Primer bulb

[CT_V-20]

I had a recurring problem late last season with my motor "bogging down." We'd be running along fine at 4000 rpm and out of nowhere the rpms drop to 1000-1200 and then pop back up into the 3000-4000 range and then keeps on repeating that process of running - bogging down - running - bogging down *>:(. If I go back and keep squeezing the primer ball while somebody else drives, the bogging down stops immediately. Bogging down does not occur at low RPMs. I use a fuel/water seperator and change it regularly. I check the inline fuel filter and it's clear. All the fuel/oil lines to the VRO are good (I replaced a couple last year and redid ALL connections). The boat sat for a few seasons before I bought it in 2003. The fuel tank has been emptied and filled several times since I bought the boat. I've seen lots of good posts on here about the fuel vent and that will be one of the first things I try when I get the boat back in the water this spring, especially because there was a clog in the piss stream hose when I first bought the boat. What does a limp fuel primer ball mean, and I'd be interested in opinions on this issue. Thanks.

[Airslot]

Sometimes a primer ball will go bad. If the check valve sticks then the ball can get sucked flat. It could stick in a half open position and cause your problem where it gets enough fuel sometimes. If the ball is getting limp, replace it with an OEM ball, not a tempo or cheapie aftermarket ball.

Airslot
Could also be a fuel pump going bad but I'd replace that ball first.

[macojoe]

Well you have,
pick up tube in the tank,
check value
then the line to the filter,
the filter,
line to the ball,
ball,
line from ball to another filter at the engine (most have a small one there)
then you have the fuel pump
then line to carbs,
and carbs.

Also on my old Johnson the little O rings on the connector for fuel line to the motor went bad making a bad seal. did the same thing.

Make sure the lines are clear, the filter (2 of them ) clear, and get a new ball ( I change mine about every other year) The sun makes the rubber go bad after a while.

I am betting fuel pump??

My guess is your fuel pump is shot. It's life shortened by the 10% ethanol added to your gas that ate up your old, tired rubber diaphragms. Just a guess. ;)

[Stinky_Hooker]

Agreeing with the fuel pump guess. I had the same problem and it was the fuel pump on one of my other boats.

[reelapeelin]

CT...you said you service your gas/water seperator regularly, but is there water in it when you do?...if you are getting water in there on a regular basis and your fuel vents are mounted BELOW the rub-rail, then move 'em ABOVE the rub-rail and your problems will go away...if this isn't the case w/your boat, then I agree w/ the fuel pump angle ;)...

[CT_V-20]

I sure hope it's not the fuel pump, because if it is I would have to replace the VRO pump assembly! While that is not a major project, it probably is $$$.

The vent is above the rub rail.

[Airslot]

I wouldn't get too excited just yet. When you went back to squeeze the ball while running was it firm, or soft. If it was soft, replace it and go from there.

Airslot

[Blue_Runner]

My fuel pump went bad on my 60hp johnson, and it wouldn't plane off no matter how hard I squeezed the primer. But, it sounds like yours is still working somewhat. I hope its your bulb, but I'm leaning away from that due to the description of your problem.

I can tell you this, I bought a new fuel pump and got it installed for $100 by a marine dealership. It had the VRO, and I replaced it with non-VRO and mix my gas. Of course the mixing is a pain in the arse, but so is a blown powerhead. I just have a problem trusting the VRO's from the 80's. I would think that oil injection has made many advancements in newer 2 stroke motors though.

[CT_V-20]

BR, I chose the most expensive route and just bought a new engine instead! Of course the same primer bulb will be there, so I think I'll change it anyway (if I can still afford it).