Author Topic: Potential fuel starvation (Read 17239 times)

Rosscoe · « **on:** August 10, 2013, 08:08:38 AM »

I decided to move this from the "do we have time for one more" outing thread.

So any kind of "adjustments" over and above idling is all internal.

I had a thought last night when looking through the instructions for the new pump.
When I read "a fuel pump is made to pump fuel to the carb, not pull it from the tank" that tells me its all gravity. I wonder if I could have the Racor filter mounted too high? If its higher than the tank that could be a problem? Maybe it is causing fuel starvation?
Thoughts?
I put it where I did for convenience. Nothing else to mount it to.

Rich_V174SS · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2013, 08:22:39 AM »

I don't have mine mounted quite that high but I don't think where you chose to mount it would be a problem. Mine is about a foot lower just a few inches off the floor, I don't have any draw issues. See if mounting it lower makes a difference.

A more recent pic with some plumbing changes:

WetRaider · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2013, 08:25:04 AM »

Wouldn't your fuel line hold a vacuum? Once it's full of fuel, it doesn't take much in the way of pump pressure to move it. So a pump that can push fuel to the carburetor might not be sufficient to really pull fuel from a remote tank when the line is empty.
Is this a problem with starting, or when you're under way?
Check all your fittings for leaks & make sure you're not sucking air into the fuel line somewhere.

Rosscoe · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2013, 08:55:59 AM »

Glad to hear. After I try out the new fuel pump, if I have the same issues, I will drop it.

"Is this a problem with starting, or when you're under way?"

Yes lol

Unfortunately, this new fuel pump has the "in" and "out" ports pretty much opposite of what is ideal. I'll just have to cross them over.

Jerry · « **Reply #4 on:** August 10, 2013, 09:08:04 AM »

The filter is fine. You want to mount the pump close to the tank. Can't you just mount the pump in the right direction?

Rosscoe · « **Reply #5 on:** August 10, 2013, 09:45:27 AM »

Not really. I bought the "marine" one which has a fitting that will run to the carb incase of failure and dump fuel into the carb instead of the bilge, (which I don't really understand since this type isnt supposed to have a diaphragm to fail) so that dictates which way faces towards the motor, so I cant just turn it around in its mounting bracket. Looking at the pump from the top, the "in" line is on the right side and would be a 180 degree turn which could be done with several fittings. This makes the "out" line more difficult too. Also in this particular spot, there is some clearance issues with the height and depth so it looks like I'll be mounting in the bilge in front of the motor instead of the side. That will make the runs a bit straighter.

Jerry · « **Reply #6 on:** August 10, 2013, 10:51:24 AM »

WOW!
I just bought a cheap in-line automotive type that can't leak.

75starflight · « **Reply #7 on:** August 10, 2013, 10:54:55 AM »

Quote from: Jerry on August 10, 2013, 10:51:24 AM

WOW!
I just bought a cheap in-line automotive type that can't leak.

Jerry remember you have an outboard, there are different safety standards for in-board boats for fire prevention issues.

Rosscoe · « **Reply #8 on:** August 10, 2013, 08:27:42 PM »

Why would you buy one that has no potential to leak? lol

Looks like dis. "In" port is on the left. They say you can't mount it upside down either.

And yes I know that is not the correct hose coming off of there but its all my local marine dealer had in 5/16 ID and the metal line is 5/16 OD. Its temporary.

The pump is preset at 7 PSI.
You are right Jerry, it is supposed to be as close to the fuel supply as possible. I misread it. Sometimes I am cixelsyd.
Hope it doesn't cause more problems (not sure that is possible) or I'll have to move it and I don't want to do that.
When it comes to safety, I TRY to error on the side of caution. Sure I could have picked up a 30.00 Electric fuel pump. I just decided not to take unnecessary chances.

Anyone have a 10" piece of USCG A1-15 fuel line 5/16 ID?
Looks like West Marine has it. Worse case, I'll stop on the way to Red Wing and get a foot.

thedeuceman · « **Reply #9 on:** August 12, 2013, 09:44:43 AM »

Jerry, what pump did you use ?
i thinking of putting this one on my GT (is it common to use an electric pump on an outboard ?)

Hyperacme · « **Reply #10 on:** August 12, 2013, 09:50:49 AM »

Joe ...
Think he's(Jerry) talking about his fuel filter.
No need for one on an outboard... There's one on the motor.

thedeuceman · « **Reply #11 on:** August 12, 2013, 10:23:36 AM »

yea... but the one on my motor i believe is not happy, was thinking that may be a better solution than rebuilding the orig one.

Jerry · « **Reply #12 on:** August 12, 2013, 11:29:25 AM »

Yep, that's the one Joe. My tank is in the front Gregg, so it's good to have something other than the stock vacuum operated pump. The biggest killer to outboards is starvation of water and fuel. ya gotta feed them.

Hyperacme · « **Reply #13 on:** August 12, 2013, 11:36:15 AM »

OK ...so you do have an electric fuel pump ...
Should have reread entire thread again ...
Sorry for blowing up on ya Joe ... LOL

thedeuceman · « **Reply #14 on:** August 12, 2013, 11:39:51 AM »

Quote from: Hyperacme on August 12, 2013, 11:36:15 AM

OK ...so you do have an electric fuel pump ...
Should have reread entire thread again ...
Sorry for blowing up on ya Joe ... LOL

lets just not lat it happen again

Hyperacme · « **Reply #15 on:** August 12, 2013, 12:47:11 PM »

Has SIRI been drinking again Joe ?
She not doin' so well ...
...LOL

thedeuceman · « **Reply #16 on:** August 12, 2013, 12:49:40 PM »

nope...
that was an honest to goodness typo :/
Jerry ?
do you still have the fuel line disconnect on yer motor ?
just wondering if it good to hold 4 to 7 Lbs of pressure

Jerry · « **Reply #17 on:** August 12, 2013, 01:17:20 PM »

Nope. That was a big restriction. The hose goes from the filter to the carb.

thedeuceman · « **Reply #18 on:** August 12, 2013, 01:22:58 PM »

Quote from: Jerry on August 12, 2013, 01:17:20 PM

Nope. That was a big restriction. The hose goes from the filter to the carb.

thanks, looks like a stop at Hannay's for some OMC fuel line...
that stuff is spendy too :/

thedeuceman · « **Reply #19 on:** August 12, 2013, 02:52:38 PM »

its interesting to note that electric fuel pumps on outboards is just as controversial as what kind of wood, or resin to use...
some get quite worked up about the safety issue, i guess i can see the point, i spose it should at least be wired through the kill sw.