Not enough gas alarm

[Cpoe2]

Here is my problem and I hope you guys can help. I have a 1987 johnson 150HP outboard that got a new powerhead in 1995. I had the carbs rebuilt in May of this year because I bought the boat used in Jan and it had been sitting for over a year. When I start the engine it starts up fine using the fast idle lever but when I push it down the warning alarm goes off in about 15 seconds and will not go off until I put it in gear and give it some gas, after that I get the alarm sporadically, sometime it goes off by itself and sometime I have to squeeze the ball. I first thought it was a false alarm so I continued to run it when I have it wide open and trimmed up but sure enough the ball flattens out and I have to stop and then squeeze the ball. So far I have check all of the fuel lines from the hose inside the gas tank to the connector on the engine plus the air vent and all are clear and I have changed the ball. It seems to me that the engine is doing what it is supposed to but it can't gas fast enough. Any ideas on what I should check next ? The carbs and fuel line is the limit of my novice outboard knowledge and any help would be much appreciated.

 

[Down South]

Re: Not enough gas alarm

You said the primer bulb goes flat. If so then you either have a restriction between the Engine and fuel tank or a vent problem at the tank. Check the suction hose inside the tank. If that doesn't work, check the vent again. Try loosening the tank cap to see if that will reslove the problem. If it does. buy a new cap if that is where your vent is or replace the tank vent.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[DJ]

Re: Not enough gas alarm

Cpoe2,<br /><br />There is NO doubt about it, you have a restriction somewhere between the tank pick up and the engine.<br /><br />What size fuel line are you running? It should be at least 3/8" id.<br /><br />There is an anti siphon ball check on your tank outlet-these can stick.<br /><br />Do you have the primer bulb facing the right direction? There is an arrow on it that points in the direction of fuel flow. It should be pointed at the engine end of the fuel hose.<br /><br />Is your tank vent collapsing? Does it make a difference if you start it with the fuel filler cap off? DON'T RUN IT THIS WAY DOWN THE LAKE!!

 

[Cpoe2]

Re: Not enough gas alarm

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if it could be anything other than the connection from the fuel tank to the engine. I will replace all of the hoses and connector from the tank as well as the vent ( which is not part of the cap ) and see what happens. Thanks for all your help.