Intermittent Problem - need ideas!

[spareparts]

check the fule filter and then get some one to pump the bulb while its running to see if it will run OK(indicates fuel pump or restriction)

[BuilderFL]

I will try the 6 gallon tank with fresh fuel and a new hose/bulb and get back with my results. By the way, if there a way to test the bulb? My water filter separator has a bottom bowl that can be drained, which I have done several times without any change in performance. Should it still be replaced?

[Cam]

Originally Posted by BuilderFL

I will try the 6 gallon tank with fresh fuel and a new hose/bulb and get back with my results. By the way, if there a way to test the bulb? My water filter separator has a bottom bowl that can be drained, which I have done several times without any change in performance. Should it still be replaced?

Could still be clogged. This ethanol in the gas is screwing with everyone's performance.

[macojoe]

Draining the bowl is for getting rid of the water that might build up, but the filter is to clean the dirt and will clog in time, always start the season with a new filter and carry a spare!!

[richie410]

Could be stuck check ball in fuel tank depending on type of tank you have. I have above deck side tanks and we just took the check ball out because they great for sticking.That was on my V20. I also had problem on small boat with 50hp wouldn't idle but if sped up would run but run like ****. It was dirty porcelain on outside of plug. Wires were firing over outside of plug to ground and had bad gas on top of that.

[bigshrimpin]

Originally Posted by BuilderFL

I will try the 6 gallon tank with fresh fuel and a new hose/bulb and get back with my results. By the way, if there a way to test the bulb? My water filter separator has a bottom bowl that can be drained, which I have done several times without any change in performance. Should it still be replaced?

What's the good word? When you run the 6 gallon go straight to the motor and use a different hose/bulb/fitting. Also was the engine Hot when it stall out?

[BuilderFL]

First let me say thanks to Macojoe for setting me up with Bigshrimpin and the spare power packs he sent me.
The six-gallon tank solved the issue. As it turn out, you guys were right...tons of water in my tank and the motor was starving for fuel. I figured, (of course, we are all geniuses in hindsight) that since water is heavier than gasoline and that the two don’t mix, the water sits in the bottom of the tank were the fuel pick up is located. And no matter how much fresh fuel you add, the water will still be there. Anyway, motor is working fine, can't get it to idle at 850 rpm, but 950 is good with me. Now I have a clean carburetor, new fuel filter, clean fuel and two replacement power packs installed. Got out on Saturday, ran all day without any issues and although I did not catch the Dolphins I was looking for, I did land a mean 4’ barracuda that went back in the water after a stressful hook release.
Again, thank y'all!
Bill

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by BuilderFL

First let me say thanks to Macojoe for setting me up with Bigshrimpin and the spare power packs he sent me.
The six-gallon tank solved the issue. As it turn out, you guys were right...tons of water in my tank and the motor was starving for fuel. I figured, (of course, we are all geniuses in hindsight) that since water is heavier than gasoline and that the two don’t mix, the water sits in the bottom of the tank were the fuel pick up is located. And no matter how much fresh fuel you add, the water will still be there. Anyway, motor is working fine, can't get it to idle at 850 rpm, but 950 is good with me. Now I have a clean carburetor, new fuel filter, clean fuel and two replacement power packs installed. Got out on Saturday, ran all day without any issues and although I did not catch the Dolphins I was looking for, I did land a mean 4’ barracuda that went back in the water after a stressful hook release.
Again, thank y'all!
Bill

Congrats on gettin' your problem solved!!...have you figured out how the water got in the tank to begin with?...I remember it a real beauty, but can't recall your boat's year model...earlier ones like mine had the fuel vent BELOW the rub-rail...I relocated mine ABOVE the rail after taking water several times...

[Blue_Runner]

Nice job Builder! It sounds like you have a racor separator. I have one with the clear bowl and drain at the bottom. I'm of the opinion one should drain it before each outing. A good thing to do would be drain it into a clean mason jar so you can see the amount of water/trash in your system. I also dump the inline filter on the motor pretty frequently as well. There always seems to be tiny specs of trash in the bottom....I guess its doing its job!

Congrats!

[BuilderFL]

Reel, I believe you are right on the money with the location of the fuel vent and how the water gets in the tank. Mine is a 1980 and does have the fuel vent below the rub rail. Motor has been running like champ, however I went out today and the seas were 2'-4' and although that Carolina flair displaces water nicely, a lot does come up the sides, were the fuel vent is located. Sure enough, by mid day, I was having performance troubles again. Water in the fuel.. When I got back, I ran the motor on my new 6 gallon tank and after burning the brackish fuel from the carbs, she was up and running normal. Before I make a new hole on the fiberglass, I'm going to install a new temporary vent on the cover of the inspection hatch that I have on the inside by the fuel cap and leave the existing vent with a short hose connected to a small container to go out and test the theory. Will keep you posted.