Fuel/Fuel Pump issue

[durant1848]

I bought a 1989 Bass Tracker 1800FS this winter. The Johnson 110 outboard had not been run for two years. I have had it in the shop with little luck. They rebuilt the carbs and put a new power unit on it (among other things) but it still isn't running. When it was originally in the shop I asked about fuel levels so that we wouldn't run the risk of running old gas through a newly repaired engine. They are now replacing the fuel pump and saying that I will have to pay for this repair (second trip to shop). Question: Will old fuel (2 years) mixed with new fuel cause enough of a problem with the fuel pump that I have a leg to stand on with the shop when I suggest that they eat the cost of the repair since they never drained the old fuel in the first place. Thanks in advance for any help.<br /><br />Ben

 

[Goldfish]

Re: Fuel/Fuel Pump issue

I wouldnt run 2 year old gas in my lawnmower letalone a outboard that costs 100x more!<br />The only problem that I could forsee is if the fuel has gummed up, partially cloging anything (carburator/ fuel pump), causing a lean running condition. If the engine sneezes/backfires during this, it **could**, rupture the diaphram in the fuel pump. If the fuel pump was not replaced before (origional from 1989), I would say that for an engine that old, it was probably shot anyways.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Fuel/Fuel Pump issue

If draining the fuel system and repairing it are listed on the original work order you should have some recourse, fuel that is one day old could cause problems if it is dirty, most mechanics would tell you to get rid of it yourself or install a large filler to protect the system. Most mechanics do not enjoy doing work twice, and in the case of some flat rate shops they won't get paid to do it over, but the shops will do everything possible to collect what ever possible from the customer---Bob

 

[durant1848]

Re: Fuel/Fuel Pump issue

Thanks folks. The guy this winter told me that the tank was dry and stupidly I took his word for it. Now they are doing a lot of the cleaning again as well as replacing the fuel pump. When I tried to start it it did sputter a couple of times before it gave up completely. Draining fuel system is not listed on W/O, but he does list replacing fuel hoses (internal and external) and replacing the fuel filter. SInce I asked about this from the start I am concerned about paying for something I feel should have been done from the start. Any further advice?