Katerina Swanson
Boaters may face outboard motor issues due to fuel line problems, which can cause the engine to sputter, misfire, or stop working. Blocked fuel lines can prevent gas from reaching the engine, leading to performance issues. Ageing fuel lines may crack, causing air leaks that affect fuel delivery. Boaters should regularly inspect fuel lines for cracks, clogs, and leaks, and replace them as needed. Ethanol-containing fuel can cause clogs, so using ethanol-free gas and choosing hoses with impermeable liners can help prevent issues. Boaters should also check the fuel pump, as problems with it can cause similar symptoms to fuel line issues.
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What You'll Learn
Check for fuel starvation
If you are experiencing fuel starvation, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot the issue:
- Check and replace the fuel filter.
- Establish whether the engine is running off a built-in fuel tank. If so, try running it off a portable fuel tank.
- If the engine runs fine, check that the vent to the built-in tank is clean.
- Remove the fuel filler cap on the built-in tank to test.
- Check the anti-siphon valve at the fuel pick-up, remove the valve and retest.
- If the engine works fine, replace the anti-siphon valve.
- If the problem persists with the portable tank and the filters have been changed, have a mechanic clean and service the carburetors and check the fuel pump pressure.
Other potential causes of fuel starvation include clogged fuel lines, a clogged fuel filter, or a faulty fuel pump. If the fuel line is older than five years, the sun may have caused the bulb, rubber end connector inserts, and the 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. Grease on the end fittings at the tank and motor can be a quick fix, but it is best to replace the entire line, bulb, and connector as soon as possible.
Additionally, ensure that you are using high-octane fuels and storing them in good-quality metal jerry cans, as lower octane fuels tend to have too much water in them, and plastic containers allow higher octane fractions to evaporate over time.
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Inspect fuel lines for kinks and clogs
Inspecting your fuel lines for kinks and clogs is an essential part of maintaining your outboard motor. Fuel line problems can cause fuel starvation, engine failure, and other issues.
Fuel lines can become clogged or blocked for several reasons. One common cause is the deterioration of the fuel hose due to exposure to alcohol or ethanol fuel. Over time, the innards of the hose can break down, causing rubber particles to clog the line. This issue is more common in older hoses and can be prevented by using hoses with impermeable liners.
Another cause of clogs is the buildup of sludge or debris in the fuel line. This can occur when water droplets mix with ethanol gasoline, forming a sludge that can clog the line. Additionally, dirt, debris, or other contaminants can enter the fuel supply and cause blockages. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a water-separating fuel filter, which can help remove contaminants and protect the motor.
To inspect your fuel lines for kinks and clogs, start by checking the fuel hose for any signs of damage or deterioration. Look for cracks, leaks, or other signs of wear and tear. Ensure that the hose is not bent or kinked, as tight curves can restrict fuel flow. It is also important to check the fuel vent for any blockages, as this can impede fuel flow and create a vacuum.
If you suspect a clog in the fuel line, you may need to remove the hose and inspect it internally. This can be done by disconnecting the fuel line and pumping fuel into a clear container to check for any debris or clogging. If you find any blockages or clogs, it is important to replace the fuel line and ensure that all connections are secure.
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Listen for the fuel pump
When troubleshooting an outboard motor, it is important to listen for the fuel pump. The fuel pump is an integral part of the fuel system, enabling fuel to travel from the tank through the rest of the system. A dual-pump fuel system relies on a low-pressure and a high-pressure fuel pump to perform separate tasks. The low-pressure fuel pump lifts fuel from the fuel tank to the outboard motor's Vapor Separator Tank or Fuel Supply Module, while the high-pressure fuel pump pressurizes the fuel and sends it to the high-pressure fuel rail, which then moves the pressurized fuel to the injectors.
To test if your fuel pump is working, turn the key to start the engine. Before you hear the engine, you should hear the fuel pump spinning up. This process is called priming, and it lasts a few seconds. If you don't hear the fuel pump, there could be an issue with the battery, or the pump may not be receiving electrical power. It is recommended to check the battery first and then troubleshoot other systems.
If your outboard motor is experiencing performance losses, trouble starting, or increased fuel consumption, you could be dealing with a failed fuel pump. Other symptoms of a bad fuel pump include the engine running unevenly and sputtering, or suddenly burning through fuel much quicker than before. However, these issues could also be caused by problems with the fuel lines or filters, so it is important to check for kinks or clogs in these components as well.
It is worth noting that diagnosing dual fuel pump problems can be challenging, especially with the added complexity of modern advancements like electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems. A process of elimination is often the most effective method to pinpoint where the issues are originating from. Regular maintenance and the use of fuel stabilizers can help prevent fuel pump issues and keep your outboard motor's fuel system in top shape.
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Check for leaks
Checking for leaks in your outboard motor's fuel line is an important part of boat maintenance. Fuel leaks can lead to engine problems and even total engine failure.
To check for leaks, begin by inspecting the fuel lines and connections. Look for any cracks or signs of wear and tear. If the fuel line is more than five years old, it may have started to deteriorate due to sun exposure, so be sure to check for any hardening or shrinkage. If you spot any issues, replace the fuel line with a new EPA-compliant hose and new clamps.
Next, check the primer bulb. With the engine off, pump the primer bulb until it feels hard. Then, check that the fuel has travelled from the tank to the pump. If the fuel has not moved, or if the primer bulb deflates, this could indicate a blockage or a leak in the fuel line.
Finally, inspect the fuel filter. Ensure that it is not clogged and that it is full of fuel. If the fuel filter is not full, this could indicate a leak in the fuel line.
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Test the one-way valves
To test the one-way valves, you will need a pressure gauge. The one-way valves are responsible for delivering fuel to the carburetor. They allow fuel to pass from the tank in only one direction, which is from the tank to the engine, allowing enough pressure to build to force a continuous flow.
There are two valves to consider: the inlet and the outlet. Each pump has at least one of each, but your pump may have two outlets. The inlet accepts the flow of fuel and is often marked with an arrow pointing inward towards the centre of the pump. The outlet moves the fuel to the rest of the system and may be indicated by an arrow pointing outward.
To test their functionality, start by connecting the pressure gauge to the inlet valve. Pump the primer bulb until it feels hard. Then, cover the outlet valve with your thumb. Release your thumb. If the pressure releases, it means the inlet is allowing pressure to escape in both directions, and the valves are not in proper working condition.
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Frequently asked questions
If your fuel line is older than 5 years, the sun may have caused 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. Check your fuel line for kinks and blockages, and ensure that the clamps that keep the fuel lines tight are working correctly.
When you try to start your engine, you should be able to hear the sound of the fuel pump engaging. If you don't hear this sound, there may be an issue with your battery or fuel pump. Check your battery first, and if the problem persists, try troubleshooting other systems.
A clogged fuel filter may not affect your boat during startup or idle, but you may notice the difference when you throttle down and try to draw more gasoline from the tank. To check, remove the spark plug wire boot and remove the plug. Attach the compression gauge to the spark plug hole, then twist the throttle position wide open and either pull the rope start or turn the starter over several times. If the pressure is low, there may be a compression issue that is preventing the fuel pump from working.
To maintain a fuel pump, use a fuel stabilizer to minimize carbon deposits and prevent the fuel from going bad. If you’re winterizing your boat, fuel stabilizer is a must. Manufacturers generally use 10 years as the lifespan for gasoline hoses, but it's important to inspect the fuel lines every year, and if there's any doubt, replace them with a new EPA-compliant hose and new clamps.
