Engine surges and fuel line bulb deflates then engine dies

[BlueBeast]

1976 Johnson Seahorse model number 55EL76E, serial number E4473745

I was out on the water the other day and my engine cut out.

The engine started good and I took off. About a mile later, the engine cut on and off and on and off just jerking the boat. I noticed the fuel line bulb was deflated so I inspected the line and tank. The tank release valve was open but the line was kinked at the the connecter. I was able to drive around at low rpms but then when I full throttled again the engine just cut off. I straightened the fuel line out and primed the bulb several times but the engine never started again.
I dont know if I flooded the engine or if the engine wasn't getting fuel. I ended up getting towed back to the dock :facepalm:

Anybody know whats going on?

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: Engine surges and fuel line bulb deflates then engine dies

The problem may or may not be the fuel delivery. It was just the first thing you tried. Could be an ignition component heating up and failing.

Start from the basics:
Check the compression, check the spark , then check the fuel.
Do you think that it overheated?

 

[jefflundstrom]

Re: Engine surges and fuel line bulb deflates then engine dies

1976 Johnson Seahorse model number 55EL76E, serial number E4473745

I was out on the water the other day and my engine cut out.

The engine started good and I took off. About a mile later, the engine cut on and off and on and off just jerking the boat. I noticed the fuel line bulb was deflated so I inspected the line and tank. The tank release valve was open but the line was kinked at the the connecter. I was able to drive around at low rpms but then when I full throttled again the engine just cut off. I straightened the fuel line out and primed the bulb several times but the engine never started again.
I dont know if I flooded the engine or if the engine wasn't getting fuel. I ended up getting towed back to the dock :facepalm:

Anybody know whats going on?

This happened to us a month ago. For us it turned out being a blocked fuel/water separator. I bet you had it flooded afterwards. Did you try using an external tank to rule out any fuel line problems?

 

[depty933]

Re: Engine surges and fuel line bulb deflates then engine dies

You definately have a blocked fuel line. The tale tell sign is the deflated primer bulb. This happened to me when I had trash in my fuel tank. Easy fix. Good luck.

 

[BlueBeast]

Re: Engine surges and fuel line bulb deflates then engine dies

I will check the basics. If anything overheated, would the engine just cut off? I am using an external tank and I was using a Attwood fuel line from Walmart which kinked. I just bought a new Moeller fuel line and tried to start it with that but the engine wont fire. This is after I have removed the spark plugs and let the engine sit for a day.
So maybe there is a fuel line block in the fuel filter or somewhere?
How do I check the spark? Can't I use a screwdriver and try and arc it or something?

Thanks

 

[GDTRFB]

Re: Engine surges and fuel line bulb deflates then engine dies

I just had a similar situation with my 6 hp kicker, it ended up being the check valve was faulty at the bulb. I replaced with another hose i had and every thing worked perfectly again. I then retried to old hose and same thing happened confirming it was the hose (check valve) all along.

 

[BlueBeast]

Re: Engine surges and fuel line bulb deflates then engine dies

Well I checked everything and now im pretty confused.
I have a new fuel line and I inspected the carbs. But I think the problem is now electrical.
Ive check the spark and I have no spark. Also the negative terminal on my battery is melted or warped.