We were out on Sunday, fighting the windy/choppy conditions for a run from the Limehouse area down to Toogoodoo creek. We haven’t had the boat out for a few months so it was really nice to get a chance to be out on the water again on a sunny and mostly warm day. When we got to the Toogoodoo, we anchored for awhile and did some fishing. When it was time to move, the engine (90HP Yamaha) started right up. After going not more than 100 ft, the engine died and wouldn’t start. It turned over fine, but just wouldn’t catch. I checked the fuel bulb and it felt empty, no fuel? I thought that we must be out of gas, even though I thought that I had a full tank when we left the dock. I called SeaTow for a fuel delivery. When they got there, the tank would only take about 7 gallons (18 gallon tank). But, then the engine started right up. We ran back to the Limehouse area with the SeaTow boat following us. When we got there, we added the remaining 3 gallons of gas to the tank. SeaTow sells the gas in 5gallon increments. I gave the gas can back to the capt. On our way home I stopped at the gas station to fill up the boat and it only took 1 gallon more!
So, I don’t think that we ran out of gas out at Toogoodoo. So what was it?? Why did the fuel stop going to the motor? Did the rough water, bouncing across the chop, cause something to be kicked up in the tank and then whatever it was blocked the fuel line. And when we filled up with the 7 gallons from SeaTow it dislodged the block? How do I keep this from happening again?
Thanks for any suggestions!!
tom
could possibly be a crack in the fuel pick up tube
fuel still in the tank, you just cant get to it
www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
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I agree with Chris. Pull the pick up tube and inspect it.
Capt. Larry Teuton
912-six55-5674
lteuton at aol dot com
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Thanks?is this a DIY project or leave it for Chris and the professionals!?
If you can see the top of the tank it shouldn’t be hard to unhook the hose and screw out the tube. But if is under the floor and hard to reach look for Chris to do it I’m sure he has a lot of experance finding the easy way to access it!
Should be a DIY on most boats. That’s the first place I would look.
Capt. Larry Teuton
912-six55-5674
lteuton at aol dot com
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Just a thought, but I would check the vent for the gas tank. If it is somehow plugged and will not let air in the tank, then gas cannot get out of the tank. I have seen one case where the dirt daubers had plugged the gas tank vent, and the same thing happened.
When you removed the gas cap to add fuel, you also allowed air to enter and escape the gas tank.
Like I said, just a thought.
Rick K
Check to see if you have an anti-siphon valve coming off your tank to the fuel line. Had one stick after running 50 miles and trolling all morning. We were stowing gear at idle, the engine shut off. No fuel in the bulb after switching the filter out. Bulb wasn’t pumping so I took it loose on the motor side and gave it some CPR. After that it was fine. Will be replacing that little part if it ever quits raining.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne