Fixed the carb and thermostat interesting problem

[Otto cv23]

Put a new thermostat in it and the gauge works now that the engine heats up. The carb was special after using a vice grip to get the fuel line off because prior owners nicely rounded the fitting. The fuel filter looked brand new but was totally plugged with a clear coating over the whole think you could not blow through. It was like someone had clear coated it on purpose. I wonder what could run through the fuel system and do that? New filter and now the boat runs like it should problem solved.

[Jason]

Ethanol?

[wiliermdb]

Could be the type of fuel line used. I know that some of the fuel line sets sold for some years had a teflon liner that ethanol would dissolve and plug filters

[Otto cv23]

Thanks for the info. Is there any way to know which years that was. Mine is an 87. I changed the filter on Friday ran the boat for a few hours and it ran great. Didn't use it on Saturday but Sunday morning I took 2 people water skiing and had no power. The day ended quickly and after removing the new filter it was plugged.  This time I stuck my finger in there and removed a white powder   (don't even go there)   and was able to clean the filter it's as good as new. Is this what the Teflon did? Would a large external fuel filter fix this? Or just buy a new fuel line from merc or a braided stainless one?

[Rosscoe]

I think I would just replace the line if its in in question. I used USGA approved A1 everywhere except to the carb which is metal, at least part of the run.

Here is a link that describes what type of fuel line can be used where.

http://www.ehow.com/list_7415829_types-marine-fuel-hose.html