Fuel Primer Bulb vacuum compressed

[C-Pelican]

Hello everyone,

Did a search, but want to double check.

Last time out, using the port tank, my main engine died. First time it ever has, in two years use.
It is a 1992 22' cruiser.

Kicker made me feel safe when the motor died and I researched the problem.

I went straight to the fuel primer bulb and it 'looked' good upon a visual but when I squeezed it, it stayed compressed, as if there were a vacuum holding it compressed.

I "presume" that means there is a problem between the bulb and the fuel pick-up or an obstruction in the fuel vent.

Btw, when switched to the starboard tank, the bulb vacuum disappeared and the motor restarted and ran well. Once at the dock, switched back to the port tank and it ran well for 5 - 10 minutes.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Jeff

[flapbreaker]

Well, I'm no expert but I think your assessment is accurate. Not sure how a vent would get plugged so I would suspect the fuel pickup is somehow clogged???

[Tad and Toby Jackson]

Jeff,
I have just finished work on the fuel tanks on the Comfy Dory. She is a 1995 22' Cruiser. On our last long cruise in May, we kept having the engine die out when we switched to the starboard tank. It was full and after about 10-12 miles of running on that tank, the engine would stall out. I could not get the ball to squeeze up pressure. Switched to the port tank and was able to immediately pump up pressure and the engine ran fine. Long story short, after several times of refilling the starboard tank and having the same thing happen after 10-12 miles, we just went ahead and completed our trip using only the port tank.
When we returned home, I pulled both tanks and extracted the fuel pick up lines. Port tank okay although old. Starboard tank, the pick up tube had broken off just below the barbed nipple which extended down into the tank about 1-1/2". As soon as we ran enough gas to get below the nipple, we lost prime. Later, I put the port tank pick up tube back into the tank so that I could clean everything and then pulled it out to drain the tank and clean the insides. The port side tube was also broken when I tried to pull it out, so I guess it was lucky that that tube held up at all for our trip.
These original pick up tubes had a very small screen and very small mesh on that screen at the bottom end of the tube. The mesh was so fine, I can see how it might become clogged if there was any gunk or debris in the bottom of your tank.(maybe from using ethanol mixed gas) I believe that could cause a vacuum in the bulb.
I contacted Todd Industries who was the manufacturer of the tanks and they are still in business although they have been absorbed into a company call Chemtainers. I gave the model number of the tanks to the very helpful young lady and she called me back later in the day to tell me that the plant could ship them out to me that day. I got them 4 days later. Total cost was $29.50 which included shipping. A bargain any way you look at it. Send me a PM if you would like the telephone numbers to contact Todd Industries.

Tad

[thataway]

Possibilities are: clogged fuel vent line (wasps, or other insects, or kinked). bad anti siphon valve (common problem--even on new boats), and plugged up fuel filter or pickup tube.. Also bad bulb, fuel line (such as putting teflon tape over a fitting and occulded the lumen of the tubing or fitting).

[C-Pelican]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I shall investigate all those possibilities.

J