'99 OceanPro 130 troubles

[trobinson017]

I've just started having some problems with my '99 OceanPro 130. Although it's a 99 I bought it new in 2003 from a bankrupt marine center (their stock was in holding until courts sorted it all out). So, I'm the first owner. Anyway, it's been running great for the past year but now it's giving me trouble when trying to start it. It'll start up in neutral and run for a few seconds but then sputter out. Once I do get it started (after 10 minutes of trying)and take it into open water I throttle up to planing speed. It will run for about 2 minutes with normal RPMs and engine sounds then sputter out. Then I have trouble starting it again. This has happened two weeks in a row and is really ticking me off. The engine was checked out last year by a reputable mechanic and he said it was in perfect shape. I've checked the plugs and they look fine. I haven't pulled the fuel filter yet so maybe that's it? I did add some Sta-bil fuel stabilizer to dry up any water in the lines but that didn't help much. <br /><br />I run this boat regularly, at least once every 2 weeks but prior to this problem it did sit for about a month unused. it has sat before without problems so I don't know what the heck is up now.<br /><br />The boat is in Florida (sealevel and saltwater). No recent run-agrounds or shallow water running. The engine is flushed after every outing. <br /><br />Any ideas? Please email any replies to <removethis>trobinson017@yahoo.com<br /><br />Thanks!<br />tim

 

[OBJ]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Welcome to iboats Tim....and I think I can speak for the whole forum....hope things went well for you during the hurricanes.<br /><br />Your problem sounds a little like a fuel delivery problem. I would start by checking all fuel connections including the ones from the tank to the engine. Look for any connection that may be sucking air and make sure all connections are tight. Does the primer bulb stay firm after priming?

 

[Solittle]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Tim - We encourage potential solutions to problems be posted here rather than via email so that others with simular problems may benefit.<br /><br />You might take the cowl and the silencer on the front of the carbs off before you try to start it. Squirt some pre mix directly into the carb throats just before starting. That should confirm a fuel delivery problem since you are bypassing fuel pump, fuel lines, etc.

 

[OBJ]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Glad to see you hanging in there SoLittle. Otta be a trifle windy there tonight.

 

[trobinson017]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Thanks for the replies, guys. I didn't realize I could get email notices when replies are left so I no longer need a direct email. Anyway, some responses to your replies.<br /><br />OBJ: On one occassion of the conk out the primer bulb was empty. I'm guessing this may indicate a hole somewhere letting air into the line? <br /><br />SoLittle: Hope you survived Jeanne well. I am in the midst of her right now and it's really bad here in St. Pete. Regarding your advise, I'm a newbie at outboards so I don't know what the cowl and silencer are. I also didn't get a manaul with the engine. I'll try to look online but if you can provide some details on what they look like that would help too. <br /><br />I'll take the advice you both give and will see what happens. I'm thinking the fuel filter or some other fuel line issue is the culprit.<br /><br />As for hurricane Jeanne, my boat is on a lift and swaying around. Two of the lift pillars are starting to sway too so I may be losing part of it soon. I do have the boat tied up but didn't drop the anchor so hopefully Jeanne will pass quickly and leave me my boat. We haven't sustained any major damage and hopefully we won't. But the storm at 2:30pm seems to be getting stronger so this might get worse. Keep yer fingers crossed.<br /><br />Thanks again for the help!<br />tim

 

[Bradster941]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

If the bulb is empty, then you are either sucking air or running into a vacuum.<br /><br />If the later, then your fuel tank vent is most likely plugged. Being in St. Pete it’s not uncommon as those black wasp, (mud dobbers), like to build their mud nest in little holes.<br />The vent will most likely be on the side of the boat close to the fuel fill. If it’s a round disk, with a cut out on one side, then you can simply screw it off.<br /><br />A simple way to test this is to simply test the boat with the gas cap off so the tank can’t be pulled into a vacuum.<br /><br />To prove the former, use a 6 gallon test tank for your fuel system. If it runs out good on the test tank, then fix your fuel delivery system.<br /><br />You might want to wait a day or two for Jeanne of move on her way.<br /><br />Good luck, and post back if this takes care of your problem or we need to look further into this problem.

 

[trobinson017]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Bradster, can you describe for me how to use a test gas can? Where do I make the hook up? Should I place the fuel filter in the line as well? I've never done this so as much info as you can provide would be most appreciated.<br /><br />I pulled the fuel filter and looked through both ends (it's opaque). it looks clean to me. I can see white material from each end. Could it still be dirty and clogged inside the material? Shoulld I go ahead and replace it anyway?<br /><br />I haven't had a chance to get the boat out and test the vacuum theory but maybe this coming weekend. the hard part is getting to an area where I can throttle up but still be near shore in case it conks again. Other boaters around here get more pissed that you're drifting in the channel than inquisitive as to why you're drifting. So i do want to keep out of the way. I do have a trolling motor that might push the boat enough to get out of the channel. I'll see how that works too.<br /><br />thanks again for the help!<br /><br />tim<br /><br />p.s. i had zero damage from Hurricane Jeanne. Some neighbors did tho. I got lucky.

 

[Solittle]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

The cowl is the engine cover and the silencer is the cover over the front of the carbs. With them off you can shoot pre mix fuel/oil from a squeeze bottle directly into the motor. This will confirm that your problem is with fuel delivery rather than electrical.<br /><br />P.S. None of the hurricanes did any damage this year (so far) in my area. - - - Andrew was another story though.

 

[trobinson017]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Bradster,<br /><br />My fuel vent is actually integrated into the fill hole on deck. Nothing blocking it at all. I'm going to get a new fuel filter tomorrow even tho the original "looks" okay. I'll let y'all know how it works out. <br /><br />

Originally posted by Bradster941:<br /> If the bulb is empty, then you are either sucking air or running into a vacuum.<br /><br />If the later, then your fuel tank vent is most likely plugged.

 

[trobinson017]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Update: I bought a clearview fuel filter (the old one was not) and now when I pump up the bulb to fill the filter there's a tiny bubble at the output end of the filter. When I start trying to crank the engine the bubble in the filter grows larger. Once I get the engine running stable the bubble grows to almost fill 1/2 of the filter. I can pump the bulb to move the air toward the engine but more little bubbles begin expelling from the feed line side of the filter. Evidently, I either have a big air pocket somewhere or a leak in the fuel line. <br /><br />I don't know if I can track down the leak myself. It's a center console boat so it's easier than most I guess but I'm not all that educated on boats. I also don't know if I can easily replace all the fuel lines myself. I will say this: I'm used to doing all my own house repairs, to the point of rebuilding and remodeling bathrooms and kitches, so maybe I can learn and do my own boat repairs. <br /><br />What do you all think? Should I try this myself, and if so, what should I do? Any other thoughts?<br />I love air but it seems to be my nemesis at the momemt. <br /><br />Thanks for the help!<br />Tim

 

[Solittle]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

tim - I still suggest you try the premix per my earlier post to confirm that the problem is with fuel delivery.<br /><br />One of the easiest places to check for air entry into the fuel system is the connectors at each end of the fuel line, Many/most have a quick disconnect that has an "o" ring in the center. It is common for these to fail allowing air to get into the line. <br /><br />Lots of troubleshooting info in the OMC shop manual if you have one. If you don't - - - -

 

[trobinson017]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Solittle, I looked into doing the premix and I'm not sure I can. I took of the air filter/silencer unit from the front of the engine and there are 4 carbs there, at least what I think are the carbs. There are 4 ports each with a butterfly valve inside. So, I'm guessing that to do the premix correctly I'd have to pump the gas mix into each carb simultaneously? <br /><br />Another update: I went out to investigate this again and found that 1) the new filter connection to the fule feeder line is not tight enough even with a zip tie. 2) I found some cracks in the feeder line between the bulb and filter. I put some duct tape around the cracks and held the connection to the fuel filter really tight with my fingers. I pumped the bulb and there were no more little bubbles filling the filter. I pumped as much out as I could then had my wife crank the engine. It fired right up and the bubble didn't grow anymore whereas before the filter would fill with air almost completely within 5 mins. <br /><br />So, I've gone out and bought a replacement hose for between the bulb and filter. This hose has a slightly smaller interior diameter which should fit the fuel filter barbs better. We even tested this at the marine store (same filter). I might get time to take her out tomorrow and test it but I'm pretty confident I've nailed the source of the problem. I'll post results when available.<br /><br />BTW, what's the best way to bleed air out of the fuel line?<br /><br />Thanks again for all the help!<br /><br />Tim

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

If you get all the leaks the air should bleed itself once you're running.

 

[trobinson017]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Update: I took the boat out for a test ride after replacing the fuel line from the bulb to the fuel pump, including the fuel filter. I ran it for awhile at the dock, revving it up and down, letting it idle. No additional air entered the fuel filter. I then left the dock and ran a bit above idle speed down the canal. The motor was running smoothly as I neared the end of the canal the motor slowly died; not abruptly but slowly. I could not get it started afterward. The bulb was firm, the filter was full of fuel and there were no leaks. I had it towed home (thanks SeaTow!). <br />One other thing I noticed that I hadn't before: while idling at the dock there was sprays of water shooting out of the muffler hole. This is not the hole with the stream of water from the cooling system but the exhaust port. Is that normal?<br /><br />So, what now? Spark plugs? Fuel pump? <br /><br />SoLittle: I want to try your idea but am not sure how to do it with 4 carb ports. See my post above for a better explanation. <br /><br />Thanks all!<br />Tim

 

[trobinson017]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Final Update: I caved in and hired a mechanic to come figure out the problem. The problem:......water in the fuel tank!!! <br />There was so much that it wasn't visible via the fuel filter. He took the line off the bulb and pumped it into a jar and you could clearly see the separation. So, he said the carbs needed to be rebuilt (did they really?) and recommended a fuel-water separator. In the process he also noted most of the wiring for the battery and instruments was incorrect. I had him do all the work including rewiring, since my schedule was very tight and, $675 later, my boat runs like a dream. After running for awhile he noted that the voltmeter was low (12 instead of 14). He suspects the regulator might also be bad. That's another $300 which brings me right to what a boat is....Break Out Another Thousand. <br /><br />Now, after watching him I could've saved myself about $200 by diagnosing the problem and installing the fuel-water separator myself. I don't know about rebuilding the carbs but was that absolutely necessary? I could've even installed the battery and rewired everything if I knew how to do it correctly. But I am paranoid about working with batteries (due to a past accident) so that money is worth it to me. <br /><br />So, that is it. I thank y'all again for the help. I've learned A LOT and hope I can save some $$$ in the future with this newly acquired knowledge.<br /><br />Tim

 

[trobinson017]

Re: '99 OceanPro 130 troubles

Oh yeah, one more thing; we weren't able to pinpoint exactly how water was getting into the fuel tank. But I have one suspicion: the local dockside fuel stop. I topped off the fuel after Hurricane Ivan but before Jeanne. It didn't dawn on me but just prior to that one of my daughter's friend's Dad got some bad fuel from the same place and had some engine problems. I don't know the guy but I want to find out if it was water in the fuel. I might be able to recoup some of the repair costs from them if I can prove it. Anyway, the mech checked for cracks, leaks, worn seals, etc. and nothing was noted.