Leaky fuel line

[jenoble01]

I'm just curious as to what kind of issues could result from a leaking fuel line(tank to primer bulb)? Boat ran great on external tank, but didn't stay out long due to friends g/f calling him every 20 minutes(where you at?). Decided to replace fuel line and anti-siphon valve. Anyways, just want to make sure the running great on an external tank isn't a fluke and I needed to stay out longer, hence the normal list of suspects I desire. I figure it can't hurt to change the fuel line because as far as I know it's original to the boat('96). I noticed some splitting where it hooks up to the tank, could explain the air hissing I hear when pumping up the bulb and why the bulb won't stay firm. Any comments out there?

 

[Kevin W]

Re: Leaky fuel line

I think you already answered your question .
should you replace a cracking fuel line.
Most definately.
Unless you like spending time on the water...floating.
Leaking fuel lines on outboards can cause big issues.
If it sucks in too much air it can lean out the engine at higher speeds and destroy the powerhead or if it has a mixer it will put too much oil in the gas and smoke like a pig.

no brainer, change it.

 

[jenoble01]

Re: Leaky fuel line

I'm going to change the line that wasn't even the question. I'm just curious as to what issues it would cause. I'm having trouble getting my engine to idle in gear. However it ran great when I ran it on an external tank, therefore pointing to a tank/line problem. However I have no issues at higher engine speeds which to me seems like it contradicts the line problem. Since I pulled the tank to check the anti-siphon valve(why they can't give you access to this who knows) I'm going to replace both the valve and line since the absence of the tank will give me easy access. I think what I'm going to have to do is change the line, then go to the lake and see if it still acts up, if it does switch to external tank again see if it stops(need to run some seafoam through it anyways). I guess I'm just thinking outloud via keyboard.

 

[Kevin W]

Re: Leaky fuel line

another thought.. Bad gas or old gas.
Old gas can work just not well.
maybe the remote tank has newer gas in it.
It sounds like your on the right track.
as for running well at high speed: If you have an air leak in the gas line it can (not saying it will) lean out the air/fuel mixture at higher speeds and cause major engine trouble. unfortunately 2 strokes can run well lean for a short time until the start to wear and self desrtuct.
To sum it up Running lean is VERY bad.

 

[jenoble01]

Re: Leaky fuel line

another thought.. Bad gas or old gas.
Old gas can work just not well.
maybe the remote tank has newer gas in it.
It sounds like your on the right track.
as for running well at high speed: If you have an air leak in the gas line it can (not saying it will) lean out the air/fuel mixture at higher speeds and cause major engine trouble. unfortunately 2 strokes can run well lean for a short time until the start to wear and self desrtuct.
To sum it up Running lean is VERY bad.

Bad gas is a good thought. I always use Sta-Bil and have filled the tank up once since this problem showed up(last spring). But who's to say everything mixed well. I drained the tank so if it's bad gas hopefully when I fill it back up(ouch) it will eliminate that potential issue as well.

 

[jenoble01]

Re: Leaky fuel line

In continuance of this thread, I have been tinkering some more with the boat as the new fuel line didn't fix the issue(couldn't get that lucky). I pulled the pulse fitting off today to check it. I notice something in there that looked blue? The check valve has very limited movement, almost none. Possible something clogged it up? how much should it move. I also noticed a little gas in the fitting which I would be willing to bet should be gas free. I'm thinking that my pump is leaking which would explain the poor idle and good high end(more pulse pressure) and the reason my bulb drains over time. Any thoughts?