Fuel Hose for 1979 Merc 80 HP

[1979mercTN]

Thanks for all of your help yesterday. I think we're getting pretty close to getting it out on the water.

Well, we tried starting it yesterday and the starter was working really well, but we couldn't get it to turn over. We took the carb out and it was filthy so we cleaned it and put it back on. We tried starting it again ... same result. We took the carb back out and it was filthy again so we decided to check the fuel line. The fuel was dark brown so we started hand pumping it out of the tank. 7 gallons of 20 year old fuel later we got to the bottom of the tank and it was covered in the brown build up of some kind

I think we finally got it all cleaned out. The tank is sitting with water and degreaser in it as we speak. My friend decided to use his air compressor to clean out the fuel hose and we heard a loud pop, almost like a gunshot. He busted the primer.

So, now I have to go buy a new fuel hose. Are these all the same? Is there a type I need specifically for my engine?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Fuel Hose for 1979 Merc 80 HP

Use a standard SAE fuel line. Likely the OEM used 5/16" on that motor for the engine lines.

BTW - that motor has two carbs, right? You will want to clean them both. Check the floats to see if they are foam and deteriorated, or hard plastic and cracked. You likely want to install new carb gaskets and inlet needles and seats.

 

[1979mercTN]

Re: Fuel Hose for 1979 Merc 80 HP

Thanks for the help. I will once again have to admit to being a total novice to not just boat engines, but engines in general. That said, I have learned a little bit the past couple of days and I have only seen one carb. It's possible, however, that we overlooked another or it's just not in as obvious of a place.

 

[1979mercTN]

Re: Fuel Hose for 1979 Merc 80 HP

Yeah, so you were right. I got a new fuel line (3/8) and it works just fine. We still couldn't get the engine to turn over. It turns out what my friend thought was the carb was the fuel pump! As I mentioned, I know nothing about engines so I had no reason to question him. Anyway, we figured out where the carbs are, and yes, there are two. They appear to be in pretty good shape other than being dirty. I think (hope) we're two clean carbs away from turning it over.

I think I need to buy a new gas tank though. I've cleaned the old one several times and there are still brown chunks all over the bottom of it. There's no corrosion, but I don't think I can get it clean enough.