1988 50hp Johnson - Fuel pump leak

[josh291]

Mornin all,

The weathers finally starting to turn nice in IA, so i'm thinking about getting the boat ready to go. I have this leak on the fuel pump from last year that id like to get taken care of. The motor runs great otherwise.

On the fuel pump there is a plastic plug on top. When I squeeze the primer bulb, I get fuel running out of it.

I attached some picture to show exactly what plug i'm talking about.

The plug came right out with just a little prying force from my fingernail.

Should I just glue this plug shut? If so what type of glue/sealant should I use so it doesn't have an adverse reaction with the fuel (been there...done that...)

All feedback is appreciated.

Josh

1988 50HP Johnson J50TLCCS

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1988 50hp Johnson - Fuel pump leak

You ask a good question for a 1st one.. Welcome to the forum.

That is part of the VRO Oil/Fuel pump but I do not see it shown in any of the parts breakdowns. Before trying to "glue" this on I think you should talk to a parts dept and see if they can locate a replacement. Shouldn't cost more than $5.00. Kidding of course! Or take it with to the hardware or auto parts store and see if you can match one up of the same size.

Also check and make sure no pieces broke off and feel into the pump!

 

[josh291]

Re: 1988 50hp Johnson - Fuel pump leak

Thanks for the response bonz_d. I appreciate it.

So here's where i'm at. I stopped down to a boat shop and quized them on the plug. Sounds like the hole is left over from the injection molding process. They must just stick the plug in while the plastic is still tacky. It's not a servicable part.

With the blessing of the boat shop, I picked up some fuel reistant sealant and stuck the plug back on there. I installed the pump and primed it up - no leaks at the plug, but leaks between one of the housing sections. I pulled the pump apart cleaned the section, put it back together and it leaked in a different section. Pulled apart again and it's leaking at the other section....meanwhile the only thing laughing is the fish.

So I admitted defeat and spend more than I care to admit on a new VRO pump. I'm now running into a dimema with the pulse limiter. Here's whats in the instructions that came with the pump starting on step 9.

----------------
Step 9: Remove original threaded pulse limiter. Apply pipe sealant with teflon to threads of pulse limiter and torque to 60-85 in lbs
Step 10: If outboard now has an in-line pulse limiter, order and install a new one p/n 435010 (unless conversion kit 175225 was ordered).
-------------------

So the limiter that came with the new pump is a 435009 and is blue in color. The one that was originaly on the motor was black.

Step 10 is just confusing the heck out of me. Of course my outboard "now" has an in-line pulse limiter, you just had me install it in step 9!!! Is it trying to tell me that if my motor had a pulse limiter before I installed the new pump that then I need 435010?

What do you all think?

 

[josh291]

Re: 1988 50hp Johnson - Fuel pump leak

Ah rats..... Nevermind.. figures that as soon as I open my big mouth i'd have it figured out.

So 435009 has a nipple on one end and threads on the other to be installed in the crank case.
435010 has a nipple on both ends and is meant to install "in-line" with the hose.

I've actually got a backyard mechanic crossbreed. I have the threaded pulse limiter, but it's installed "in line" with the hose. Someone got an adapter fitting for the threaded end to make it into a nipple on both sides set up.

So I suppose the 435009 will work out for me.

Fingers crosed....

 

[bonz_d]

Re: 1988 50hp Johnson - Fuel pump leak

Ah rats..... Nevermind.. figures that as soon as I open my big mouth i'd have it figured out.

So 435009 has a nipple on one end and threads on the other to be installed in the crank case.
435010 has a nipple on both ends and is meant to install "in-line" with the hose.

I've actually got a backyard mechanic crossbreed. I have the threaded pulse limiter, but it's installed "in line" with the hose. Someone got an adapter fitting for the threaded end to make it into a nipple on both sides set up.

So I suppose the 435009 will work out for me.

Fingers crosed....

I'll be watching so LMK how it works out.
I have a 1987 50hp that I picked up used and the VRO was disabled but plans are to reconnect it and use it. I do also have the shop manual for this one and there is quit a procedure to getting it to work.

One of the 1st things they tell you is to mix the fuel until it is certain that the pump is working and pushing oil and that the oil system is primed.