OMC FUEL LINE PROBLEM???

[bcaln1]

My 1995 Johnson gets the boat on plane fine, but when I try to give it gas, the alarm goes off. The primer bulb is somewhat collapsed and I can't get it fully engorged (as if it's drawing more fuel than the line can handle). I've replaced the fuel line from the tank to the gas filter/water seperator, the anti-syphon (sp?) valve, the primer bulb, and both the fuel filters. The only thing not changed is the fuel line from the large filter to the primer switch housing (on the engine). It still has the problem. Going half speed is ok, but...<br /><br />Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. (I plan on replacing the last part of the fuel line in the next day or so, but it looks good.)

 

[CATransplant]

Re: OMC FUEL LINE PROBLEM???

Sounds like a blockage or partial blockage in the tank pickup, or a blocked vent. You don't tell us what engine you have, or whether you have a portable or fixed tank. That information would help.

 

[angus63]

Re: OMC FUEL LINE PROBLEM???

If it's a V6, are you using 5/16 or 3/8 dia fuel line?

 

[bcaln1]

Re: OMC FUEL LINE PROBLEM???

Sorry for the things I left out. It's a 1995 Johnson 200 (salt water). I have the larger fuel line installed from tank to engine, 3/8. The metal tube down into the fuel tank is clear. As for 'vents', I don't know much about those. The tank is 90 gallons, ,metal. I did try to crack the fill cover, thinking that air wasn't getting into the tank to let the gas go out (thus the collapsed bulb), but that didn't seem to help. Also, I blew into the overflow line to the fuel tank, and gas vapor came back out. I don't THINK there is a vacuum problem, but again, I don't know much about the tank itself or how it works (other than to fill it).

 

[CATransplant]

Re: OMC FUEL LINE PROBLEM???

Hmm...you changed the bulb, I see. Was the old bulb collapsing, too?<br /><br />From the tank to the bulb, is there anything in the line...filter, separator...anything but hose? I wouldn't worry about the venting, given your installation.<br /><br />It appears to me that there is some restriction between the bulb and the tank, causing the fuel pump to suck against the obstruction, flattening the bulb. It could also be a bad bulb, or one installed backwards. Sometimes a new bulb is bad.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: OMC FUEL LINE PROBLEM???

Oh yeah, if you're using in-line, automotive type fuel filters, make sure they're installed in the right direction, too. Also, make sure they're not restrictive. Some of the automotive ones are designed to run at a higher fuel pressure than you're getting from your fuel pump.

 

[bcaln1]

Re: OMC FUEL LINE PROBLEM???

Thanks, I'll try to pick up another 'new' bulb, and recheck all lines. It is installed correctly, that was the first thing I checked. I'll get back on here if I continue to have the problem after the next trip. (Luckily the reef is only a half mile out so I can still get there quickly at lower speed.)<br /><br />

 

[CATransplant]

Re: OMC FUEL LINE PROBLEM???

Well, if it's still doing it, try bypassing any filter or other item between the tank and the bulb. If the symptom goes away, you've found the culprit.