Volvo 4.3L Fuel Issue

[ddubose]

I have a 2008 Caravelle with a Volvo 4.3L. The issue I'm having is its not getting fuel to the carburetor. I can only get it to start and run if I loosen the fuel line at the carburetor at the line filter, crank just enough to see fuel coming out. After that I retighten the line and it runs great until I have to stop again. Any ideas are appreciated　

 

[Maclin]

Welcome Aboard!

Have you had it a while, did this just start happening? Or is the boat new to you this season?

What do you mean "line filter"? There should not be anything in between the water separating filter down low and the carburetor.

Get ready to post some pics, although you will need 3 posts before you can post them.

 

[ddubose]

I've had the boat for 5 years. I had the carb cleaned last year. This issue just started at the end of last season - September. The "line" filter is actually housed in the body of the carb where the line screws in. Its a porus hard filter. Shaped like a cylinger open at one end, about 1 inch long. I can break the line loose at that point, crank the engine, see fuel, retighten and it starts right up. Almost like a pressure lock of some type.

 

[Maclin]

Was wondering if it you meant the one in the carb after I posted. Have you tried replacing that one? Is it in the right way, is the metal gasket ok?

 

[ddubose]

I'll check it when I get home, do you know which way its supposed to go in? I think its closed end towards the carb.

 

[alldodge]

I'm thinking either a weak fuel pump or a clogged up antisiphon valve

Make sure your carb filter is in the correct direction. The pic below shows the changes for paper type and stone

 

[ddubose]

Thank you, I'll check on both issues this weekend.

 

[ddubose]

Ok it took me awhile to get back to this issue. The filter is just a wire screen. That doesn’t seem to be the issue. I followed the fuel pump troubleshooting procedure I found on The forum. The pump runs like it’s supposed to. I can get the engine to start if I prime it. Runs good until I kill it then it won’t start. I can’t see any gas in the carb when I pump the throttle maybe an acceleration pump?

 

[ddubose]

Sorry I didn’t include the model info.
4.3GL-D 3869251. 4012119331

 

[alldodge]

The accelerator pump wouldn't keep it from starting, but can cause it to start harder when cold. Since it was running and then wouldn't restart, and now no fuel from accelerator pump, I would still think the fuel pump, or restriction.

Removing the fuel line would help a weak pump, push fuel up, but it could also be the filter, collapsed line, or antisiphon valve. Get a vacuum fuel pump tested and place the gauge with a Tee fiting between the fuel pump and carb

Could also remove the antisiphon valve from the tank and see if the check ball moves freely.

 

[ddubose]

Thanks All Dodge, I’ll work on those items today.

 

[ddubose]

Ok, I got the anti siphon valve off. It was a lot tougher than I anticipated. The PO had used pipe dope on the threads and the hoses and had cross threaded the valve itself. I’m still trying to get the pick up tube out of the tank. It super tight also, I haven’t been able to break it loose yet. The valve itself seems ok. I can move the ball by inserting a small screw driver. But the threads are trashed.

 

[alldodge]

Some of those pickup tubes are welded in and others use 5200 or such, might want to just blow some air down it under lower pressure

 

[ddubose]

Ok I got the pick up tube off, super tight. Now I can’t pull the tube completely out of the tank due to something attached to the end of it. I assume it’s some type of filter. It’s bigger than the hole. Is there a trick to this? I didn’t remove the large nut holding the female fitting yet. Didn’t want to risk something falling into the tank.

 

[ddubose]

Ok the tube is out of the tank. I lost the screen though. Now I need to order a new pu tube and anti siphon valve.

 

[alldodge]

Only way I would think to get the screen in or out of the tank is through the float sender.

Try to use only brass, aluminum, plastic tools where you can so there is less chance of a spark. Turn flash lights on away from the tank and then bring it closer

 

[ddubose]

New anti siphon valve and pick up tube are installed. Started without any priming. Got it on the lake today and it ran great all day.
On the way to the ramp it died would restart but only run for about 50 ft and die again. Checked the engine and I had lost the alternator belt. I was able to limp it to the ramp and get it home.

anyway thanks for the help with my original issue AllDodge.