BF 40 2004 model... gas bulb ?

[AG]

First off I love coming to this forum, I'm new to boating and I learn tons every time I come on ... thanks.<br /><br />I have a Honda 40 on a 16' boat, I hunt ducks with it in the winter and bomb around the lake in the summer... no problems with the motor so far. My question is this... I opted to put a gas tank in the bow and there is about a 15' run to the engine. <br /><br />My bulb (I purchased an oversized bulb) never gets solid,rather it just gets squishy. It takes a long time just to get enough fuel in the bulb to get gas in it. The bulb by the way is about 6" from the gas tank.<br /><br />My pal has a Honda 30, 14' foot boat, his tank is located in the bow as well.. his bulb is solid. <br /><br />When the motor starts it runs fine and it hasn't quit. Am I putting to much load on the fuel pump?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

 

[JimCobb]

Re: BF 40 2004 model... gas bulb ?

Based on nothing,I would think the bulb should be closer to the motor. My Honda 40 bulb gets hard like a rock. But if yours is working ok, what the heck.

 

[Navigator]

Re: BF 40 2004 model... gas bulb ?

I'm running with the stock 6ft gas line and tank and the fuel bulb never gets hard. Its not collapsed and the engine is gettin plenty of fuel so its never been a problem. Even during the break in period it was somewhat soft. For my engine (2000 40hp), this is normal behavior.<br /><br />Nav

 

[AG]

Re: BF 40 2004 model... gas bulb ?

Thanks for responding... I built my boat and when I initially installed the gas line, I put the bulb in the splashwell... couldn't get any gas. My motor dealer told me to put it nearer the tank on the "tank side" of the gas filter I installed -- the idea is to push the gas through the gas filter - not pull it through.<br /><br />My problem is that it takes forever to pump just to get some liquid in the bulb.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: BF 40 2004 model... gas bulb ?

Primer bulbs should be located within a couple feet of the engine. Squeezing the primer bulb prior to starting the engine should cause it to get firm as the carbs fill with fuel. When full, the float closes the inlet needle in the carb and therefore no more fuel should enter and hence the bulb is firm. When the engine is started, the fuel pump now "draws" fuel through the line so the bulb will not stay firm as fuel is flowing through it. The bulb should never be sucked flat as that's an indication of a fuel restriction between the bulb and the pickup in the tank, or the tank vent is not open or plugged.