99 Sea Ray 4.3 with electric fuel pump

[rdtenn]

I have a major issue in that engine will not start after it sets a few days...I have had the carburetor overhauled and I can hear a noise when I push the throttle, but only air, no fuel is going into the throat of the carb....the bottom plugs not leaking etc.. I know I have a problem but I am convinced this is not a carburetor issue since the technician that overhauled the carburetor is an old timer and the best in this area. What else would it be, is there some kind of shut off switch or something that I am no aware of?

I basically have given up so I installed a momentary on switch that I can push and engage the electric fuel pump to put fuel into the carb. before I crank the engine. This works most of the time but sometimes I have to wiggle the wiring connector a the fuel pump and then I can hear the pump run. Therefore, I know it would be cheaper to replace the connetor rather than the electric fuel pump..So far I have not found anyone that sells the wiring connector only. Does anyone know where I can purchase one of these?

Also, if I have to buy an electric fuel pump is the marine version any different from a car or truck fuel pump? Also who do you recommend, Pep Boys, NAPA, Auto Zone maybe?

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[dg512055]

Re: 99 Sea Ray 4.3 with electric fuel pump

I had the same problem with the fuel pump connector. If you look inside the connector you can see where to bend the tabs so they will make contact again. I bent my a year ago and had no more problems. Plus you know where to look if you turn on the key and don't hear the fuel pump run for a bit.

 

[havasuboatman]

Re: 99 Sea Ray 4.3 with electric fuel pump

There is a oil pressure fuel cut off switch on that engine. If it fails, it will keep your fuel pump from working. BUT. It wont cause the fuel to leak out of the carb.
If your fuel is not staying in the carb, it's leaking out of the carb. simple as that. It's NOT getting syphoned back out of the carb. The needle valve prohibits that.
No disrespect to your carb guy, but he needs to pull the carb and recheck it.
Being an old timer has no bearing what-so-ever on quality of work, and even the best mechanic can miss something.
Fix your fuel issue. No offence, but what you describe doing is unsafe and not too smart.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: 99 Sea Ray 4.3 with electric fuel pump

I agree with post#3, all you are doing with the switch you installed is bypassing a safety feature.Your fuel pump should only work when the engine is turning.repair the carb.

 

[180shabah]

Re: 99 Sea Ray 4.3 with electric fuel pump

I agree with post#3, all you are doing with the switch you installed is bypassing a safety feature.Your fuel pump should only work when the engine is turning.repair the carb.

Lighen up guys, a momentary switch feeding an electric pump is both legal and safe.

Do we know what carb this is? If it is the weber, there is a know issue that affects large number (but not all) of them where the fuel actually does "siphon" out. Do a search of posts by achris, he went through alot trying to solve this. It did not present any safety issues, but definately was annoying.

Couple of other possible issues - this electric fuel pump is also know for intermittant failure. Ever have an old fan that has a dirty motor - you turn the switch on and it just hums a little. If you nodge the blades a little, it starts spinning and wil run fine the rest of the day. Same thing here. If the AS valve is also stuck in the open position, this can just make things worse. As you usually don't crank the engine long enough (fuel pump runs with the key in the start position also) to purge the air from the fuel line and fill the carb.

The OP mention that he suspects wiring - While no body sells the connector seperate, any auto parts store can get you a "generic" two pin plug, get both halves and replace the existing one. Since you don't have problems after the first start of the day, I am more inclined to believe that your fuel pump is on its way out (old fan style) and you connector adjustment give the motor in it just enough of a kick to start turning again.

As for sourcing an rpl pump, iboats sells them or NAPA carries marine parts. and yes it MUST be a marine pump.