Fuel problem w/ 8.1

[archinbalt]

I lost power on my stbd. engine on a recent outing. I replaced the spin on fuel filter / separator (which was full of gas), but it didn't start. So I removed the filter again, and noted it didn't have gas in it. I assume the problem might be the fuel pump, but how do I begin to troubleshoot the issue?

 

[jason78]

I lost power on my stbd. engine on a recent outing. I replaced the spin on fuel filter / separator (which was full of gas), but it didn't start. So I removed the filter again, and noted it didn't have gas in it. I assume the problem might be the fuel pump, but how do I begin to troubleshoot the issue?

You may want to check the electronic fuel solenoid for that engine (if you have one) as well. Always be careful with fuel system componets. Might be good to get a mechanic involved. Looks like this-

 

[rcknecht]

I prime my fuel water separator with fuel before puting it on. Not sure I you would trouble shoot an 8.1 fuel pump...

 

[archinbalt]

I did check the solenoid and put it in the bypass position - so I assume this is not the issue. And yes rcknecht, I'm not to thrilled about bilge diving in gas fumes and will throw in the towel if I'm over my head!

 

[duckmnn]

If you didn't prime the seperater it will take a few times of cranking to fill it.Then it fuels the motor.

 

[justhininabouti]

You can also check the tank screen. It should be at the tank right on the pickup tube Pre the antisyphon valve. I had simillar symptoms with my '87 250, and that was the culprit.

 

[archinbalt]

Had my mechanic out yesterday - replaced the fuel pump and it ran for 20 minutes before cutting out. Bypassed the fuel line, checked solenoid, etc. all to no avail. I think there is a secondary fuel pump, so he will look at that next. I'll also have him check the screen, thank you!

"There's nothing . . . absolutely nothing . . . half so much worth doing as simply messing around in boats." :smt013 BS!

 

[justhininabouti]

Hope you find the problem. Not sure about others following this thread, but I hope you will post the final solution. You never know when someone else will have the same problem.

 

[Alex F]

I did check the solenoid and put it in the bypass position - so I assume this is not the issue....

When mine failed I did the same thing and guess what......the bypass position didn't do squat. The unit was replaced and all was back to normal. So, don't let the bypass give you false confidence. You might want to take it from the other side to test and be sure before spending $160.

Good luck.

 

[Pseudomind]

I know on my boat thee is a relay assemble which keeps electrical contact to the fuel pump as long as voltage is applied, in my case the relay would overheat, chatter and then open the contact, killing the engine, so maybe you might have a bad relay or a wire assembly to the relay going or has went bad.

 

[archinbalt]

OK, an update on my issues. I had a fresh mechanic look at the boat & hook it up to the analyzer. Found that two of the sensors were bad and therefore I was not getting a spark. So he swapped the sensors out and she seems to up and running - hopefully I'll get all my work done this week so I can get out and put a couple hours on the engine under load. I plan to sit down with the mechanic for a while so I can understand why all indications pointed to a fuel supply issue, but it was an electronic issue (the service mgr. stated that the sensors would not shut down the fuel supply until after the fuel pump).

So I'm still confused, but I hope to post definitive answers soon - and hopefully get on the water since this has had me down for a loooong loooong time!