Won't run long

[Boatbudd]

Engine is 4 cyl Olds?? Serial # 85157913 Mercury stern drive #5199120 MCM140 I think 1979

Last year went down to the other end of Buckeye Lake (7 miles?) and it quit. Rowed ashore and let it sit for about 4 hours(went to eat+) and it started and ran normally for about 6 miles and Quit! Towed in to nearest dock. Next morning ran normal to the boat house (2 miles)

This year ran on muffs -- after 25 minutes started running rough and died but restarted and would idle at a higher rpm

Put it in the water and ran to bhouse (3 miles) no problems

Went out on a idle only cruise ( 10 min run 1 hour sit 10 min back) ran rough at the end ????

 

[HT32BSX115]

Howdy,

Welcome aboard!

Sounds like you may have a fuel related problem. I would start at the fuel tank and work towards the engine. If the fuel vent is plugged or partially plugged. the engine will run slowly increasing the vacuum on the fuel tank until the fuel pump cannot overcome it and the engine quits.

once the vacuum equalizes, the engine can be started after that.

You also could have a plugged (or partially plugged) fuel pickup screen, anti-siphon check valve filter etc.

A good way to isolate the tank would be to get a separate fuel tank and fuel line and disconnect the fuel line from the installed tank and operate the engine from the outboard tank. You could also get a small electric fuel pump and see how long it will pump fuel from the tank into a container.
(please have a fire extinguisher ready, do this outside and NO SMOKING!!:joyous


REGARDS,


Rick

 

[Boatbudd]

If I get to the no run condition is there a way to check that no fuel is being delivered-- something easier than puilling the carb apart to see if there is fuel in it??

 

[MikDee]

If I get to the no run condition is there a way to check that no fuel is being delivered-- something easier than puilling the carb apart to see if there is fuel in it?? Thanks Bud

Yeah, take off the flame arrestor, and look down into the carburetor as you pump the throttle once, you should see fuel being squirted in.

 

[Boatbudd]

I'll get out there today. Thanks Bud

 

[Boatbudd]

I am going down now to check on the fuel in the carb -- it quit this morning! Also, if it is a vaccum problem wouldn't this be fixed by taking off the fuel cap?
How often do you usually have to rebuild the carb??

 

[Boatbudd]

I am going down now to check on the fuel in the carb -- it quit this morning! Also, if it is a vacuum problem wouldn't this be fixed by taking off the fuel cap?
How often do you usually have to rebuild the carb??

 

[Boatbudd]

Don't see any fuel on movement of throttle. Going to try to run it this PM and make notes on the conditions. Thanks for all the info. Bud