Will bad VRO pump set off vaccum buzzer

artcat

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 7, 2009
Messages
32
We are trying to track down a problem in my buddys boat,motor is 1986 GT 150. The vaccum switch is going off at higher speeds,,deffinetly is the vaccum switch. It just seems to run out of gas in filter. If the pump was that strong that it is drawing that much vaccum,,would it not be drawing fuel from tank. There seems to be no obstructions in fuel line,,check valve in tank seems to be working ok. Could the suction side of the pump be working, but have a bad fuel side. been a while since I was in my VRO pump so I cant remember the make up of pump.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Will bad VRO pump set off vaccum buzzer

Does the fuel primer bulb have a tendency to go flat somewhat?

I assume you're speaking of a constant steady never ending beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeping! Yes? If so, that would be a warning of either a fuel restriction or overheating.

(Fuel Anti Siphon Valve)
(J. Reeves)

Many of the later OMC V/6 engines incorporate a fuel restriction warning via a vacuum device attached to the powerhead. If the engine overheats, or if you have a fuel restriction, the warning is the same.... a steady constant beep.

NOTE... Only the V/6 & V/8 engines have the above "Fuel Restriction Warning". The warning horn will not sound on the other models.

The fact that a engine is not overheating, but the warning horn sounds off with a constant steady beep, and that the rpms drop drastically would indicate that the engine is starving for fuel due to a fuel restriction. Check the built in fuel tank where the rubber fuel line attaches to the tank fitting. That fitting is in all probability a "Anti Siphon" valve which is notorious for sticking in a semi closed position. It will be aluminum, about 2" long, and the insides of it will consist of a spring, a ball, and a ball seat. If this valve exists, remove it, knock out those inner components which will convert it to a straight through fitting, then re-install it. Hopefully that cures the problem.

The above procedure will cure a restriction problem with the anti siphon valve as stated. BUT, it may also allow fuel to drain backwards to the fuel tank when the engine is not running (siphoning backwards) due to the fact that the carburetors/fuel pump etc are higher than the fuel tank. This condition is not an absolute as the valves in the fuel primer bulb usually prevent this backwards siphoning problem. However.... if this does take place, the cure would be to install a new anti siphon valve.

NOTE: There has been cases when the output valve in the fuel primer bulb would come apart, and the inner portion of the valve would actually reverse itself and be drawn back into the primer bulb's output valve body. This in effect would create a shut off valve and result in a fuel restriction. If this is the case, you should be able to feel something laying in the bottom of the primer bulb when held horizontally.
 

artcat

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 7, 2009
Messages
32
Re: Will bad VRO pump set off vaccum buzzer

Joe,,the primer bulb is not going flat. In Glasstrons infinite wisdom,they put a fitting on top of the tank that is welded in,so we cannot pull the pickup tube out of the tank. On your primer bulb theory,will this still let the primer bulb prime properly,which it is.. My main question is,,could this still be a bad pump,,it almost seems like it cant be,,because it is strong enough to draw 7 inches of vaccum to set off the alarm. We are going to run a dedicated fuel can tomorrow,eliminate the tank,and also the primer bulb.
 
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