Engine Problem, Need suggestions..

[mfloski]

At the very end of last summer, I (the dealership) had to replace the carborator...thought we had water in the gas. We completely drained ALL gas out of the system and tank. Installed the new carb, and installed a new fuel filter. I put the boat in for the first time yesterday and things were not 100%. I have to choke it and "pump" the gas to get it to start. Once I get it to start it will finally idle on its own. I can then just barely put it in drive and it seams to run fine. When I give it gas and run at an elevated speed, it runs for about 1 min. to 10 min. then it bogs down and dies. It then takes a min. or so of choke/pumping the gas to finally get it to start again and idle on its own. The deal though maybe it was still a water in the gas problem and advised on trying b12 gas treatment to try to fix it. No such luck same problem. So, i can only think that maybe the fuel pump is going bad? does this sound like a possiblilty? ANy other suggestions? Before i drive it all the way back to the dealer i would like to just try to fix it myself if possible. Thanks for any help.

[Hydrofoilmaniac]

RE: Engine Problem, Need suggestions..

It does sound like the fuel pump / filter especially considering you just put a new carb on it. Did you run it at the end of the summer? I'm assuming it ran good after the carb installation. If it ran good, I'd start checking the distributor, wires, etc. If the dealer changed the carb and didn't run it, well.....I wouldn't be happy. Also, I'm not a great mechanic but I was wondering why the dealership changed the carburator if there was water in the gas? Why did they recommend the $4 B12 now instead of before you bought the new carb?

Actually, the more I read your above comments, the more I really question the performance of the dealership. But, then again, I'm not a great engine mechanic.

[MacedayDave]

You may want to check to see if the fuel tank vent hose is not pinched or kinked. A quick test would be to leave the fuel fill cap slightly loosened to see if the problem goes away.

[skijones]

I would check ignition to be sure, but run a line from the fuel pump to a gallon can of gas and try that. You may have a collapsed fuel line somewhere.

[surroundsound64]

Interesting... If you have a mechanical fuel pump, look at the clear line that runs from it up to the air intake on the carb. If there is fuel going through that line your main diaphram is broken, but the boat should still be running.

Sounds very likely that the vent line is pinched, or blocked.

[DavidF]

Your description makes me think that you have a fuel delivery problem. Once you get the carburetor fuel bowls full of fuel, the engine will run and the fuel pump can keep up with demand. However, once you get it up to speed, the pump cannot keep up with demand the fuel bowls eventually run dry and the engine dies. To me, a few things can cause this scenario:

1. Fuel line air leak on suction side of fuel pump. At low speeds, not a problem. But, when high fuel demand, the leaking air causes the pump to not put out enough fuel. Check all clamped connections on fuel line ahead of fuel pump. Especially at any inline filters. Clamps that are too large for the marine grade fuel line causes this sort of problem.
2. Weak fuel pump. Replace the fuel pump.
3. vacuum in the fuel tank. Ensure the vent is not clogged with dirt/mud dauber(wasp) nests or other obstructions.
4. Restricted fuel filter.
5. Collapsed or restricted fuel lines. Not likely with marine grade fuel line, but possible I guess.

[bobchris]

I would be checking the electric choke before I messed around with anything, and double check the cable adjustments as well. And you should have used a fuel and water seperator, and not a fuel filter.

[Hydrofoilmaniac]

Hmm, no fuel filter?

[mfloski]

That is what I actually ment Bobchris, sorry for the incorrect terminology.....Thanks all for the help..I am going to try to tear into it this weekend.....I priced presure gauges for carb fuel pumps, they are like half the cost of a fuel pump! Also, is there anything special about a PCM fuel pump? Can you go to your local auto store and purchase a regaular ford engine fuel pump? Thanks, again...

[surroundsound64]

Do you have a mechanical or electric fuel pump?

[mfloski]

Mechanical

[DavidF]

Yes, you CAN go to your local auto parts store and purchase a fuel pump. However, it will NOT be marine approved and will NOT have marine safety features. You will notice that your marine fuel pump has a clear hose (so you can see fuel inside) running from a nipple on the body of the pump up to the spark arrestor. The purpose of this clear hose is to direct leaking fuel from a ruptured pump diaphragm into the carburetor where it can be safely burned. The automotive pumps just have a hole in the pump body. If the diaphragm fails, the leaking fuel will leak directly into the bilge of your boat and could pose an explosion hazard.

[mfloski]

Thanks for all the suggestions, turned out to be one bad sparkplug!!! Thanks out to Ski&Sport for fixin me up!

[surroundsound64]

Nothing like 1 bad plug to screw everything up.

[mfloski]

OK Well, spoke too soon, Still having the same problem!!!! Got a new fuel pump on order to see if that fixes it...GETTING VERY frustrated!