Fuel Tank Problems

I have a 1989 Wellcraft v20 CC Fisherman . My problem is that I can not get fuel from the tank to the 200 hp Yamaha OB. I replaced the fuel line 2 years ago and installed a water seperator . Last year each time we went out the fuel ball would flatten and the engine would stop . To correct it we would reverse the ball and blow air through the line to the tank. This would allow us to run for another 15 minutes. I think I have to drain the fuel tank and remove the pick up tube from the tank to find out what is causing the blockage . Has anyone done this before as getting to the pick up without removing the floor pannel looks very difficult Advice would be welcome .

[labii]

It sounds like your tank may not be venting. Try opening your gas cap a little to allow air in the tank . If that works your overflow may have a clog in it .

[chumbucket]

Welcome. I agree with Labii. Alot of times during winter layup or extended periods of non-usage, spiders or other bugs will get into the vent and nest in there clogging the works. If your tank doesn't vent properly, it can stop the siphoning of gas to the motor. That's the first place I'd look anyways.

Thanks for the quick come backs . How do you clean the vent tube and how does it connect to the gas tank ?

[chumbucket]

It's a hose that's clamped to the backside of the vent right below your gas filler cap. You should be able to get access to it through the inspection plate just below the gunwhale below the filler cap. Just a hose clamp holding it on.

[chumbucket]

Any solutions to the problem yet? ???

Gentlemen :

I removed the vent hose through the inspection port and blew it out with my mouth, I think it was clear of any obstructions as air came out of the filler hose .
Then I removed the petcock from the fuel pick-up line into the tank , cut the fuel line and blew compressed air into the fuel line and tank to clear any obstructions . I eliminated the petcock and connected the fuel line directly to the pick-up .
Tried primming the ball , still no fuel . Removed ball from line and checked it out , appeared to be working fine . Pulled fuel from the tank using auxillary pump thru line and water seperator then reconnected ball and primed carb's. Engine started up OK .
I am thinking my problem was that the ball was in a vertical position and can not work adequately in that position. When I replaced the fuel line two years ago I left it to long , causing it to hang vertically .
Hopefully this has cured the problem , I thank you all for your responses.

The Engineer

[chumbucket]

Good deal ;) Now you can concentrate on fishing instead of when your motor is going to crap out on ya.

So tell me, are you an english engineer or an engineering englishman? ;D

The Englishman is our boat and call sign when we fish out of Hatteras NC .
I am also English by birth and a stuctural engineer .

[chumbucket]

Well that clears things up. ;D 8)
We have something in common then.





I speak english. ::) ;D