Simple question about gas line from tank to engine

[scdiver]

I hope this question does not illicit a ton of chuckles but I'm running into one issue after another trying to get my recent purchase "lake ready" despite assurances from the marina that it was when they sold it to me . . . . but that's a whole other story

The boat is a 17' Sunbird CC with an inboard tank. I replaced the fuel line from where it comes through the fiberglass in the rear, replaced the bulb and the connection to the engine. I also installed an in-line fuel filter (clear) based on the crud that I got out of the tank when I pumped it out and refilled it with some new gas, oil and Sea Foam.

The question is . . . . . I tried pumping the bulb and saw just a very little amount of gas make it to the clear filter. I pressed the ball in the connector and there was no change in what was pulled from the tank. What should I expect? I would have thought that the filter would fill up when i pumped the bulb? Does it sound like I need to replace the gas line from the tank to where it comes up to the fiberglass? Anything else to check? Is there as chance there's an issue in the tank itself?

Thanks in advance

Andy

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Simple question about gas line from tank to engine

Was the hose connected to the engine? If it wasn't, what you saw was normal. The hose seals itself with a spring loaded ball. If it isn't connected to anything, there is no way any air is going to come out of it, so you aren't going to see much, if any, gas being pumped.

 

[scdiver]

Re: Simple question about gas line from tank to engine

If I take the connector off will that allow me to try and pump some gas through and see what might be coming into the filter? I tried to push the ball in and it seemed all I got was air as I squeezed the bulb as well as when I released it.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Simple question about gas line from tank to engine

The squeeze bulb is a hand operated pump with a anti siphon valve built in. Squeezing it pumps gas up and out the other end it may take a bit of pumping. You often have to hold a finger lighty over the discharge end till the pump is primed. If it doesn't then it needs replacing.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Simple question about gas line from tank to engine

Your problem may exist in the fuel tank pick-up.....

 

[joed]

Re: Simple question about gas line from tank to engine

If you press the ball in the connector in and pump the bulb you should be to pump gas out.

 

[Mr. Demeanor]

Re: Simple question about gas line from tank to engine

When you squeeze the ball, does it "re-inflate" quickly or stay kind of flat. If it is staying flat, likely you have an obstruction in the fuel pickup at the tank. This could be a plugged pickup tube or clogged anti-siphon valve in the neck of the pickup. If you were getting debris before, I would remove and clean the anti=siphon valve anyway.