Question about fuel pump

[B Rad G]

1986 rinker v170 with a 120 engine. Was on the lake yesterday, running good. Started every now and then to lose a little power .Like it's starving for gas. Would go back to normal. Then all of a sudden just quit .Wouldn't start up again . Checked the carb and no gas in bowl. Removed the line going to the carb and turned it over and no gas being pumped to carb . Seems pretty obvious it would be the field pump, but was wanting to know if there would be anything else that might cause this all of a sudden. Also would a fuel pump just suddenly go out like that. Thanks in advance.

Bryan

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Restrictions in the line can cause that or a break in the line on the suction side -- but otherwise probably the pump.

 

[Scott Danforth]

out of fuel (bad gauge)
plugged anti-siphon valve
pickup dropped off anti-siphon valve
pin-hole in line leading to pump
pump diaphragm failure
pump lever arm failure

combination of above.

do some troubleshooting

get a separate container and see if the pump draws from a new container.
if that works, look at the tank

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Ditto what the grumpy old guy said,.......

 

[B Rad G]

I'll do it. I know it has gas in it, that was the first thing I checked. Thanks for the input guys .

 

[B Rad G]

One more question. Would the pump work sporadically or would it either work or not work .

 

[AnthraxBird]

It could, inside the fuel pump is a rubber diaphragm that pumps the fuel. They usually get old and worn. Check your fuel filter and the rubber fuel lines, they like to collapse over time also. Mechanical pumps are fine, but I switched to a low pressure electric, actually saved money as the mechanical pumps are pretty damn expensive.

 

[Maclin]

If there is a marine fuel pump on it now, and it is plumbed complete, there will be a slightly yellowed smallish tube running from the pump to the top of the carb. If your pump's diaphragms have failed then fuel will be going up that hose.

 

[Maclin]

Oh yeah, +1 on the grumpy guy(s) post(s) :laugh:

 

[Scott Danforth]

 

[B Rad G]

I didn't see any gas coming up the yellow tube. I don't see any gas coming from the fuel pump. Yellow tube or otherwise.

 

[B Rad G]

It went from running fine, the sputtering every now and then, to nothing at all.

 

[Bondo]

It went from running fine, the sputtering every now and then, to nothing at all.

Ayuh,...... Start at the fuel tank,..... does it willingly give up it's load through the anti-siphon valve,..??
It should take a couple pounds of Suck to draw fuel,.....
For testin' purposes, hook a remote gas can through a fresh fuel hose, directly to the fuel filter, or fuel pump,.....

When it sputtered, it was tellin' ya it wasn't gettin' fuel,....

If ya don't have a canister type fuel filter on it, go buy 1, 'n put it on,......
Not only will yer motor love ya for it,.....
When things go to 'ell, it's contents are an Important diagnostic tool,....

 

[wahlejim]

There may also be a split in the pick-up hose. I would pull it and inspect it carefully, not just see if it is still attached. That would explain all of the symptoms you described

 

[wellcraft-classic210]

Hey Walter "Nice Pic " -- With all those great posts you must be ancient !

 

[B Rad G]

I removed the fuel pump and tested with a gallon of gas. I put a line in the tank and was pumping the arm. The suction and output of gas was pretty strong .Hard for me to believe that the pump failed. I can imagine with the cam pumping it it would put out more than enough. I checked the fuel lines to the tank. Gas was pretty easy to suck up from the tank. Check valve was working too, you couldn't blow air into the tank. Checked the water separater and it was clear. Trimmed the ends of the lines at every connection in case there was a split or crack . I'll have to try to start it tomorrow to see what's up . The only other thing I can think of to check is the vent at the front of the boat. If that was plugged for some reason, would that cause the symptoms I had? Just a thought . Time for a cold beer or 5 .Thanks again .

 

[B Rad G]

Replaced my fuel lines . Removed the check valve and sprayed some lubricant in there. Moves freely . Getting a good, strong flow of gas. Runs smoothly and revs nice . We'll see when we get it on the water . Thanks for the ideas.

 

[B Rad G]

Update. Took the boat out today. Ran pretty good . Pulled tubers most of the day. Never quit or gave is any problems. Thanks to everyone for the ideas. Cheers.