Particles in fuel lines UPDATED FIXED

[xxturbowesxx]

I recently purchased a new to me boat and it was having issues starving for fuel at WOT. I have since traced the problem to small clear silicone like tubing particles in the fuel line. They gather at the fuel pump inlet and clog and cause problems.

My plan is to clean and remove the fuel tanks,replace all lines,flush the carb bowls and attempt to run the engine and if problem persists rebuild carbs. Does anyone know what these particles could be or a shortcut to fixing this problem? i have separate 14 gal internal plastic tanks hooked to a valve to switch from one to the other.. I have a 1988 Winner Chamelion Fish n Ski with a 1989 mercury xr4 150hp.

 

[luv2b0at]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

I have read some articles related to the ethanol in some gasses now deteriorating the insides of fiberglass tanks. Could this be happening here as well? Are you using gas with ethanol?

 

[gss036]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

You really should install a water seperating filer. Ethanal gas will cleanse some old lines and create problems like you are having, might be the fuel lines, might be the tank.
You don't want to run with a lean mixture, you could easily blow your engine.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Replace any suspect (old) fuel lines, install a water seperating filter, and burn gas with no alcohol in it if you can. Around here, it's 92 octane (off road fuel), about 20 cents a gallon more than 87.

hope it helps
John

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

I cant find gas without ethanol around here. I already installed a water separating filter but the particles seem to pass right through it.

 

[gss036]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Change your old fuel lines, especially the one from the filter to the fuel pump. My old Merc 200 hp owners manual specificALLY SAID NOT TO USE GAS W/ALOCHOL.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

I had a similar problem on my old boat, rust from the fuel tank would clog the fuel pump, take it apart and the filter was partially plugged but the passages in the pump were totally plugged up with rust particles. I installed a big metal cased fuel filter (about the size of a 12oz soda can) between the tank and fuel pump, swapped it every year and never had a problem again. Ultimately I should have replaced the rusty fuel tank, but the boat is gone now...

Funny the water separating fuel filter didn't catch all that trash, I thought they were built to filter the fuel and also trap water

Anyone know if water separating fuel filters are a good fuel filter,,, or just a good water separator?

 

[hkeiner]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

I already installed a water separating filter but the particles seem to pass right through it.

It is hard to imagine how these particles could pass through a water separating filter. These filters stop particles larger than 10-20 microns (depending on the brand) from passing through. Is it possible that the filter's membrane is damaged and should be replaced or that the particles are originating in the fuel line down stream from the filter?

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

It is hard to imagine how these particles could pass through a water separating filter. These filters stop particles larger than 10-20 microns (depending on the brand) from passing through. Is it possible that the filter's membrane is damaged and should be replaced or that the particles are originating in the fuel line down stream from the filter?

You 'nailed' it...if it is showing up downstream from the fuel/water seperator...then it has to be the fuel line deteriorating.

Older fuel/water filters were always around 20+ microns...now you can get the 10 micron elements. He may be using the 20 micron.

If he goes to the 10 micron, he needs to make sure that the GPH flow will meet his engine needs.

He might be able to just replace the fuel hose (ethanol tolerant) going from the filter to the engine. That would narrow all of this down....

 

[gss036]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

My small Honda/Racor filter is a 10 micron and is rated for 30 gph and I run a 225 Honda with it. Should not encounter any problems on that aspect. Most likely junk built up in the fuel lines were cleaned out by the alcohol.

 

[xxturbowesxx]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Ok here goes.. the particles were gathering north of the fuel separator. After much brainstorming i determined they were just lodged in the lines/connectors north of the water separator. I installed another clear filter under the cowl. I replaced all lines north of the pump and went to flush the carb bowls..


I noticed fuel would barely come out of the bottom left(facing from back). I knew there had to be a restriction so it was about 6pm and i just decided to just pull the carbs(in the dark went well). I was going to remove them and just order a rebuild kit.


Anyway pulled the carbs without a hiccup top carb was clean as a whistle. 2nd carb had a few particles in the bowl. The bottom carb had the particles packed into the inlet for the main line. I blew them out with carb cleaner and there were a TON of these particles. It would be hard for me to estimate how much but my sink was covered in them.

I cleaned the carbs blew out the jets and reassembled. I had to be running lean so i checked compression 115lbs on all but one cyl had 112lbs(whew) but the plugs were badly fouled so i replaced them. I started at 6 and finished at 10 im sore but happy. I would love to hear it run now but its to late(neighbors). I still don't know what the particles are but i will be watching for more in the filters and I may remove the tanks.

Thanks guys

 

[j_martin]

Re: Particles in fuel lines

Re: Particles in fuel lines

My small Honda/Racor filter is a 10 micron and is rated for 30 gph and I run a 225 Honda with it. Should not encounter any problems on that aspect. Most likely junk built up in the fuel lines were cleaned out by the alcohol.

If that's a 4 stroke engine yer probably OK, but if it's 2 stroke, you have no overhead capacity. I use a 60GPM on a Merc 2.4L engine.

just my 02
John

 

[gss036]

Re: Particles in fuel lines UPDATED FIXED

60GPM on a Merc 2.4L engine.
Gallons per Minute, must be a huge filter??
Yes I am running a Honda 225. It was installed by the Honda Dealer who installed the new engine.
Let know how things turned out.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Particles in fuel lines UPDATED FIXED

Picky, Picky, Picky. 60 GPH of course.

I removed or repaired about 8 faults in my fuel system to get the XR4 to turn on like it should. About half were parts installed by an authorized Mercury dealer.

Most sources recomend 60 GPH for a motor that size.

John