1988 45 classic starts then dies

[jgilpin]

Hello everyone I need some assistance. About a month ago I was out running lines and ran my boat out of fuel. I switched tanks and tried to prime it up. My primer bulb split and was rendered useless. I did some jerry rigging and got the motor started. It took off and then would only run if I kept activating the choke every few seconds. I made it almost to the dock before it completely quit. I ended up having to be pulled back to the dock. Once I got to town I purchased a new primer bulb and new gas.

I thought I would be in business but the motor would just start and die after a few seconds. I bypassed the automatic oiler and put all new usa made hose clamps on the fuel lines. I have also since removed and properly cleaned the carbs (complete disassembly, soaked in carb cleaner for 24 hours and sprayed out before installing new gaskets).

The motor still does the same. starts and dies. I have a clear in line fuel filter between the bulb and the tank. I watched the other day as it pulled all the gas from the engine side of the filter before dying. I also took the hose off from the tank connector and put it directly down in the tank. That time the fuel filter remained full and the motor still started and died.

I suspect the fuel pump is weak/bad and have order a fuel pump rebuild kit. Curious if anyone else has experienced this and has an answer. THE CARBS ARE GOOD.

 

[jgilpin]

Anyone?

 

[Texasmark]

Squeezing the priming bulb is usually the method of determining the fuel pump is or isn't pumping. You squeeze the bulb to prime in the normal fashion but keep your hand on the bulb. Manually keep the bulb soft, not hard and not collapsed, while the engine is running. If that fixes it get a fuel pump kit. Other thing is to look for fuel leaking from the fuel lines internal to the engine proper, especially when you prime the engine before running.

If you can't get a hard bulb prior to running you either have cracked fuel lines leaking somewhere or your carb floats aren't set properly to shut off the fuel inlets when the bowls are full.......which would result in flooding and hard restarting if that were the problem.

 

[jgilpin]

Thanks for the reply. There are no leaks in the fuel lines etc. I believe it to be the fuel pump as well. I ordered a fuel pump gasket kit a while back and looks like it should be delivered today. I will post the results once I get it installed and tested. Thanks again.

 

[jgilpin]

Not much discussion on this but thought I would post the repair for anyone else looking for help. My issue was the fuel pump. I'm not sure how it even ever ran as the small spring and plunger were not even present. It also had a tear in one of the diaphragms. Anyways, I rebuilt the fuel pump and its running great thus far. I have a feeling its going to run a lot better on the water than what it had. Thanks Texasmark for your reply. Maybe ill run across you on Lake Belton or Stillhouse one day.