Intermittent Problem - need ideas! - Page 2

reelapeelin · #11 07-07-2009, 06:03 AM

Quote:

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 · #12 07-07-2009, 08:22 AM

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 · #13 07-12-2009, 08:36 PM

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.

macojoe · #14 07-13-2009, 03:38 AM

we have a harbor master boat up here not a V20 but they have the same problem, they installed a SS Clam shell over the front of the vent, never a problem again.

Blue_Runner · #15 07-13-2009, 07:43 AM

Shouldn't it be ok as long as you have the big loop in the vent hose? Mine is below the rubrail and I've never noticed any water in the fuel...just asking. I don't even know if mine has the loop. I'll take a look next time I take the rod box out.

RABBITFISH · #16 07-13-2009, 10:55 AM

Isn't it amazing what asking for help on these forums bring! I also have learned something new! Just a little thing like where the vent is located will have such a big impact on performance! And a simple fix.
This is such a great place to get help, thanks to all of you, you make things much easier fior all the rest of us!!

Tommy