Frustrated

[tom a]

The boat, Columbia 8.7, was laid up for 3 years until this spring. I replaced the points, condenser, rotor & cap, got it running but rough. I purchased a rebuilt carb from MMI, I drained the sediment bowl, some water & dark gas, the engine ran until we were half way out the inlet, had to be towed back. Removed the carb & cleaned out, opened orig. fuel filter, blocked solid, removed element & replaced empty housing on bulkhead. Engine ran great. Purchased a new Racor filter & polishing filter from MMI, installed both this past weekend & could not get the engine to start without a shot of starting fluid & it would only run for about 30 seconds. I removed the carb and it looked clean. Still cannot get the engine to start without SF and it will not run. I went over the fittings and all seems tight, the fuel pump holds pressure(mechanical), there is new fuel in the system. I am frustrated and need help.
Tom

[67c&ccorv]

Have you checked the MMI polishing filter to see if you have hooked it up with the arrow denoting the direction of fuel flow pointing in the right direction?:confused:

(It should be pointing towards to carb.);)

[roadnsky]

Tom-
Have you tried removing the main passage plug from the bottom of the carburetor and then pumping some fuel through the system?
Look for air or dirt coming out with the fuel.
-Jerry

[rigspelt]

Clogged fuel line, fuel tank pickup, fuel tank vent?

[Marian Claire]

Work the problem. Start at the feed line to the carb. Do you have fuel? If yes move downstream to the bowl as suggested. If good flow there then it is probable a clogged jet. If not then it could be the float valve. If no fuel: work upstream back to the pump. And find one of the other ideas. Do you have a shut off valves that did not get opened after the filter change? Dan S/V Marian Claire

[ghaegele]

Tom, I had a racor replacement filter that came with the wrong gasket on it which let air get into the system with very similar results. Since that's the last thing you touched, investigate there. (That's my first troubleshooting step: "what's the last thing I touched?")

[domagami]

If you were getting crud and water then your first problem is very likely still upstream from the carb and new filter. From what you say, clearly the fuel is or was bad. You might consider pumping it out (trying to get a tube all the way to the bottom of the tank) and taking a look at what you're working with. I'm guessing you'll find more crud and probably some water too. This has to be removed so you can start with good gas. You can even do this with $5 of clear 1/2" hose if you have to - just siphon it off the bottom and see what you get from that. Depending on what you have, you might decide you need to drain the whole thing.

With the new filter you've now stopped any remaining tank crud from heading to the carb. However, you didn't mention if you had taken the carb off to clean that too. I would guess that before you added the Racor some of the crud lodged in in a jet in the carb. I bet once you clean that out and verify you have clean gas you'll be in good shape.

Good luck

[domagami]

Sorry Tom, just noticed you said you had new fuel. You might still have stuff in the bottom of the tank. I had a similar issue a couple years ago and did the siphon thing - was horrified/happy that I found a new issue to address.

Again, good luck

[sastanley]

Do you have a shut off valves that did not get opened after the filter change? Dan S/V Marian Claire

Haha...been there done that!!! :rolleyes:

Lots of good suggestions. I will add that I had no less than three 'helpers' & none of them asked me if I opened the fuel line up again after we were done fiddling with the system.

[domenic]

Tom, had the same problem. Un-hook your battery. Open the tank via the fuel gage. You will have to wedge wood under the gage flange as you un-screw the bolts...they have little nuts holding them. The nuts will fall to the bottom of the tank. Get a little hand pump, and pump all the gas out. Look into the tank. If it's fiberglass, you will see the resin is flaking off the inside of the tank. This is resin they painted the inside with. On fiberglass tanks, the top was a separate piece. Let the tank dry out. Fill tank with water, and flood the fumes out of the tank. Drain half the water out. Drill a 1/2" hole about 3" from the side(any side). Sabar saw the top off. Clean the inside of the tank. Remove all resin flakes, wax etc. Re-fiberglass the inside of the tank. Fiberglass the top back on. Read all threads on the forum that talk about gass leaks...Don has gave some very good comments on fiberglass tanks.

[roadnsky]

domenic-
Notice the DATE of Tom A's original post. (last year)
Since he only posted one time and never returned, forum wisdom tells us he's likely sailed to other shores...:rolleyes:
(Just want to be sure you understand he's likely gone)

Still, sometimes dredging up an old thread and posting new info can help a fellow mate without even knowing. So...
carry on. :o