Is it the FuelPump?

[JosephIReid]

Hi SeaRay Owners!

I wonder if any owners of older boats--a 1975 beauty--could shed some light on my problem! The following was sent to SeaRay, and they were unable to offer any advice. Here goes:

"I would appreciate your feedback on a recent fuel pump installation job carried out at Boyle Marine in Little Current, Ontario on my 24 ft. SeaRay with a Ford 233 hp motor.

While driving the boat, the motor just stopped. Boyle's decided it was the fuel pump which has been replaced. It appears to run just fine, now.

However, I've been caught out on large bodies of water before, and want to ensure that it's only the fuel pump, and not any problem with the fuel line coming out of the tank.

This is how we troubleshot the problem: Checked the fuel filter water separator--it was fine; sucked on the fuel line between tank, and pump--got fuel with no problem; took fuel line off the carb, cranked engine over 10-12 times, and NO FUEL WAS COMING OUT OF THE FUEL LINE; putting fuel in the carb allowed the motor to start and stop momentarily

My concern is the fuel shut-off device & the anti-siphon device (Is there one on my boat?). The fuel shut-off is in VERY awkward spot to reach. It's an old boat, and I don't want to take it off if there's no real need. My concern, of course, is breaking something that's very difficult to replace.

Should I be concerned about the shut-off, and anti-siphon device?? If so, what should I do to trouble-shoot this? I really don't want to get stranded again. I love this boat!!!


I would really appreciate any information you could supply (or any .pdf documents/schematics for this) I noticed that the website only provides information back to 1977 model years.

Sincerely,

Joseph Reid"


Thanks, everyone, for reading this, and imparting your thoughts!

Joe Reid, Sudbury, Ontario

 

[PlayDate]

Joe,

Two easy ways to check/maintain the health of the system are to:

1) Inspect the old fuel filter by cutting it apart and looking for debris from the tank and lines. What you are looking for is delamination of the fuel lines which is a common problem with older boats (age of the hoses) and ethanol. Both could have contributed to the fuel pump failure. If you have thrown the old one away, then you need to get about 20 hours on the new fuel filter before you take it apart.

2) Install a fuel pressure gauge at the carb ($50). That way you know you have a fuel pressure problem when it occurs.

In regards to the shut-off and anti-spihon....I would consider replacing all the lines and valves if they are original.

-John

 

[JosephIReid]

Hi John,

Thanks for the insight. It seems like a sensible approach. I still have the old fuel pump, and can dissect it to see if any debris exists. Replacing the old fuel lines and anti-siphon might be a chore but well worth the peace of mind!

Thanks, John.

Joe Reid

 

[wickeral]

What is the Tank Constructed of? Al W.