Fuel issues

[140S]

Have got a 140S running a V6 Granada with a 752. Last summer had issues with engine running out of fuel when tank reached about 1/2 full, Have since replaced - breather hose, all fuel hoses, electric fuel pump, filters and fitted a new tank pickup. Previously enginge ran a ECCO brand electric fuel pump for about 12 years with no probs. Replacement pump is a 'Fuel flow" 020 which should supply 2litres per minute which I think should be sufficient for this engine- the problem only shows when the tank is down about a 1/3 now- when the tank is full there is no problem at all. The tank pickup comes out the rear top of the tank and the fuel pump is situated below the level of the pickup. Any suggestions please?

[drnicknz]

Possibly the pump doesn't have enough lift to get the fuel from the bottom of the tank up to the carb. If the mechanical pump is still on the engine you could connect that in series with the electric pump and see if that makes a difference. Beware of fuel leaks from a pump that has been dry for a long period of time.

[Muz]

check that the pick up goes all the way down in the tank

[TonyT]

Muz could be on to it.
I would also check that there isn't any holes or cracks in the tube inside the tank.
Could be sucking air and losing the prime.

[rgv500]

Yip you could have the pickup mixed up with the tank breather line.

[140S]

Nope, Installed a new pickup line into tank and it still did the same thing, The tank breather is located at the front of the tank so am not hooked onto that. I think it must be the pump not having enough 'head' capacity to pump the fuel up to the carb as per drnicknz.

[Matthewf/Norbert/TuiDog]

put a positive displacement pump (diaphragm type)   http://www.nardek.com.au/fuelpumps.htm  see the NP-150 type.. they are usually not expensive

these will self prime and push against a head or fuel regulator with ease

[rgv500]

Have you tested the pump. Take Suction from a bucket of fuel and lift the discharge pipe and see if it stops flowing.

Also make sure your fuel pump is low in the boat below the fuel tank or near the bottom. Pumps only move liquid while gravity forces more liquid into the suction pipe. Hope that makse sence?


Does the boat just stop or can you restart after a few mins could be vapour lock?.

[drnicknz]

If you don't have the factory pump still on the motor you could try a facet pump. I have one on my boat for emergencies. You could run it in parallel with the other pump you have. Check this website. http://www.capitalinstruments.co.nz/oscom/index.php?cPath=3_104

[140S]

I think I've finally got it sorted- Found a large amount of rust flakes blocking the pickup pipe from the tank- anyone know of a good fuel additive to break down rust?

[Matthewf/Norbert/TuiDog]

new tank will fix it 

[rob52]

Hi

POR15 Paint make a kit to reline tanks including cleaner rust kill and coating havent used it but there other stuff is good


cheers

[kym]

If its badly rusted all over the inside bottom[ how thick is the metal] I wouldnt take a chance  because it will keep on flaking go with a new tank , What size is your pickup dia ID ?

[140S]

Tank is stainless steel, I think the rust is being introduced from the fuel gauge sender unit- will replace the sender and clean the tank out.

[kym]

By any chance you havent been using fuel out of 20litre Steel Gerry tanks because they can rust up inside , always use a fine guaze filter in the funnel .