Gas puddling in carb....goes through lots of gas!

[craigstuff72]

I've got a 1992 Mercruiser 4.3 with a 4-bbl carb...I rebuilt the carb and threw on a new electric pump. It starts fine but dies after a few minutes. It runs through a quart + of gas in those same few minutes too.....I can see gas sloshing in the carb!! What the heck did I do wrong?? Would the pump having too much pressure be the problem?? I believe the pump was 9-14 PSI pump....thanks--

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Gas puddling in carb....goes through lots of gas!

Assuming everything was assembled correctly, it sounds like too much pressure for the needle/seat to close off. Carbs like 5-7psi. You'll likely need an inline regulator.

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Gas puddling in carb....goes through lots of gas!

I'll second the above. especially if it's an edelbrock or equivelent carb. From personal experience they'll have problems even at 7... 5-6 works better, anything over 7 and you get exactly what you are seeing. I opted to go with a mechanical fuel pump... but you could also get a good regulator...

 

[funk6294]

Re: Gas puddling in carb....goes through lots of gas!

What model carb did you put on? If it is a quadra-jet then make sure when you put the needle back in that you did not hook the metal hanger on the needle through the hole on the float lever, it needs to sit on top of that hole otherwise it will not close and will cause the problem you are having. If it is a holley, then make sure the float level is adjusted correctly.

EDIT: Just saw where you mentioned the pump was a 9-14 psi. If that is the case you will need a regulator to bring the pressure down so that it will not overpower the float needle...

 

[John_S]

Re: Gas puddling in carb....goes through lots of gas!

As others have said, 9-14psi is too much for a carb.

My mechanical pump was putting out 9psi before it failed and caused the same problem. I considered a regulator for a short time, but was having problems finding a reasonable marine one, along with mounting and plumbing changes. Mech pump failed and after replacing, the pressure was fine.

If you can get an elec pump at 4-6psi, should be good.