1981 200hp Not getting Fuel, need help.

jbcc2500

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Mar 27, 2011
Messages
17
Ok, I have replaced all fuel line, rebuilt carbs, new fuel pump, cleaned the screen in the fuel pump, new line in my fuel tank, and put sea foam in yesterday but still have the same problem. The motor runs good and cranks fine but once it?s running wide open down the river, usually about a minute later it starts idling back and wanting to cut off. If you pump the ball a time or two she is back running great. This continues as long as you?re out on the boat and its getting annoying. I have replaced the pump ball line as well. What?s the deal?

Thanks!
 

sutor623

Rear Admiral
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May 23, 2011
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4,089
Re: 1981 200hp Not getting Fuel, need help.

Yeah dude that sounds odd. Do you have a vented tank?
 

CharlieB

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Apr 10, 2007
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Re: 1981 200hp Not getting Fuel, need help.

How about rebuilding the PRIMARY fuel pump?

The low pressure pump has to fill the VST or the high pressure pump will simply run out of fuel.
 

jbcc2500

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Re: 1981 200hp Not getting Fuel, need help.

How about rebuilding the PRIMARY fuel pump?

The low pressure pump has to fill the VST or the high pressure pump will simply run out of fuel.

Low pressure pump? My fuel line runs from my tank to the side of the engine where it has a housing with a cone strainer or filter in it, from there to a diaphragm fuel pump.
 

CharlieB

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Re: 1981 200hp Not getting Fuel, need help.

D'oh, missed carbs! I was thinking of an EFI.

Pumping the primer shows a lack of fuel, suspect air leaking into the fuel system.

A quick connector could seal when pressurized by the primer yet fail when the fuel pump sucks on it.

Test by temporarily installing a clear hose between the fuel pump and carbs, start the motor and watch for air bubbles passing thru it.

Be S"URE to remove the clear hose once finished with repairs as it is NOT approved for fuel.
 

jbcc2500

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Re: 1981 200hp Not getting Fuel, need help.

Thanks Charlie, thats a really good idea with clear hose! Will do and report back to you.
 

BatDaddy1887

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Jan 18, 2009
Messages
463
Re: 1981 200hp Not getting Fuel, need help.

...or it could be something simple like the fuel line connector at the engine.....
 

jbcc2500

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Joined
Mar 27, 2011
Messages
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Re: 1981 200hp Not getting Fuel, need help.

Reporting back! There are NO air leaks and it still does the same thing, idles great, runs great at 3/4 throttle but dies out when you dump it(full throttle) after 15 to 30 secs. What now?
 

CharlieB

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Apr 10, 2007
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5,617
Re: 1981 200hp Not getting Fuel, need help.

Ok, ............................... new line in my fuel tank, ............................ once it’s running wide open down the river, usually about a minute later it starts idling back and wanting to cut off. ...............................................

Do you mean the 'dip tube' in the fuel tank?

Have you also checked the anti-siphon fitting on top of the tank?

Either of these can cause a restriction in fuel flow that will not allow enough fuel for WOT.

The symptoms you describe are classic of a slightly restricted fuel flow, the motor can only run at sustained speed at that limited flow.

Some yr/model fuel pumps were not physically bolted to the crankcase and use a 'hose' to transfer the pressure/vacuum pulses, when that hose ages, weakens, that will also limit pump capacity.

Too tight a zip tie on a fuel hose/wiring harness can restrict fuel flow, as can too tight of bend in a hose.

Large HP motors require large fuel flow, you have to verify every fitting, every hose from initial pick up in the tank all the way to the carbs, or you risk running lean at WOT and hurting your motor.

Aftermarket primer bulbs and quick disconnect fuel fittings are often suspect. Many shops and owners absolutely refuse to allow them and insist on Merc fittings, or eliminate the fittings altogether and run straight hose to and from the tank, primer, fuel pump.
 
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