Problem with plastic gas tank...

[JJsays77]

Re: Problem with plastic gas tank...

Update: end connection has no leak. Still wouldn't start. Sprayed mixed fuel into carbs and it kept running for a couple minutes. I hope I don't have to spray fuel into the carbs everytime I start it. There is something wrong though, perhaps with the fuel pump in the beginning process?

 

[rtek816]

Re: Problem with plastic gas tank...

Try pumping the bulb continuously when you get it started w/the spray bottle. If it keeps running, the pump is suspect. The pressure is always relieved in the bulb once the pump SUCKS the pressure and fuel through the system from the tank. The pressure will be beyond the pump to the needle and seat in the carb when things are right. Nothing more than a straw to the tank (no leaks) on the other side.

 

[Haffiman]

Re: Problem with plastic gas tank...

Have you connected the fuel line the correct way between tank and engine?
(Check the flow-arrow on the bulb).
The bulb will not stay hard when running as it is suction from the pump in the hose.
Put connector(fuel hose) onto the tank and HALF onto the engine and press the bulb.
Is fuel flowing?(Leaking)

 

[OptsyEagle]

Re: Problem with plastic gas tank...

The tank is not supposed to hold pressure. Neither is the primer bulb. The fuel pump on the engine SUCKS gas from the tank.

Anyhow, if you have gas (not water) in the carburetors, the tank is not the fault of a no-start condition, unless it is full of a non-gas whatever-it-may-be.

OK, lots of ideas but lets think about this one for a second. The motor will not start but will run when he sprays gas through the carb. So, we know it's a fuel delivery problem. If it was a fuel pump problem he would still be able to fill up the carb manually with the primer, and start the motor (it would just die about 10 seconds later). Since he can't even start it, we can rule out a fuel pump problem and most of the other things that flow fuel before the carburetor.

I would say the source of the problem is in the carb, as FR has indicated above. Either his inlet valve is completely stuck closed or perhaps there is some other "whatever it may be". In any event, I am leaning towards a carb problem.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Problem with plastic gas tank...

Check whether there is water in the gas. Get a clean, clear jar...gas or plastic.
Using a nail or something similar. depress the ball on the motor-end fuel line connector, and while squeezing the primer bulb, pump some fuel into the jar..about 2" is lots.
(having 3 hands helps a lot....)

See whether there is a water phase in with the gas....or a gas phase in with the water...

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Problem with plastic gas tank...

Fuel pump check:
Prime motor with bulb 'til the bulb gets solid.
Remove the fuel pump-to-carb fuel line from the carburetor.
Feed it into a coffee can.
Start the motor.
Note whether there is fuel being pumped through the line into the can. It'll go in spurts.
NO SMOKING OR OPEN FLAME DURING THIS TEST!!

You can also note whether there is any water in the fuel during this test as the water will settle in the bottom of the coffee can.