Precautions when pulling fuel line to check and shifter/throttle assembly

[270sundancer]

Thanks for evryone's advice on my sudden "dying" problem. I'm going to check fuel lines for blockage and shifter/throttle assembly for "man overboard" kill switch short/problem, etc. I would like to know if when I disconnect the fuel line from where it attaches to the filter/seperator housing, will it try to empty the fuel tank when I unhook this line? What can I do to prevent fuel from flowing when I unhook this? Also, I will need to remove the shifter/throttle assembly from the side of the fiberglass by the helm to check the kill switch as it is not accessible from anywhere on the back side. Is there anything I need to be careful of when removing it and replacing it after inspection, such as alignment/etc. Thanks a TON GUYS!!

 

[MaxOD]

Re: Precautions when pulling fuel line to check and shifter/throttle assembly

Try to clamp off the fuel line at a few inches before the connection to the water separator. You can buy clamping pliers that lock in place to make the job easier. I think KD tools has them. Keep plenty of rags handy to catch any small spills. Have a bolt of the same dia. as the inside of the fuel line to plug the line with when you remove it then clamp the bolt in the line. I don't think it will try to empty the tank but that depends on tank placement in relation to the fuel line. I wouldn't trust it. Its a good idea to vent the tank before you start by opening the fill cap for a moment.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Precautions when pulling fuel line to check and shifter/throttle assembly

Also, I will need to remove the shifter/throttle assembly from the side of the fiberglass by the helm to check the kill switch as it is not accessible from anywhere on the back side. Is there anything I need to be careful of when removing it and replacing it after inspection, such as alignment/etc.

Ayuh,....
Why completely disassemble the Boat,...
When simply testing the circuit with a multimeter will give you the Answer,..??..??

And,....
The Only way to Check the Fuel System is by taking the lines off, at all ends,+ blowing thru them,...
Of Course there's going to be some gas Spilage,....
Rags,+ Catchpans will be Required.....

 

[270sundancer]

Re: Precautions when pulling fuel line to check and shifter/throttle assembly

BUT!!! The circuit obviously works SOMETIMES when the boat is running fine. A multimeter may only show a problem if the connection is loose when I test it. If it is completing the circuit at the time I test it, it will test OK..right? If the man overboard kill switch is indeed the culprit, it may just be on the verge of coming loose (and sometimes does, thus causing the engine to kill). I would like to SEE the connection, wires, etc. Can I simply unbolt the throttle assembly (quicksilver), look at the connections to the assembly, and re-bolt it just as I pulled it off, or is there any alignment I need to be aware of when putting it back on the wall?