Losing prime

[awthacker]

Here's what I was thinking of regarding the fuel pump, but I don't wanna buy it just to be a parts changer.

http://www.marineengine.com/newparts...&Engine=&Model=

[tsubaki]

Seems I looked at a VRO on a 3 cylinder that would require you to keep the wires connected in order for the fuel pump to work or you would have to completely remove the VRO system, tap into the plug in the block in order to get a vacuum line and then install a regular vacuum type fuel pump.
Reconnect the wires and see if the problem disappears. Chances are there is a signal wire to the oil pump that will set off the low oil alarm, if so you may need to cut that wire.
The link to you provided to the premix pump looks like an easy solution.

[Cam]

Sounds to me like there is some sort of fuel restriction. It may be a collapsing fuel line, which has become quite common with this ethanol gas. Check all the lines and if possible, run it off a seperate (5 gallon) fuel tank to see if you get the same restrictions.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Cam

Check all the lines and if possible, run it off a seperate (5 gallon) fuel tank to see if you get the same problems.

That would be my first suggestion also. That instantly rules out all fuel lines, dirty filters, etc. Then you can make a better informed decision based on the results.

[aussie]

im no expert but it sounds like the fuel pump is sucking air from somewhere i would put a fuel pressure gauge and check fuel pressure
could be a seal on the fuel system from the tank to the fuel pump not sealing not sure if your tank has a screen on the fuel pick up and sometimes when replacing fuel fiters dirt can get in the fuel line check the fuel pump may have dirt in the one way valves

[nymack66]

Process of elimination, run it off a portable tank as posted, disconnect it from the top of the current fuel tank. Connect this hose to the portable tank if all is well its the fuel pickup strainer in the tank or the anti siphon valve on top of the tank.
You mentioned 60:1 mix it should be 50:1 Typo?
You ran this motor perfectly before so I don't this its anything to do with the disconnecting the vro ...
Be careful not to run it at WOT with a fuel starvation you will blow the power head ...

[tsubaki]

awthacker, please refresh my memory.
I had it in my mind you had cleaned the tank, replaced the fill hose and the fuel lines to the motor and added the water separator prior to or during your repower.

[awthacker]

Today I reconnected the VRO wiring harness, replaced the primer bulb, and bypassed a fuel shut-off valve. I brought along a 6.6 gal pony tank. The boat idled nicely through the no wake zone, then planed up nicely before dying out back to idle speed while at 3/4 throttle. My buddy pumped the bulb and it picks up again. We switched to the pony tank and have the same problem. Tomorrow I'll inspect the fuel pump for blockage.

[awthacker]

Originally Posted by tsubaki

Seems I looked at a VRO on a 3 cylinder that would require you to keep the wires connected in order for the fuel pump to work or you would have to completely remove the VRO system, tap into the plug in the block in order to get a vacuum line and then install a regular vacuum type fuel pump.
Reconnect the wires and see if the problem disappears. Chances are there is a signal wire to the oil pump that will set off the low oil alarm, if so you may need to cut that wire.
The link to you provided to the premix pump looks like an easy solution.

There was a low oil alarm when the wiring harness was connected. But the engine still stalled. So the harness is disconnected again. I have run it this way for maybe 5 hrs prior to the problem.

[tsubaki]

And with the engine off, you can pump the bubble and it stays hard?