3 Gallon Fuel Tank? - Help, I'm stumped!

[Outoftime]

Boat Specs:
2000 Larson SEI 186 w/ 4.3 GL PEFS 4012004502

Problem:
Boat runs perfectly, then will completely die and not restart, as if it is out of fuel. I pour fuel from a 5 gallon can, and get about 3 gallons out and the tank is full, to the point of overflowing. The boat takes a few cranks (assuming fuel pump is sending gas thru empty lines), then fires right up. After heavy usage pulling skiers, it dies again after about an hour. I add 3 gallons of gas, and it cranks and fires right up, then dies in an hour. Its like I have a 3 gallon size gas tank.

Additional Info:
My fuel gauge does not work, suspect a faulty sending unit, but the boat is docked and I have to remove the seats to access the gas tank to change the sending unit. I will do it in a few weeks when the season ends.

Any ideas why I have to add gas every 3 gallons?

Thank you!

 

[ondarvr]

Sounds like a hole in the pick up tube in the tank.

 

[kmarine]

Check the anti siphon valve. probably dirty. It is the hose barbed looking device at the top of the tank. Also check your water separating fuel filter to make sure you do not have moisture in the system.

 

[Scott Danforth]

a few things could be happening.

your vent could be plugged, if so, next time it dies, simply pull the fuel cap off and see if it starts. if it starts, clean out the vent. probably full of bugs and crud.

your pickup tube could have a hole in it. that would require a new pickup tube.

 

[gm280]

I have to agree with both ondarvr and Scott. Sounds like there is a hole in the fuel pick up tube inside the tank. And it works fine until the fuel level drops below that hole. Then it draws air in and the engine shuts off. I'd check that out first... JMHO!

 

[sublauxation]

I had the same problems with a 6 gallon plastic tank and it was a rotted pick up line in the tank.

 

[fishin98]

Sounds like a fuel pickup issue...pull the unit from the tank and replace.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Since nobody here seems to have any idea I'll chime in and say your pickup has failed... LOL

Unhook the hose from the tank and then unscrew the fitting out of the tank... There should be a tube that reaches to the bottom and most likely there isn't any more.