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Old 06-13-2018, 11:55 AM
Robs Hubris Robs Hubris is offline
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Fuel pump question ...

Hello:

I'm working on a the same "starts but then stalls after a bit" problem that several others have posted about. (A4 installed on a 1981 Catalina 30).

I think I've got a pretty good handle on what to diagnose and potentially replace (Carb, fuel line, filter, fuel pump, ignition system, coil, etc.). Thank you for all the prior input!

Question though ... I see two replacement electric fuel pumps offered, one is 2-3 psi, the other 3-4.

I''m tempted to default to the higher PSI ... but you know what they say about assumptions. Any advice?

many thanks,

Rob Anderson
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Catalina 30 on Lake St. Clair, Michigan
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Old 06-13-2018, 11:59 AM
Dave Neptune Dave Neptune is online now
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Rob, the higher pressure pump is for the Cat 30 and others like my old boat an E-35. The more aggressive pump is due to the additional length of draw as the tanks are just further away. Also for the same reason there are 2 mechanical pumps as well.

Dave Neptune
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Old 06-13-2018, 01:13 PM
Robs Hubris Robs Hubris is offline
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Dave: Thanks much for sharing ... love the knowledge here. And, I'm glad I asked!
best,
Rob
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robs Hubris View Post
I'm working on a the same "starts but then stalls after a bit" problem that several others have posted about.
...I think I've got a pretty good handle on what to diagnose and potentially replace (Carb, fuel line, filter, fuel pump, ignition system, coil, etc.)
Hey Rob-
Can you give us a little synopsis of what's going on with your issues?
Changing out the fuel system, ignition and coil may solve it BUT you won't know what the problem actually was.

Sort of like solving a mouse problem by razing the entire house and re-building it.

Systematically doing one thing at a time will be sure you nail down the issue AND give you a better A4 "education"...
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Old 06-14-2018, 08:39 AM
Robs Hubris Robs Hubris is offline
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Hi Jerry, sure thing ... appreciate the thought process.

A prior poster, from 2015 I think, posted the exact description.

Engine starts normally, ease choke down ... runs, water exhaust good.

After a minute or so, there's a slight increase in rpm and it stops.

Starts again fine ... runs, little uptick, dies.

Starts ..then each subsequent start, the stall interval decreases.

Just on a hunch (having absent mindedly left the ignition on for some time) I replaced the coil yesterday and the problem repeated exactly as described above.

I ordered a fuel pump from Moyer, with the thought that if it's not needed, I'll have it for back up as the current pump looks downright ancient.

thoughts?

thx,
rob
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Old 06-14-2018, 08:56 AM
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Please repeat the same test with the fuel fill cap removed taking care that no deck water enters (a Catalina 30-specific risk).
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Old 06-14-2018, 11:00 AM
Robs Hubris Robs Hubris is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ndutton View Post
Please repeat the same test with the fuel fill cap removed taking care that no deck water enters (a Catalina 30-specific risk).
Did that yesterday, no effect on problem.

I did fill, nearly fill, the gas tank recently. But the engine ran fine for a couple of outings before the current problem appeared.
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Last edited by Robs Hubris; 06-14-2018 at 11:03 AM.
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Old 06-14-2018, 11:06 AM
JOHN COOKSON JOHN COOKSON is offline
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Try bypassing or shorting across the OPSS. The OPSS can fail in all sort of weird manners. Been there, done it. It kept me guessing for awhile.

TRUE GRIT
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Old 06-14-2018, 11:02 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robs Hubris View Post
...Engine starts normally, ease choke down ... runs, water exhaust good.

After a minute or so, there's a slight increase in rpm and it stops.

Starts again fine ... runs, little uptick, dies.

Starts ..then each subsequent start, the stall interval decreases.
...
This also sounds a lot like the "stuck ball" problem I have experienced several times with the Facet pump, described in more detail here.

The diagnostic and temp fix are very easy.
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