Not getting fuel from Starboard tank

Delta Ron

Delta Ron

Member
Jun 4, 2019
43
California Delta
Boat Info
1990 350 express cruiser
Engines
Twin 454 mercruiser, hurth transmissions
3 days ago my Starboard engine ran out of fuel. If going by the gauge, I should have had enough gas. Our 1990 350 express cruiser has not had any engine problems. It has a primary and secondary fuel filter. I just serviced the engine, changed only the secondary fuel filter. Im doubting the problem is the primary, but I'll start there. What troubleshooting steps should I take from there? Twin 454's, mechanical fuel pumps.
 
First, don't assume that the gauge is correct...make sure there's fuel in there.

If there is, work towards the engine starting with the anti siphon valve, filters, pump etc. ensuring
that there are no obstructions and everything is working.

Will it run for a second if primed or shot with ether (sparingly)?
 
1. Fill the tanks.

2 Check for water in the primary.
 
Take the fuel in off the carb and with a squeeze bottle back prime the line the give it a try. When you do pop the line off you should have fuel pressure at the carb after trying to start the motor.
 
Delta Ron said:
3 days ago my Starboard engine ran out of fuel. If going by the gauge, I should have had enough gas. Our 1990 350 express cruiser has not had any engine problems. It has a primary and secondary fuel filter. I just serviced the engine, changed only the secondary fuel filter. Im doubting the problem is the primary, but I'll start there. What troubleshooting steps should I take from there? Twin 454's, mechanical fuel pumps.
Click to expand...

Do you have two tanks? Do you have selector valves? How are the engines/tanks plumbed?

If I'm reading this correctly, it sounds like you verified you had no fuel in either the primary or secondary filter? Assuming you actually have gas in the tank... some quick thoughts:

-- Restriction in vent line/hull fitting. Physically check. If you remove the fill cap that will allow for fuel flow
-- Cracked/broken pickup tube at a certain fuel level
-- Move the fuel line temporarily to the good tank
 
Soulshine said:
First, don't assume that the gauge is correct...make sure there's fuel in there.







If there is, work towards the engine starting with the anti siphon valve, filters, pump etc. ensuring



that there are no obstructions and everything is working.







Will it run for a second if primed or shot with ether (sparingly)?
Thanks Soulshine. I had put fuel in earlier, no question if there was enough. I don't know where that anti-syphon or check valve is you mentioned. Perhaps where the pickup tube comes out of the tank. The engine does run fine off the port tank. I ordered the primary filters. We had a cruise out with the boat club, so just ran off the one tank. I'll circle back once I get into the filters.
Click to expand...
 
Lazy Daze said:
Do you have two tanks? Do you have selector valves? How are the engines/tanks plumbed?

If I'm reading this correctly, it sounds like you verified you had no fuel in either the primary or secondary filter? Assuming you actually have gas in the tank... some quick thoughts:

-- Restriction in vent line/hull fitting. Physically check. If you remove the fill cap that will allow for fuel flow
-- Cracked/broken pickup tube at a certain fuel level
-- Move the fuel line temporarily to the good tank
Click to expand...
Hello Lazy Dave. I do have 2 tanks, and there are the 2 selector valves. There are 2 primary filters, one for each tank, they are upstream from the selector valves. It's been 2 years, around 200 hours since I first changed the primary filters. Best I start there. Just ordered them and I will update once i get into them. Thank again.
 
dvx216 said:
Take the fuel in off the carb and with a squeeze bottle back prime the line the give it a try. When you do pop the line off you should have fuel pressure at the carb after trying to start the motor.
Click to expand...







Thank you, the engifinruns fine off the other tank. I will start by replacing the primary filters first. I'll update at that time
 
Soulshine said:
First, don't assume that the gauge is correct...make sure there's fuel in there.

If there is, work towards the engine starting with the anti siphon valve, filters, pump etc. ensuring
that there are no obstructions and everything is working.

Will it run for a second if primed or shot with ether (sparingly)?
Click to expand...
Found the problem, had water in the starboard tank. I think the intrusion was from an old o-ring on the starboard fuel tank cap.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,118
Messages
1,426,525
Members
61,035
Latest member
Lukerney
Back
Top