Fuel pump might be shot

[acdc96]

Well I noticed that when I was running my 1986 mercruiser 260hp V8 on a 6 gallon tank I had to constantly prime the primer bulb on the fuel line to keep tube engine running. Before I would start the engine id pump the bulb until it was firm.
It has an electric carter fuel pump. Could it possibly be the portable tank?
I put brand new fuel filters on and fuel/water separator on. carb was just cleaned last year. Fuel lines are clean and fresh gasoline is in the tank?

Any ideas? I have a fuel pressure gauge but idk how to hook it up on this motor.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Fuel pump might be shot

Is the portable tank vented/venting properly?

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Fuel pump might be shot

Is the portable tank hose connected before or after the electric fuel pump?

 

[acdc96]

Re: Fuel pump might be shot

Yep the tank is vented and the vent is fully open.

 

[acdc96]

Re: Fuel pump might be shot

The tank is hooked up where the regular gas line would connect. Hooked up to fuel water separator then to fuel pump then to the carb.

 

[alldodge]

Re: Fuel pump might be shot

Well I noticed that when I was running my 1986 mercruiser 260hp V8 on a 6 gallon tank I had to constantly prime the primer bulb on the fuel line to keep tube engine running. Before I would start the engine id pump the bulb until it was firm.
It has an electric carter fuel pump. Could it possibly be the portable tank?
I put brand new fuel filters on and fuel/water separator on. carb was just cleaned last year. Fuel lines are clean and fresh gasoline is in the tank?

Any ideas? I have a fuel pressure gauge but idk how to hook it up on this motor.

The tank is hooked up where the regular gas line would connect. Hooked up to fuel water separator then to fuel pump then to the carb.

The electric pump shouldn't need the bulb. To rule out other issues, run a fuel line (3/8 ID) without the bulb straight into the top of the gas cap opening. See if your problems go away