Fuel Problems Squeeze bulb does not stay hard

[Myke48]

I have a 1986 75H.P. Merc on a 17 ft bass tracker,,,,had new stator,trigger,switch box installed .
took boat out and it bogged, at 2000 rpm's,brought back and they said it was a spark jumping across the plug..they said they fixed...took out today and it ran alot better took it up to 4000 rpm's could have gone to about 5000+ but felt like it was going airborne! didnt try to go faster as the wife was with me,,,problem is it started to bog but not as bad,,a little harder starting, was told buy boater to choke it and if that made it run better it is fuel related,,fuel filter,,fuel pump,,or carbs.
The The squeeze bulb also felt like soft not hard,,when I tried squeezing it hard it would stay squeezed and not expand,,,,,I started it again and tried the choke made it work better but it finally stalled ,,,choked it and started it and it went on fire,,not serious though,,,I got home and it started right up and ran good.
Question how many fuel filters do I have and is it easy to put a new fuel pump in or is it best left to the pros.
What do you fellow Iboaters think is the problem,,any info would be appreciated,,,thanks Mike

 

[achris]

Re: Fuel Problems Squeeze bulb does not stay hard

If the fuel system is working properly, the primer DOES NOT stay hard when the engine is running.... If it stays flat when you squeeze it, you have a partial vacuum in the tank, or blocked line/filter.

Fuel pump diaphragms are dead easy to change... Just pay attention to the details... work clean, and don't second guess the manual... and use a manual...

Filters.... There is one in the engine between the fuel pump and carbs, and if you have a built in tank, you may have an external, spin-on type water separator mounted somewhere between the fuel tank and the engine. The fuel primer should be between the water sep filter (if you have one) and the engine.

For the bog problem, try richening the carb idle mixture screws about 1/8 to 1/4 turn each.. (3 carbs, 3 screws)

Chris.........

 

[Myke48]

Re: Fuel Problems Squeeze bulb does not stay hard

My sqeeze bulb is behind the water fuel seperator,,you say it should be after it....I will do a fuel pump replacement and check fuel lines and make adjustments as you said on carbs,,thanks,,,Mike

 

[j_martin]

Re: Fuel Problems Squeeze bulb does not stay hard

My sqeeze bulb is behind the water fuel seperator,,you say it should be after it....I will do a fuel pump replacement and check fuel lines and make adjustments as you said on carbs,,thanks,,,Mike

If the bulb stays flat when you squeeze it, the filter is plugged, or if there's a back flow preventer in the tank, it's stuck.

The bulb should easily expand and pull fuel into it. If it can't, somethings plugged up.

The bulb goes a little soft when running, but should not collapse.

hope it helps
John

 

[mthieme]

Re: Fuel Problems Squeeze bulb does not stay hard

While he obviously has an issue, I have a similiar issue with my '87 Merc 35 that operates just fine. The bulb doesn't get hard and will have a flat spot in it prior to starting. I just got this thing a few months ago - it had been sitting awhile so needed some attention.
I had to rebuild the carb and fuel pump, replace all the fuel lines and bulb, two new fuel filters (has remote cartridge) and several good tanks to choose from. So it's new from stem to stern and still has these symptoms. But, since it operates purrrrrfectly, I'm not worried.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Fuel Problems Squeeze bulb does not stay hard

While he obviously has an issue, I have a similiar issue with my '87 Merc 35 that operates just fine. The bulb doesn't get hard and will have a flat spot in it prior to starting. I just got this thing a few months ago - it had been sitting awhile so needed some attention.
I had to rebuild the carb and fuel pump, replace all the fuel lines and bulb, two new fuel filters (has remote cartridge) and several good tanks to choose from. So it's new from stem to stern and still has these symptoms. But, since it operates purrrrrfectly, I'm not worried.

Here's a clue. The bulb is beginning to show signs of failure. Replace the fuel line and primer bulb before it fails.

just for giggles
John

 

[Irv964]

Re: Fuel Problems Squeeze bulb does not stay hard

Is the line on in the right direction? We had a couple of lads who for the life of them couldn't get their boat started and were ready to ruin their day out on the water and take it to a marina, I asked them if their line was backwards and sure enough it was, they put it on the right way and it fired right up. The guy was so happy he offered me $20.00 bucks but I just said I was glad I could help.........Irv964

 

[mthieme]

Re: Fuel Problems Squeeze bulb does not stay hard

Here's a clue. The bulb is beginning to show signs of failure. Replace the fuel line and primer bulb before it fails.

just for giggles
John

Perhaps you missed the part about everything is new and functional.