Runs but only if....

[Tstates]

I have an 1973 evinrude motor that I can get started, but can only keep it started if I keep pumbing the bulb on the fuel line. I rebuilt the carb thinking that would solve the problem, but it didn't. It has an old metal tank that doesn't have a vent, could it have something to do with the gas tank or maybe the fuel pump?

 

[chbailey]

Re: Runs but only if....

Is your bulb deflating before you pump or is it full?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Runs but only if....

I have an 1973 evinrude motor that I can get started, but can only keep it started if I keep pumbing the bulb on the fuel line. I rebuilt the carb thinking that would solve the problem, but it didn't. It has an old metal tank that doesn't have a vent, could it have something to do with the gas tank or maybe the fuel pump?

Take the gas cap off for a bit or loosen it so it acts like a vent and see what happens.

 

[Tstates]

Re: Runs but only if....

The bulb seems to stay hard when I pump. If I give it a squeeze ever second or so seems to do the trick. I'll try opening the cap to see if that works.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Runs but only if....

Could be a leak in the fuel system,fuel pump diaphram or maybe the ball.
See any leaks around the carbs lines when its pumped up tight?

 

[Tstates]

Re: Runs but only if....

Checked the fuel pump diaphram and it looks good. Also don't see any leaks.

 

[chbailey]

Re: Runs but only if....

After you pump it without the motor running does the ball stay hard or does it relax?

 

[chbailey]

Re: Runs but only if....

Also, what kind of shape is that fuel line from the tank to the motor in?

 

[Tstates]

Re: Runs but only if....

The bulb stays hard. I just bought a new fuel line because it was leaking. Any other suggestions?

 

[F_R]

Re: Runs but only if....

There are only two possibilities: Either there is a leak in the fuel line or the fuel pump is bad. The fuel line leak can also be where it plugs onto the gas tank, especially if it is an OMC tank with the two little push pins. There is a tiny o-ring around one of those pins and if it leaks the fuel pump will suck air.