Volvo 4.3GL Not Starting After Trailering

Southeast MI

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Joined
May 10, 2010
Messages
3
I have somewhat of a recurring issue. I cannot get the motor to start after I trailer a long distance. I trailered the boat to the lake (~40 minutes) on Tuesday. I had no with no issues with starting or any issues all day. I trailered the boat this weekend (~3 hours) and I could not get the boat to start when I dropped it in the water. I've had this issue several times in the past. The boat starts and idles for a few minutes then dies. It won't start after this.

Here's what I do to get it started... I remove the fuel filter and put a little gas in it. I screw the filter back into place and the boat starts and runs fine. I can take it out for several different days and I have no issues. When I trailer back home I have the same starting issue.

This past weekend when I unscrewed the fuel filter it seemed like a lot of gas drained from the fuel pump back into the filter. I don't remember this happening in the past.

I was thinking that there was an air gap between the pump and the fuel level in the filter and the fuel pump lost its prime. By topping off the filter I solved the issue (until I trailered back home).

Any thoughts or suggestions on why this is happening or what I can investigate to get it resolved?

Thanks in advance... Eric
 

chargerboy

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 28, 2010
Messages
362
Re: Volvo 4.3GL Not Starting After Trailering

Don S posted an excellent fuel system troubleshooting link, in the Adults Only section.
 

havasuboatman

Ensign
Joined
Mar 5, 2009
Messages
904
Re: Volvo 4.3GL Not Starting After Trailering

Place (or replace) the anti siphon valve in your fuel tank.
 

Southeast MI

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Joined
May 10, 2010
Messages
3
Re: Volvo 4.3GL Not Starting After Trailering

Thanks for the information so far.

Is there an anti-siphon valve on the fuel tank pick-up? Would this be inside the fuel tank?

I was wondering if there was any type of anti-siphon nipple on the motor between the carb and the fuel pump. Does the fuel pump prevent fuel from siphoning back in to the filter/tank?

Thanks again... Eric
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Messages
62,321
Re: Volvo 4.3GL Not Starting After Trailering

Is there an anti-siphon valve on the fuel tank pick-up?
Yes, it's actually the fitting the hose attaches to that goes to the engine. It looks like a threaded hose barb in the elbow on top of the gas tank.

I was wondering if there was any type of anti-siphon nipple on the motor between the carb and the fuel pump.

Nope

Does the fuel pump prevent fuel from siphoning back in to the filter/tank?
It should.
 

Southeast MI

Recruit
Joined
May 10, 2010
Messages
3
Re: Volvo 4.3GL Not Starting After Trailering

Thanks for the information. I am going to take a look at it and I'l post what I find.

Eric
 
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