Fuel, Spark, other???

[Oldlaxer1]

If you install a fuel pressure gauge right at the carb, fuel issue can be confirmed or eliminated.

What size and type and what would I be looking for?

[romantic comedy]

remember the gas tank vent.....

[hanleyclifford]

What size and type and what would I be looking for?

Something in the 0-15 range. I buy the el cheapo and replace every couple of years. http://www.mcmaster.com/#atmospheric...auges/=127z779

[hanleyclifford]

remember the gas tank vent.....

Agreed, but first the question of fuel vs spark; besides, the fuel pressure gauge is useful on a continuing basis as the quickest diagnostic tool in the box.

[Oldlaxer1]

remember the gas tank vent.....

Just checked that and it's clear. Thanks

[JOHN COOKSON]

John
Was it an artifact of the video (or maybe an artifact in my head) that the engine was "laboring" or running slower and slower just before the shut down?
It will expedite the diagnosis if you separate the engines systems from the boats systems.
Fuel: Run off an auxiliary tank straight to the fuel pump.
Ignition: See post #7.

TRUE GRIT

[Oldlaxer1]

John
Was it an artifact of the video (or maybe an artifact in my head) that the engine was "laboring" or running slower and slower just before the shut down?
It will expedite the diagnosis if you separate the engines systems from the boats systems.
Fuel: Run off an auxiliary tank straight to the fuel pump.
Ignition: See post #7.

TRUE GRIT

I noticed that too when listening to the vid. Made me think more fuel related than originally thought.

[romantic comedy]

I had an intermittent fuel pump. It drove my nuts, and I am a great troubleshooter.
intermittent probs are the worst!!

[Oldlaxer1]

I had an intermittent fuel pump. It drove my nuts, and I am a great troubleshooter.
intermittent probs are the worst!!

This one is no longer intermittent. The optimistic me says that's actually a good thing...if I can figure it out.
Fuel is getting to carb. Took line off at carb and there was fuel. In fact, once I emptied the line into a cup, it slowly refilled. Hmmm.

[edwardc]

Since you have an electric fuel pump, your symptoms sound a lot like the "stuck ball" problem I had with the Facet pump a few years ago.

The pump would move a weak stream of fuel, but the voulme wasn't enough to keep up with the engine's demands, so it would labor and stall out in a few minutes when the carbs float bowl went dry. Cranking would allow the bowl to partially refill and start the process again.

The weak stream of fuel is a big clue. You should be seeing a large voulme of fuel pumped out of the disconnected line. I've used that Facet pump as a transfer pump before.

The test, and temporary cure, is simple. Remove the bottom of the fuel pump (it's a twist-off bayonet wuth a large hex moulded in the bottom for a wrench). Then remove the mesh filter basket. The bottom of the ball that forms the check valve inside the pump will be visible. Press it with a fingertip. It should move smoothly and easily against its spring and return when released. If it doesn't move, it's stuck to its seat. Press harder and it should snap free with a "click" and then move freely. Reassemble the pump and re-test the flow. It should be much greater.

Unfortunately, in my experience, this is a temporary fix. In my case the problem returned in about a week, and the permanant fix was to replace the pump.

BTW, whereabouts in Baltimore are you? I'm just down the river, south of Key Bridge, on Rock Creek (by White Rocks).

[Oldlaxer1]

Since you have an electric fuel pump, your symptoms sound a lot like the "stuck ball" problem I had with the Facet pump a few years ago.

The pump would move a weak stream of fuel, but the voulme wasn't enough to keep up with the engine's demands, so it would labor and stall out in a few minutes when the carbs float bowl went dry. Cranking would allow the bowl to partially refill and start the process again.

The weak stream of fuel is a big clue. You should be seeing a large voulme of fuel pumped out of the disconnected line. I've used that Facet pump as a transfer pump before.

The test, and temporary cure, is simple. Remove the bottom of the fuel pump (it's a twist-off bayonet wuth a large hex moulded in the bottom for a wrench). Then remove the mesh filter basket. The bottom of the ball that forms the check valve inside the pump will be visible. Press it with a fingertip. It should move smoothly and easily against its spring and return when released. If it doesn't move, it's stuck to its seat. Press harder and it should snap free with a "click" and then move freely. Reassemble the pump and re-test the flow. It should be much greater.

Unfortunately, in my experience, this is a temporary fix. In my case the problem returned in about a week, and the permanant fix was to replace the pump.

BTW, whereabouts in Baltimore are you? I'm just down the river, south of Key Bridge, on Rock Creek (by White Rocks).

Thanks Ed. Will do. I'm currently at Old Bay Marina. Just launched yesterday evening and too crappy weather to go to the Anchorage which is home. Actually it's a good thing because I'd have been getting a tow.
When wrote weak stream, that was with everything off. Just the hose disconnected from carb. I didn't test the pump with power yet.

[romantic comedy]

Ed, sounds like that pump had prostate problems.

[JOHN COOKSON]

I noticed that too when listening to the vid. Made me think more fuel related than originally thought.

Right after a shutdown put a finger on the packing nut and see how hot it is. Let's be sure the packing is not screwed up. Easy to do.

TRUE GRIT

[hanleyclifford]

Thanks Ed. Will do. I'm currently at Old Bay Marina. Just launched yesterday evening and too crappy weather to go to the Anchorage which is home. Actually it's a good thing because I'd have been getting a tow.
When wrote weak stream, that was with everything off. Just the hose disconnected from carb. I didn't test the pump with power yet.

Most Atomic 4s will run at idle or for short runs without a fuel pump if the tank is even slightly above the carb. Your pump may not be working at all but the fuel is just falling thru it according to the head your set up allows.

[Oldlaxer1]

So I bypassed the OPSS and the Facet fuel pump worked fine. Gas looked good too. Even tried to start with the OPSS bypassed. No joy. Back to electrical. BTW, it started this morning but cut out within about 30 seconds. It will not start now. New coil on order. I'll recap all my steps tomorrow on the computer. I'm not like my kids, takes me forever to type on the iPhone
Thanks for all the help.


John