80 200 optimax in a Sugar Sand

hi;
i'm really hoping someone can help me. the engine has 44 hours on it, but it sat for a long time. the engine runs great for about 2 or 3 miles and then it will shut off like it is out of gas and won't start. if you take the water filter off empty it and put it back on, prime the filter by turning the key on and off a few times it will start againg and do the same thing. there is no water in the fuel (tank drained and vacuumed out). it seems like an air lock. the last time it did it I opened the gas cap to see if it would start and it wouldn't. the only way is to empty the filter. has anyone else had this problem? my boat has a shut off valve at the tank but i don't know if it has a anti siphon valve. where would the siphon valve be located. and again it run perfect for the time its running then just quits like it's out of gas......HELP

thanks

Ray

Re: 80 200 optimax in a Sugar Sand

have you drained the VST and changed all the filters? Is there a primer bulb on this installation?

Re: 80 200 optimax in a Sugar Sand

yes i have done all that, is there a vent line in the VST that could cause an air lock?

Re: 80 200 optimax in a Sugar Sand

The fuel pump in VST will not suck fuel into water seperator, it is filled by mechanical fuel pump or on most sport jets a small electrical fuel pump to filter. It sound like that pump or a anti siphon valve on fuel tank is your problem....

Re: 80 200 optimax in a Sugar Sand

I would tend to lean towards a fuel pump over amp, by the time you drain the filter the vst pump has cooled down. Check your fuel pressure while your running should be 32-36 psi, this is on the return side.

Re: 80 200 optimax in a Sugar Sand

good call woody!!!!! it appears you were correct. thanks for all your help