Engine problem - '85 Mercruiser 170

[scook]

With people who say a mechanical pump has solid state electronics and, 2-wire connection, I'm not real sure of anything but the Mercruiser part number they start with is the correct one. For a few bucks more, I'll go with a known supplier.

You think I'm on the right track swapping out the fuel pump at this point? Anything I'm missing?

[Cam]

Could possibly be a sometimes clogged pickup in the fuel tank. Try running the boat from a portable tank for a while first, before you plunk down money on a pump. You may even be able to remove the pickup and see if it is screened at the bottom. Easy enough things to do before spending money.

[macojoe]

I removed my ck balls, they were getting stuck all the time!

[spareparts]

have you tried running it with a portable fuel tank?

[scook]

Haven't run on a portable tank or checked the pickup for a dirty screen. Thanks - I'll try those.

[scook]

1) Finally got back to working on the boat. Pulled the sending unit and the tank is "like new" clean on the inside - I can't imagine there's any clog in the pickup tube with it looking that good. Any reason to think I should pull the pickup tube to inspect it? I suppose I could take off the fuel line and blow back through it to be sure???

2) Putting the sending unit back on, what gasket sealer (I'll buy or make a new gasket) should I use? We have some Permatex #2 and some Mil. Spec RTV.

3) Next thing to check. The only thing that changed from before to after the engine running for a while and then quitting is that I installed Pertronix electronic ignition. Talking with my son the mechanic, he said it sounds like a temperature related issue and suggested checking the ignition by firing it up and warming the distributor with a heat gun to see if that will make it quit.

Any more suggestions are appreciated - fishing season is coming up fast and I'm starting to paw the ground.

[scook]

To recap the thread, this is after new fuel lines, fuel water separator filter, fuel pump and draining the tank and filling with non-ethanol gas. The 15 hp 4-stroke outboard runs off the same tank for long periods with no problem.