Bulb goes flat, check engine light comes on, engine starves for fuel--intermittent problem. - The Hull Truth

SEASWIRL PAUL · 03-18-2004, 08:49 PM

I changed the bulb, fuel line from the gas tank to the motor. Removed the "anti siphon" valve from the tank(per the mechanics suggestion). Problem still persists. Also, changed the fuel water separator, checked the fuel filter. I'm very frustrated and sick of panicing and sending someone back to "Hurry, pump the bulb!"
Otherwise, I love the Johnson 150 on the transom even though it smokes like a 3 alarm fire at anything but planing speeds. Help fellow THTers. THanks.

Kid Stuff · 03-18-2004, 08:55 PM

If the bulb goes flat it is most likley your vent that is clogged or the vent line got kinked. A quick diagnistic trick is to run with the gas cap open so no vacum is created in the tank. If it runs well then,you know it is vent related

whoknows · 03-18-2004, 08:57 PM

How about the tank vent? In Texas we have problems with bugs building homes in them.

When was the last time it ran okay?

Reel-Rascals · 03-18-2004, 09:27 PM

Also make sure you used an OMC or Bombardier brand bulb, any large V4 and every V6 OB worth its HP rating will suck a Tempo brand fuel bulb flatter than flat ...

Shorty · 03-18-2004, 09:37 PM

Mine did xactly what yours is doing and the wife had to keep pumping the bulb till we hit the marina.

Took it to the mech. and he changed the fuel pump. 90 horse carbuerated johnson....

Thats what fixed mine.....

cfwegman · 03-18-2004, 10:22 PM

no vent will*create a vaccuum*and*colypse the bulb.* But the motor should eventually starve and die.* pumping the bulb should not help.* what changed?* did the setup ever work?* did you just repair or replace anything on the boat?

03-18-2004, 10:32 PM

I went through this same problem a few years back. The pickup tube in the tank had a tiny screen filter inserted in it where the tube met the threaded elbow that screws into the top of the tank. The pickup tube and elbow were soldered together when manufactured so I had no idea the screen was in there and there was no way to see it. The motor would run fine for weeks on end then all of a sudden it would cut out. The primer ball was flat but the Raycor filter was spotless. After 15 minutes or so the motor would run fine again. What was happening was enough junk would build up on the screen to starve the engine of fuel. After stalling the engine the fuel would drip back into the tank flushing the screen and things would be fine for a few more weeks.

SEA-YA · 03-18-2004, 10:33 PM

I had the same thing going on with both of my 2002,225 opti's on my 2002 Fountain for the last two years.Changed primer balls and still no fix.I had it at factory last fall and it would run ~15 min. and cut off.Both motors were doing this.They would not restart until I reprimed soft,not flat,balls and it would fire back up and run another ~15 min.Factory moved ball from ~2' from motor to an upright position ~6' from motors and they said it never cut off.I only had the boat out once a few weeks ago test riding and in three hours they never cut off.I think moving away from motor and maybe being vertical instead of horizontal worked.You may won't to try that.............

"Sea-Ya"
Jeff

Scott D · 03-18-2004, 10:47 PM

I had the same symptoms on a older carbed 70 HP Evinrude and it was in fact a bad fuel pump. It definately is a fuel delivery problem. I would start at the tank pickup and check for clogs, check the hose run, the fuel/water separator, check the primier bulb, the connector to the motor, the onboard fuel filter (might be a small screen as part of the fuel pump etc....

To eliminate the onboard fuel delivery system as the culprit, try running her off of a small portable tank.

My guess is the fuel pump. Even if its not the problem, having a spare is a good idea.

Good luck,
Scott

scott_gunn · 03-19-2004, 07:43 AM

I had similar problems on my 150 hp Johnson, and it was b/c of a small leak where the fuel line entered the motor. Someone had used zip-ties instead of hose clamps there, and it was leaking. It sounds like you've already checked for this though - I'd just double check all the connections while pumping the bulb.

My Johnson used to smoke a lot and that's why I now sell Amsoil (so I can buy it for myself at dealer cost). Give a good synthetic 2-stroke oil a shot. It won't eliminate smoking, but it should significantly cut down on it.

SEASWIRL PAUL · 03-19-2004, 08:14 AM

Thanks guys, keep the comments coming and I'll try them all. The problem could be fine for months then rear it's ugly head then be fine for months again. Frustrating though. Good boating and fishing................Paul

Reel-Rascals · 03-19-2004, 10:52 AM

Quote:

SEASWIRL PAUL - 2004-03-19 7:14 AM

The problem could be fine for months then rear it's ugly head then be fine for months again ...aul

Paul:

When I had a boat that exhibited that severe of an intermittant problem, we finally diagnosed it as "fuzz" all over the pickup tube in the tank. Took but < hour to cget it off the tank and clean ... the fuzz ball was almost 4" long hanging off the end of the pickup screen. How's that for a visual

!

One tip, use 2 wrenches set 180 degrees apart to remove the tube off the boss its threaded into on the top of the tank ... that way you won't torque it off.