motor losing prime

Joined
Nov 8, 2012
Messages
6
I have 1989 johnson 88hp v4 new carbs, fuel pump and fuel lines. Will run on 6 gallon remote tank but not on built in tank (new pickup tube and sending unit). Thanks for any help
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: motor losing prime

Have you checked the anti-syphon valve in the fuel line connector on the built in tank ??
 

emdsapmgr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: motor losing prime

Have you checked to be sure that the vent on the built-in tank is open/unobstructed? Same fuel line?
 

Georgesalmon

Lieutenant Commander
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Apr 14, 2012
Messages
1,793
Re: motor losing prime

I hesitate to say this because it can be very unsafe, but,,,,,,,,,,,,,,back in the day I remember that there were some outboard engines that could not overcome the anti syphon valve. I even remember (I think) that there were some made differently for I/O engines and outboards. You might try using a hose barb in place of the anti syphon valve and test it. If it works then I would look for a different brand valve. I would never suggest that you leave the anti syphon valve out of the fuel system for normal operation.

Edit: You do have a bulb on the remote tank fuel line and have pumped the fuel till firm right ?
 

Rmoore45

Seaman
Joined
Aug 4, 2011
Messages
68
Re: motor losing prime

I had a similar problem with my 9.8 merc, I could prime it and it would run for a while but once I got going wide open it would starve for fuel and die. I found a small leak in one of my hoses which allowed the fuel pump to suck air and not fuel. I replaced the line and it solved the problem.
 

emdsapmgr

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Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: motor losing prime

Just to be clear, you are using the same fuel line when testing both tanks. With the tank end connector when you run on the 6 gallon tank, then you remove that tank end fitting and install it on the anti-siphon valve hose barb on the built-in tank. Correct? What happens if you install the hose on the built-in tank, then remove the engine end fuel fitting-then prime the hose bulb. You get plenty of fuel gushing out the engine end of the hose?
 

emdsapmgr

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Dec 9, 2005
Messages
11,551
Re: motor losing prime

The 6 gallon tanks don't have an anti-siphon valve. Your built in tank does. You could do another test of that valve. Either replace it with a regular (straight through) hose barb, or you could remove the retainer, ball and spring from your current anti-siphon valve. Same thing. See what happens.
 
Joined
Nov 8, 2012
Messages
6
Re: motor losing prime

The 6 gallon tanks don't have an anti-siphon valve. Your built in tank does. You could do another test of that valve. Either replace it with a regular (straight through) hose barb, or you could remove the retainer, ball and spring from your current anti-siphon valve. Same thing. See what happens.

removed retainer, ball and spring from valve today with no luck. Still losing prime. Thanks for sugestion
 

Outsider

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 24, 2007
Messages
1,022
Re: motor losing prime

Blow through the fuel line into the tank. If it's clear, you have a fuel pump issue ...

FWIW, anti-siphon valve isn't required unless your fuel tank/line are above the carbs ...
 
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