outboard fuel line length?

[fishnhunt2]

I have a 1999 15 hp merc that was surging at wot. Took it to local authorized merc dealer. they couldnt find any problem with the motor, however they felt that the problem was with the length of my fuel line from tank to motor. It is on a 14' boat and I put the tank in the front of the boat to help with planing and stability. The fuel line is about 12' long. Would the length of line affect the motors performance?

 

[achris]

Re: outboard fuel line length?

If you have a vacuum gauge connect it to the line line just before the fuel pump. If the vacuum is any more than about 2"(?), then you have a problem and will starve the engine of fuel that is vital too cooling as well as power et al. The manual does list a specific vacuum reading, but I don't have the manual in front of me at the moment. <br /><br />Chris.........

 

[ZmOz]

Re: outboard fuel line length?

I wouldn't think that would be the problem...a 15hp doesn't suck very much fuel. Maybe you could try a larger diameter line.

 

[achris]

Re: outboard fuel line length?

Hey ZmOz,<br /><br />Nice avatar!