[Ed54]

I have a 1995 Yamaha 150 HP that has problems starting and running smooth. When running the motor the fuel filter bowl continuously goes up and down with air bubbles in it. Also hard to start. Must start it with the manual choke, not the electric choke.Should there be any air in the fuel filter bowl and/or should it stay full of fuel continously.If the fuel filter bowl is supposed to stay full of fuel at all times...do I have an air leak and how would I find the air leak.Thanks for your help in advance.Ed------------------ejkoch@sunco.comhttp://www.herbals-unlimited.com

[12Footer]

I noticed the clear fuel filter in my line does that too,and the engine runs fine. I think the pump has a tendancy to draw the fuel out of the tank as it needs it.NOT TO SAY, you don't have a leak. All it takes is one fish hook-sized leak to create those symptoms. There is a screen inside the fuel tank (if it is the plastic 3 or 6 gallon type). I doubt this is the problem,unless the problem went away when fuel line was switched to a different tank.But what you described is more than likely a fuel hungry condition. When it starts this crap, does the ball flatten out?------------------I'm no expert, but I DID sleep at a Holiday Inn last night!

[12Footer]

Jeeze.I wish they would enable edit.I didn't offer my .02 on how to determine a leak. If you have a air tester for the lower unit, you could pressurize the fuel line.Or a bike pump with an air gauge could work,dip the fuel line in water and check for bubbles.. But it would be cheaper and better to just replace the line (figuring your time and all). Is the old line "stiffer" than a new one? As they age, the fuel and sun turn these fuel lines brittle. Look closely at your existing fuel line while bending it sharpley. If you see any hairline cracks,crazed surfaces, or it feels stiff (yeah,yeah,don't go there)it should be replaced,along with the ball pump.------------------I'm no expert, but I DID sleep at a Holiday Inn last night!

[JB]

Howdy, Ed54. 12footer's advice is good. Here's a little more from a conservative old salt: Keep a spare fuel line, with pump and see-through filter, on your boat, along with your spare prop, impeller kit, tools kit, etc.,etc. You may never need it, but sometimes Murphy's law bites.Happy boating.JB