Dual fuel tank problem

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Thomas Point Md

check the in line fuel filter just below the screw in elbow at stern of tank...it is in the pick up tube...just replaced mine yesterday I too have a 74 with original tanks ...same symptoms as mine and running great now.

Thunder - I can almost guarantee you that Thomas Point MD has given you the exact answer. I have a 1975 w/ dual tanks, and experienced the exact same problem several years ago. The boat would maddeningly cut out under high throttle/load, only to run fine at other times. I replaced the VRO pump and did a lot of other troubleshooting before ultimately testing with a portable tank. When I ran on that I found no problem. I then pulled the saddle tanks and was really astonished to find tiny metal fuel filters in-line; right at the pick up tubes. Needless to say, they were almost completely clogged after 30 years.

I should have taken photos at the time, but didn't think of it. I highly recommend you just remove those filters, because you undoubtedly have at least one primary filter between your tanks and your engine, and that's sufficient. It's not too hard to remove the tanks. The vinyl and wood cover is held down with two screws, and as are each of the tanks. Once you take the cover off you just loosen the hose clamps on the fuel inlet and air vent hoses, then slide the tank out.