible spot up front - getting it out of the boat isn't happening...

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: fuel issue (clogging)

It will have to be cleaned out or you will never solve the problem.
Sometimes if you can get to the fuel sender it can be removed and has a large enough opening to siphon the fuel and crud out.
It will take several times doing it that way.....
Get rid of that primer bulb near the engine before you blow the boat up..

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: fuel issue (clogging)

Sounds like the fuel VENT line is clogged.Bees,wasps,muddaubers just love the lines.Do you have a water/fuel seperating filter in the system?This will tell if you have any gunk in the system.J

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: fuel issue (clogging)

The fuel pick up tube has a screen that clogs when crud is in the tank...
The vent is possible but i doubt thats the problem.
Try running it with the gas fill cap loose,if no problems then the vent is clogged.

 

[Marty Niner]

Re: fuel issue (clogging)

Hello,

I have an 88 Bayliner with 200hp Merc outboard, and the fuel primer bulb goes flat when I am running. The engine seems to lack power in the higher rpms. Could this also be a tank filter problem?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: fuel issue (clogging)

Hello,

I have an 88 Bayliner with 200hp Merc outboard, and the fuel primer bulb goes flat when I am running. The engine seems to lack power in the higher rpms. Could this also be a tank filter problem?

You need to start a new thread in the outboard section.But to answer your question YES,The fuel pickup is clogging up or the tank vent is plugged.
You can do the same test as the other poster.
If you run with the gas cap loose and it fixes the problem then the vent is plugged.
If that does not work then the pickup in the tank needs removed and cleaned.
Also if you are running a fuel water separator filter between the tank and primer bulb it needs to be changed.
The fitting where the fuel line connects to the tank has a very small ball in it to that is the anti-siphon valve.I have seen them get stuck or clogged too.

 

[JETS ARE FOR GIRLS]

Re: fuel issue (clogging)

I Have Also Seen The Filters On The Carb Be Dirty But The In Line Filter That Someone Installed Years Later Be Clean Tricking You That Fuel Is Flowing Freely. This Will Also Make The Ball Suck Flat

 

[Marty Niner]

Re: fuel issue (clogging)

Thanks for the response.... I will try that.

 

[Marty Niner]

Re: fuel issue (clogging)

the pickup tube was fine, I think it was the vent, cleaned out with a shop vac and no more problems!