"Check Engine" warning light

[ohiou_98]

I have a 1996 ranger 462 vs, w/ 1996 Johnson fast strike 150 hp. When I start the engine using the starboard fuel tank everything is fine. If I switch to the port side tank my "check engine" light is illuminated along with the 10 second horn. The alarm sounds almost immediately after starting while the throttle is still in the idle position.
I know the alarm means I have a fuel restriction, and to check for kinked fuel line, or check the filter. I think the filter is fine because the starboard tank works fine. The fuel line from the port tank to where it joins the main fuel line is not kinked. (Each tank has a fuel line that joins each other at a 3 way valve to form one line to the motor.). I've also checked to see if the anti syphon valve was obstructed. There was no ball in the valve, either it's been replaced or one wasn't installed from the factory. (I'm the second owner).
Any thoughts of what is causing the check engine light to come on?

 

[Chris1956]

Maybe when you switch tanks the 3 way valve causes a restriction in the fuel line? It could be a piece of dirt in the 3 way valve or something. Replace the three way valve with a straight pipe for a test. Do you feel the primer bulb get softer?

 

[fhhuber]

similar issue, but totally different engine:

I was working for a guy who had a riding lawn mower that would run for 30 sec and die... wait 10 min and it would do it again. He was baffled. I offered to fix it and he GAVE ME the mower.

took me less than 10 min to fix... stupid thing had a stick in the fuel tank blocking the fuel line.

I would suspect debris of some sort blocking the fuel pickup in your tank that has the problem. Hopefully its easy to pull the tank.

 

[boobie]

You may have a bad fuel line from the port tank with a restriction in it.