OMC 260 fuel filter issues

[floattest]

I have a 1979 OMC (could be a 78) with the 800 drive. It's a 5.7 GM. It ran pretty good 4 times out this summer. Before the last trip I decided to check the fuel filter because I was having trouble at very low speeds and idling. I realize it could be a lot of things but anyway I was just going to replace the fuel fliter. That turned into a nice little project because the canister on the old filter was coroded and had a hole in the bottom. Only thing holding the fuel in the system was the crud in the bottom. So I bought the spin on style fuel separator kit and some fuel line and replaced the fuel line from the tank to the filter (old line was cracked and looking bad). I had to make a custom bracket to position this thing where I could spin the filter on and off. Anyway it worked out that all the hard lines could be re-used. Got it all together, cleaned the spark arestor and added some fuel additive on the reccomendation of a good boat mechanic. It started and ran ok on the muffs, no leaks. Ready to go. Put it in the water and idled out of the channel. For about 20 or 30 minutes we putted along around 1800 rpms and it seemed fine. Got it out of the channel and tried to throttle up, she stumbled and died. Got it started and then the same thing. Several more tries to get going steady and the same thing. Wore down the poor battery trying to start it and get back to the launch. Had to get the tow of shame. Ouch.

So I've read a lot of threads here and I have some ideas where to start, but thought you all might have some as well.
such as:
Filter at Carb.
Pickup filter in tank.
Fuel pump.

What puzzles me is that I thought this re-work could have caused no harm. Figured it would run better or the same at the very least. Thanks for reading this long post.

 

[Bondo]

Re: OMC 260 fuel filter issues

such as:
Filter at Carb.
Pickup filter in tank.
Fuel pump.

Ayuh,.... Or the Carb itself,....

 

[JustJason]

Re: OMC 260 fuel filter issues

if you had that much junk in your fuel filter your bound to have junk in the carb itself.
depending on the carb it may have a filter/screen where the fuel line ties into it.
is that orange zip tie holding your fuel pump on?

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: OMC 260 fuel filter issues

first of all, these filters have multiple in and out ports......are you shure that you are plumbed in and out correctly ? and all unused ports plugged to prevent air in the system ? Of coarse we then move to the carb.....does it has an inlet filter and is it clean ? I also have to ask.....you said that you replaced some fuel line leading to the fliter........is it of propper type and not kinked and or leaking air into the fuel system ?

 

[180shabah]

Re: OMC 260 fuel filter issues

Another vote for carb issues.

If this is a "new" boat, then I would consider a carb rebuild just part of the required maintenance. along with a FULL tune up, new belts, oils changes all around and very careful inspection/replacement of hoses and drive boot.

 

[180shabah]

Re: OMC 260 fuel filter issues

Forgot to mention - full electrical reconditioning - every connection you can find gets pulled apart, cleaned and reconnected. Also, replace the impeller in the seawater pump.

 

[chiefalen]

Re: OMC 260 fuel filter issues

Sir: with a boat this old, and the previous owner not taking care off it very well, i would also suggest you spending a few days going over EVERYTHING.

We know the previous owner did not take care of it very well if the water separator canister was not changed in years.

Total carb rebuild, kit 18 bucks if you do it yourself.

Total tune up.

Every filter checked.

Every ground removed cleaned and reinstalled.

Every cable checked and cleaned.

T-stat checked. And replaced.

Compression check.

When plugs replaced how they look.

Oil changed. New filter.

Impeller changed. I always recommend a new housing when changed only 20 bucks more.

Ball gears checked.

And when out drive apart gears looked at real good.

Almost forgot tilt clutch housing opened, cleaned and new oil or greased.

Trunions greased. There are 2 zerk fittings behind the rubber bumpers on the drive.

2-3 days than you have piece of mind but wallet a little lighter as well.

Welcome aboard and good luck.

 

[floattest]

Re: OMC 260 fuel filter issues

Nice work everybody. I'll answer a few of your questions and then work on the chiefs to-do list.

No, the orange zip-tie is not holding the fuel pump on, ha, good one!

The fuel line that I replaced was marine grade and it's not kinked. It's in nearly the same position as the old one. Can't see it very well in this pic. Filter is plumbed correctly. All the extra fitting connections were plugged with a good sealer. I'm pretty sure that the filter isn't the problem.

I didn't check the filter at the carb and that was a mistake. My next task is to do that and rebuild the carb. I think I should also check the pickup as well.

The following is response to chief, I'll start a new thread if I go into depth on any of his recs. I'll keep this thread on fuel/carb topic.

The things I did do were to change the oil in all the resevoirs on the outdrive. The oil in the engine was changed before I go this boat and looks good, clean, no water intrusion.

I've also changed the oil in the tilt clutch. It get's water in it just like about everyone on here with one of these things has said. For this first season I've changed it twice and am very careful with the tilt not to run it against the stops and to always have it down when running the engine. It works well right now so I can't complain. I did buy a spare solenoid as someone here once told me.

The balls gears are in good shape, 85-90 % of original size. I've also greased all the fittings on the drive.

After the carb and the tune-up issues I really need to work on the cooling system. I already know it's not right and probably should have fixed that first like bondo told me in july. The boat was working and I was trying not to change that. After all my studying the procedure had me a bit scared. I'll get over that. I love this boat and want to make her right.

I have only the seloc manual, if you are wondering. I'm betting the over on how many responses will tell me to get the factory manual..

Thanks to iboats and all the pros here!

Do you care to see more pictures of her?

 

[snoski]

Re: OMC 260 fuel filter issues

What kind of carburator are you running?
I just finished up a rebuild on my Rochester Quadrajet and it was much simpler than I thought it was going to be. Actually enjoyed doing it.
Tip: before starting go to AutoZone and buy the gallon of Chem-Dip, spray carb. cleaner, and PB Blaster. Go to the grocery store and get a disposable roasting pan large enough to hold the major carb. parts. They won't fit in the Chem-Dip can. I think I bought one about 10x10x4.
Buy the kit for your carb. and have at it...
Feeling of accomplishment comes later...