The big problem was that it would sometimes refuse to start and was not flooded while other times it would start on the first pull. Many times, playing around with the fuel hose — taking it on and off the tank and the motor and pumping it — would get things going again. In other words, all the symptoms of a blockage in the fuel line. We got a new fuel hose and Dave transferred the old ends and primer bulb. The engine started right up and the primer bulb behaved normally. Okay, basic problem solved. But I was curious about what had happened — both basic curiosity and wanting to write a post since others we know have had similar problems. Dave began by trying to blow though the old hose. That confirmed a blockage. Or actually, at least two blockages. Wonder where it went? I split the hose lengthwise: Hard to get a good photo, but basically the liner appeared to be totally wadded up. Everywhere we cut, we found a problem: In talking with clerks at the local NAPA store, West Marine, other cruisers and outboard mechanics, it seems that we are not alone in this experience. For the record, this hose was made by Attwood and is not quite 18 months old. They had at least one recall of hoses due to delamination of the inner liner causing blockages. Bottom line, however: carry replacement fuel hose and hose clamps! There is basically no sure-fire method to avoid problems either with the liner or UV damage. E-bay has several vendors. On any line older than 5 years, the sun causes the bulb, rubber end connector inserts, and fuel line to age, shrink, harden and crack, leading to tiny air leaks that prevent the fuel pump from pulling gas into the motor, especially at idle. Quick fix: put some grease on the end fittings at the tank and motor. Store your fuel line out of the sun. When I was a kid with an a 7 HP Sears outboard engine, the fuel line once split open on me and sprayed both me and the boat with gas. The fuel had pressurized in the tank in the sun no vent on that tank and when I turned the handle to steer, the crack finally opened. Lesson — PERIODICALLY check your hoses and avoid Sears outboards — not really an issue anymore! Ethanol is a problem for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is fuel line decomposition, including delamination. Some of those little pieces can end up clogging jets leading to carb rebuilds. Phase separation leaves globs of ethanol in the fuel that the engine cannot run on. The hydrophilic properties of ethanol any alcohol draws water right out of the water that builds up in the bottom of the tank and contributes to corrosion of the jets and other parts of the carb. The lines were full of that lining. When I give the boat throttle it starves for gas. What do I do now? Clean out the carburetors? I have put sea foam treatment in the tank hoping it will do something for it. Any suggestions would really be appreciated. I have a fuel issue on my center console. But dies off at full throttle. Then we can hook up to a portable tank and boat run fine at WOT. Hook back to tank from boat and does the same thing again. The pickup on the tank is clear also. Thank you thank you for this post! I knew the outboard ran well, when it would run, but as soon as it started, it died in the following seconds. Thankfully, I also had pretty much every thing in my dinghy ditch bag that your post about that mentions too. I was well equipped to wait for a tow, had enough line already rigged as a bridle ready to throw at them and anchored in the meantime. Started following you after Totem mentioned you and I love what you do. Motor runs great but after 30-45 minutes just cuts off. Noticed the primer ball is deflating. Replaced the water separator and primer ball and it ran fine for a day then back to cutting off and the ball deflating. Hoping that does the trick. Do I need to wrap the threads on the tank fitting when replacing? If so what should I use? Finding this page could save you so much time! Same problem on my 80s Merc 9. It gelled up inside and the carb needed to be cleaned. Out of the sun. Ethanol rotted the fuel lines on my truck in 3 years. Sorry, it's a law. This form collects your name, email and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website and so that we can send you notices of replies if you select that. For more info check our where you'll get more info on where, how and why we store your data. I agree Primary Sidebar Hi! My husband and I have been cruising over 11 years and 10,000 miles, first on a Tayana 37 monohull and now on a 34' Gemini catamaran. Along the way, we sold pretty much everything we owned twice!
