Johnson 200hp 1997 primer ball collapse

[buzcarroll]

I can run the motor for an hour or two, until "check engine" light comes on. The primer ball has collapsed. I can disconnect the fuel line from the primer ball (engine side) and hear air gasp back into the line. Pump the ball until gas comes out. Hook every thing back up and runs ok for some time before it starts all over again. I have replaced fuel lines, primer ball, fuel separator, attached secondary vent line, drained tank (verified clean fuel) and same problem. It seems to happen more when the surf is rough. Someone thought it may be the VRO fuel pump, but I did not want to invest $345 unless I am sure it will fix it. Any help???

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Johnson 200hp 1997 primer ball collapse

If the primer bulb is collapsing it is due to one thing and one thing only -- a restriction between the bulb and the pickup in the tank. Either the tank is not vented, the fuel pickup tube (screen at the bottom) is plugged, the pickup tube is blocked, the anti-siphon valve is stuck, the fuel hose is kinked or the check valve at the inlet side of the bulb is stuck. Fuel is being sucked through the bulb so if you pinch off the flow before the bulb, the fuel pump sucks the bulb flat. That's why you hear air when you disconnect the line.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Johnson 200hp 1997 primer ball collapse

My opinion is that it is not the VRO. The pumping system appears to be working well. The flow is another thing though. It is getting restricted somewhere.

 

[buzcarroll]

Re: Johnson 200hp 1997 primer ball collapse

Is the anit siphon valve on the gas tank? I have not replaced the connections on the fuel line at the tank. Primer ball has been replaced 3-4 times with same result. I have taken one primer ball and drilled a small hole in each of the check valves, same result. I will check tank pick up again.

 

[72Glastron]

Re: Johnson 200hp 1997 primer ball collapse

sounds like the tank vent is plugged..... check for that also, nothing like finding a dirt dobber nest plugging your tube!!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Johnson 200hp 1997 primer ball collapse

The anti siphon valve is the fitting on the tank to which the fuel line connects.

 

[MikePags]

Re: Johnson 200hp 1997 primer ball collapse

The anti siphon valve is the fitting on the tank to which the fuel line connects.

Bypass or remove the anti-siphon valve replace it with a brass fuel line connect. My 2000 Johnson 150 did the same thing and removing the valve solved the prob. GL

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Johnson 200hp 1997 primer ball collapse

(Fuel Anti Siphon Valve)
(J. Reeves)

Many of the later OMC V/6 engines incorporate a fuel restriction warning via a vacuum device attached to the powerhead. If the engine overheats, or if you have a fuel restriction, the warning is the same.... a steady constant beep.

NOTE... Only the V/6 & V/8 engines have the above "Fuel Restriction Warning". The warning horn will not sound on the other models.

The fact that a engine is not overheating, but the warning horn sounds off with a constant steady beep, and that the rpms drop drastically would indicate that the engine is starving for fuel due to a fuel restriction. Check the built in fuel tank where the rubber fuel line attaches to the tank fitting. That fitting is in all probability a "Anti Siphon" valve which is notorious for sticking in a semi closed position. It will be aluminum, about 2" long, and the insides of it will consist of a spring, a ball, and a ball seat. If this valve exists, remove it, knock out those inner components which will convert it to a straight through fitting, then re-install it. Hopefully that cures the problem.

The above procedure will cure a restriction problem with the anti siphon valve as stated. BUT, it may also allow fuel to drain backwards to the fuel tank when the engine is not running (siphoning backwards) due to the fact that the carburetors/fuel pump etc are higher than the fuel tank. This condition is not an absolute as the valves in the fuel primer bulb usually prevent this backwards siphoning problem. However.... if this does take place, the cure would be to install a new anti siphon valve.

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