carb or fuel pump?

[gjohnson]

I have a 1983 mercruiser 140 4cyl engine. Lately it needs a little help (shot of starting fluid in the carb) to start. It seams to run great out on the water.<br /> I noticed the problem after I changed the filter in the carburator behind the fuel line and 1 of the two lines travelling up from the mechanical fuel pump. That line was a clear/slightly yellow line that became brittle so I replaced it with fuel line. I also used hose clamps to secure the new line. The old line had no clamps. Any advice as to this new problem? Prior to that I would pump the throttle lever 2-3 times and she would start. Now I could pump all day and get no response. Thanks. Look foreward to your answers.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: carb or fuel pump?

That clear line is a safty line that goes from the otherside of the fuel pump diaphram to the carb. That line needs to be clear so you can check it for fuel. If it has fuel in it you need to replace your fuel pump.

 

[gjohnson]

Re: carb or fuel pump?

I will replace it today. What would you recommend I use? Would line from our local hardware store suffice until I can get to the shop (We live 100 miles from nowhere). Any advice on our nostart issue?

 

[elpaso]

Re: carb or fuel pump?

On the hard start ? - crank engine about 5 seconds - this will fill the fuel bowl in carburetor - turn key off, and leave "off " for test.<br /><br />Remove flame arrestor - as you look down carb - have someone pump throttle, 3-4 times. <br />If you don't see squirts of gas each time - your accelerator pump is not working. Time for a carb rebuild. <br /> <br />The clear line - you have to get it at a marine<br />or auto parts. The clear hose at hardware stores<br />will "melt" with gas.

 

[gjohnson]

Re: carb or fuel pump?

thanks for the knowledge! I will do the accelerator pump test and also head to NAPA for the correct hose.

 

[akriverrat]

Re: carb or fuel pump?

do the test while the engine is running. if the float bowl is empty you won't see any gas squirting even if the accelerater pump is fine. then the question becomes "why is my float bowl empty after engine is off for X amount of time".