Fuel line problem? ('67 6hp evin)

[Dougan]

Hey guys,

Just got ahold of a '67 evinrude 6 fisherman w/ fuel line and tank. Took it out last night. Took a little bit of work to get it started the first time but after that everything ran and started surprisingly well. Nice, rich sound to it, too.

However, it would periodically have trouble starting and/or stop while running. I found that whenever this happened, the little squeeze ball on the fuel line was very limp (you could probably squeeze it shut with a clothespin). Every time I would try to squeeze it, it would sound like I was pushing back into the tank. I would mess around with the fuel line, the tank, and the fuel line connection, and also the motor, and after awhile this would stop happening and I was able to firm up the squeezy thing again and then the motor would start no problem. It seemed if I didn't squeeze very hard and just did a lot of very soft squeezes I would be able to firm it up, but then after a minute of running, it would go limp and the motor would stop running.

I guess I'm not quite sure how these fuel lines work. Should I replace my fuel line or is there something wrong with the way the engine is taking fuel? Can anybody offer any tips? I'll post more later when I have time.

Scott

 

[F_R]

Re: Fuel line problem? ('67 6hp evin)

#1, when squeezing the bulb, hold it vertical with the arrow pointing up.
#2, some of those things have internal valves that fall apart, and then they don't work worth a hoot.
#3, The squeezer bulb may have nothing to do with it. How about an air leak anywhere between the motor and tank. It is easier to suck air than lift gas.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Fuel line problem? ('67 6hp evin)

I'd run down to the marina, or even Walmart and pick up a new set. Make sure, though, that you put it on in the right direction. Sounds to me like the checkvalves in your ball are busted.

I really, really recommend the factory hose setups. Everything about them is superior. However, the others do work, and are lots cheaper.

At their price, it's not really worth spending much time on a lousy setup.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Fuel line problem? ('67 6hp evin)

Also, make sure the vent is open in the tank...
- Scott

 

[Dougan]

Re: Fuel line problem? ('67 6hp evin)

Yeah, the vent is open. I checked the line pretty well and it doesn't seem like any air is coming out anywhere. Plus, I doubt that's the problem-- I don't think it should sound like you're pushing what you suck up back down into the tank when you squeeze it. Like I said, I don't know much about this stuff but I would guess that sound is the problem. I'm guessing you guys are right about the valves being screwed up.

For what I paid for the boat, motor, and trailer, only having to replace the fuel line would be a means for a celebration.

I'll let you guys know how it goes later today or tomorrow... any further ideas are still welcome/appreciated.

 

[ftltony]

Re: Fuel line problem? ('67 6hp evin)

... any further ideas are still welcome/appreciated.

Go get some beer and some bait. It sounds like it runs so you WILL get back to shore so go enjoy the night on the water. The problem will still be there when you get back to shore.

 

[Dougan]

Re: Fuel line problem? ('67 6hp evin)

I did not take it out last night but I did mess with the fuel line. I re-checked for air leaks but didn't really find anything. I also double checked and made sure that the fuel line wasn't on backwards (it was on the right way).

I did, however, experiment with holding it upright as F_R suggested vs not holding it upright. This did cause a noticeable difference, as holding it upright did a much better job of firming up the ball than holding it sideways. I also could hear a valve clicking shut which I did not hear when it was sideways and squirting back into the tank. I'm not sure if this fixes the problem because i couldn't get the thing on the water but I would imagine it would.

Why do I have to do this? I've driven other boats before and never thought about the orientation of the ball, and never had any problems-- I doubt I squeezed it upright all the time. Maybe I did and just got lucky those other times. Does this mean that I have to keep it oriented upwards at all times? I would guess/hope that ones the line is full and the engine starts running that it would be fine getting the gas out of the tank at any orientation.

Thanks for the advice,
Scott

 

[ftltony]

Re: Fuel line problem? ('67 6hp evin)

Did you by any chance check to see if there is an obstruction in the fuel line or in the fuel pickup in the fuel tank? I don't think the orientation of the bulb is your main concern here, it sound like you are NOT getting fuel thru the line which is a direct indicator that the fuel line is clogged!

If you are squeezing the bulb, and then you have to "wait" for it to click closed again AFTER the bulb fills back up, that sounds EXACTLY like there is an obstructed flow of fuel flowing from the tank.