1997 Ocean Runner 225 issues

[Circle Hooked]

Till then what condition is the fuel line in from the primer bulb to the fuel pump on the motor,and also from the bronze fitting in the splash well to the bulb.

[cdoyal]

I would almost guarantee it's not to much fuel line,I'm gonna dig out the shop manual in the morning and see what i can come up with.

That would be great. I have a Seloc manual which is worthless most of the time.

[John Jones]

I would almost guarantee it's not to much fuel line,I'm gonna dig out the shop manual in the morning and see what i can come up with.

I agree.  I don't have my manuals any longer but I think all it mentioned was the allowable vaccum reading.

I had at least 36" of quality fuel line on my 225 Oceanrunner between the motor and bulb.  I never had a fuel issue.  (I mostly wished it had a restriction for all of the gas it sucked.)

My CCP had a 32 gal. aux. tank in front of the console.  That made for a hecuva long fuel line.

[John Jones]

With the arrow pointing up on the bulb, it primes nice and hard but won't when it lays on its side.

That indicates there is something wrong with the bulb's check valve.  It would be very easy for a check valve to restrict flow especially at low flow rates.  The fuel flow has to overcome a spring in the check valve.  If it's a steel spring in the check valve ethanol will rust it in short order.  Replace that bulb with an OEM bulb.  I don't know what brand bulb your mechanic installed but the 3rd party brands are junk.

[Circle Hooked]

With the arrow pointing up on the bulb, it primes nice and hard but won't when it lays on its side.

That indicates there is something wrong with the bulb's check valve.  It would be very easy for a check valve to restrict flow especially at low flow rates.  The fuel flow has to overcome a spring in the check valve.  If it's a steel spring in the check valve ethanol will rust it in short order.  Replace that bulb with an OEM bulb.  I don't know what brand bulb your mechanic installed but the 3rd party brands are junk.

From what i came up with from the manual i would have to agree,there just isn't a whole lot besides that, that would restrict the flow,and from personal experience i have replaced more primer bulbs on mine over the years then i could possibly remember,and fuel line too,but my boat has got a lot of sun over the years and if the hose or bulb looks sketchy at all i replace it,very easy to do.

[John Jones]

I would change the Racor element too.  You said you have a lot of hours on it since spring when the filter was changed.  It would be easy for one fill-up of bad gas to clog the Racor.

Another handy tip I just thought of.  While you are replacing the bulb, re-plumb the fuel line so that the bulb is between the Racor and the fuel tank.  It makes a world of difference re-priming the system after changing the filter element.  Bulbs push gasoline through the filter much easier than they can suck through the filter.

[cdoyal]

From what i came up with from the manual i would have to agree,there just isn't a whole lot besides that, that would restrict the flow,and from personal experience i have replaced more primer bulbs on mine over the years then i could possibly remember,and fuel line too,but my boat has got a lot of sun over the years and if the hose or bulb looks sketchy at all i replace it,very easy to do.

I'll replace it with an OMC one this weekend.
I'm also going to pull the fuel pickup and see if there's an obstruction. If there is, it's a small one because I've noticed no loss in performance.

I would change the Racor element too.  You said you have a lot of hours on it since spring when the filter was changed.  It would be easy for one fill-up of bad gas to clog the Racor.

Another handy tip I just thought of.  While you are replacing the bulb, re-plumb the fuel line so that the bulb is between the Racor and the fuel tank.  It makes a world of difference re-priming the system after changing the filter element.  Bulbs push gasoline through the filter much easier than they can suck through the filter.

Not a lot of hours. Ony 20 or so.

[seabob4]

OMC (BRP) still has the best bulbs!!!  

[wingtime]

From what I have read and heard primer bulbs should always be pumped with the arrow up.  Also they should installed to they hang with the arrow up.  If you pump it on it's side or with the arrow down gravity keeps the check balls from seating properly since both of them move towards the motor to open.  Try pumping one with the arrow down and it will NEVER firm up all the way.

Read more about it here----->  http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/primer.html

[cdoyal]

From what I have read and heard primer bulbs should always be pumped with the arrow up.  Also they should installed to they hang with the arrow up.  If you pump it on it's side or with the arrow down gravity keeps the check balls from seating properly since both of them move towards the motor to open.  Try pumping one with the arrow down and it will NEVER firm up all the way.

Read more about it here----->  http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/primer.html

That's a great article!

[John Jones]

If you are going to pull the fuel pickup check the anti-siphon valve (if it has one).  They can cause a restriction as well if a piece of trash get's in them.

This little sliver of red plastic in the anti-siphon valve (from a gas can???) choked my little 60 Yamaha down.  A rusty spring in the anti-siphon valve will also cause a restriction.

[cdoyal]

If you are going to pull the fuel pickup check the anti-siphon valve (if it has one).  They can cause a restriction as well if a piece of trash get's in them.

This little sliver of red plastic in the anti-siphon valve (from a gas can???) choked my little 60 Yamaha down.  A rusty spring in the anti-siphon valve will also cause a restriction.

Thanks, John. You're the best.  

[John Jones]

I try.  Mostly just sharing my past headaches to maybe save someone else from them.

;)

[billsaquasport]

Not a outboard mechanic but here is my input. Generally if you get a sneezing when the engine is warming up I think they call that a lean pop or something like that. A lean condition is caused by not enough fuel or an air leak somewhere in the system. I had a similar problem with an engine and found out it was pulling air around the fuel filter gasket. Very strange but changed the filter (oiled gasket) and problem solved. since you had some parts changed on the fuel system you might just want to snug down all the clamps and fittings you never know where air might be getting into the system but I would guess somewhere in front of the VRO pump since it is setting off the fuel alarm. that is all I got for now if I think of something else I will let you know.  

Good Luck and let us know.

[cdoyal]

Well, since there are no performance issues, I ordered a new vacuum switch today. I unplugged the old one and the light went out.
It's a hundred dollar gamble but what the hell...