Not getting fuel

[10thHawk]

Quick background. Bought this boat end of last summer, was running then. Boat was in need of some repairs here and there which I started doing last fall. Havent had much time this summer so things are almost done.
Had a neutral safety issue fixed last week, mechanic said boat would crank but not run. He said the gas is probably bad being its been in there, allthough stabilized, for two seasons.
I siphoned all the gas out using an inline filter which i connected to the fuel line after disconecting it from the fuel pump. Put in five gallons of fresh gas and tried to start it. Nothing. Dumped some gas in the carb and she fired right up, then died shortly. Did this numerous times with the same results. I removed the fuel line from the pump, no fuel in line. Took off the bowl, was a lil gas in there, prob old stuff. Dried it up, reassembled and tried again. Took the bowl and line off to check, both dry. Is my fuel pump bad or am i overlooking something else? Engine is a merc 165.

 

[dubs283]

Re: Not getting fuel

have you checked the fuel tank vent line, fuel pickup and anti-siphon valve??

you need to make sure fuel can get to the pump before condemning the pump itself

if any fuel delivery to the pump is questionable, you can substitute a shop fuel tank to see if that works

 

[10thHawk]

Re: Not getting fuel

Hadnt checked those as of yet. Will be back at it this week sometime and I'll take a look.

 

[Jet Wrench]

Re: Not getting fuel

I wouldn't be surprised if it's the fuel pump. I had to replace mine as well. The diaphram was shot. It had set for a long time and finally let go. I replaced it with a new one and she fired right up. The ethanol issue probably attacks the fuel pump as well.

JW

 

[wire2]

Re: Not getting fuel

One other item I didn't see mentioned, is the water separating fuel filter. It may be blocked, starving the fuel pump. It's a good idea to change it if you don't know the age or condition.

One time I wanted to verify the pump output, I removed the line from the carb, slid the threaded fitting out of the way, slipped a poly tube over the line, clamped it to seal, attached a pressure gauge to the tube. Cranking should show 4-6 psi on a carbed engine.

 

[10thHawk]

Re: Not getting fuel

Checked all that was mentioned, everything seemed fine. Replaced the filter in the pump and ran a line to a fuel can. Didnt work at first, then outta sheer frustration I tapped on the fuel pump with a screwdriver. Turned the key and it fired. Reconnected the fuel line from the tank and all is well. Been starting all day. So unsure of what the real issue was though, either way its up and running now.