After perusing the Fuel topics, I still can't find what I'm looking for... perhaps the A-4 Braintrust can shed some light.
The Background: I am bringing back to life a Tartan 30 that had been re-powered with an MMI A-4 in 2008. The engine is in wonderful condition: no leaks, drips, cracks, good compression, etc. Tartan 30s are noted for corrosion in the metal fuel tank, and a previous owner decommissioned the steel tank and installed a poly tank, but moved the new tank pretty far aft in a sail storage locker. The A-4 is located just behind the mast right over the keel. I estimate the fuel line run to be 15 feet or so and probably close to a neutral lift (fuel pump is about the same level as the tank).
The Issue: The PO last used the boat in summer 2009. Although the engine was winterized with anti-freeze, the fuel system was never drained. Yesterday, I tackled the fuel system and discovered what I thought I would find: half a tank of water-logged ethanol laden gasoline. I completely removed the tank from the boat, drained and cleaned it. I blew out the old fuel from the fuel line, drained the carb and the electric fuel pump. One of my findings makes me think I might have other issues... at the fuel tank, the fuel pick-up tube has a twist shutoff valve and a one-way check valve. The check valve was completely block with the gummy varnish goo typical of ethanol laced fuel. A little work and acetone had the check valve cleaned up, but that finding stuck with me (pun not intended).
In addition to cleaning the fuel lines and tank, I also replaced the the original fuel/water separator with a new Racor fuel filter/water separator.
After everything was buttoned back up, I used a manual suction pump to prime the fuel line from the tank all the way through the new Racor filter. All that's left is to get the fuel to the carb.
The Problem: After jumping the oil pressure safety switch, the little Facet electric fuel pump does its little clicky thing, but I get no fuel out. Nada. I know I have fuel ten inches away at the Racor filter (it's full). I let the fuel pump run for probably 30 to 40 seconds twice.
The Questions:
1. Could the fuel pump be gummed up like the check valve I found?
2. Can the pump be running (clicking) but still be bad?
3. Can the Facet pump be disassembled?
4. Does the length of the run (15 feet) indicate that the higher pressure pump offered by MMI might work better?
Thanks for any advice!
The Background: I am bringing back to life a Tartan 30 that had been re-powered with an MMI A-4 in 2008. The engine is in wonderful condition: no leaks, drips, cracks, good compression, etc. Tartan 30s are noted for corrosion in the metal fuel tank, and a previous owner decommissioned the steel tank and installed a poly tank, but moved the new tank pretty far aft in a sail storage locker. The A-4 is located just behind the mast right over the keel. I estimate the fuel line run to be 15 feet or so and probably close to a neutral lift (fuel pump is about the same level as the tank).
The Issue: The PO last used the boat in summer 2009. Although the engine was winterized with anti-freeze, the fuel system was never drained. Yesterday, I tackled the fuel system and discovered what I thought I would find: half a tank of water-logged ethanol laden gasoline. I completely removed the tank from the boat, drained and cleaned it. I blew out the old fuel from the fuel line, drained the carb and the electric fuel pump. One of my findings makes me think I might have other issues... at the fuel tank, the fuel pick-up tube has a twist shutoff valve and a one-way check valve. The check valve was completely block with the gummy varnish goo typical of ethanol laced fuel. A little work and acetone had the check valve cleaned up, but that finding stuck with me (pun not intended).
In addition to cleaning the fuel lines and tank, I also replaced the the original fuel/water separator with a new Racor fuel filter/water separator.
After everything was buttoned back up, I used a manual suction pump to prime the fuel line from the tank all the way through the new Racor filter. All that's left is to get the fuel to the carb.
The Problem: After jumping the oil pressure safety switch, the little Facet electric fuel pump does its little clicky thing, but I get no fuel out. Nada. I know I have fuel ten inches away at the Racor filter (it's full). I let the fuel pump run for probably 30 to 40 seconds twice.
The Questions:
1. Could the fuel pump be gummed up like the check valve I found?
2. Can the pump be running (clicking) but still be bad?
3. Can the Facet pump be disassembled?
4. Does the length of the run (15 feet) indicate that the higher pressure pump offered by MMI might work better?
Thanks for any advice!
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