98 speedster - hard to start at times

[rkkoeb]

I have a 98 speedster and it runs great, the one thing I notice is it hard to get started. I need to crank on it for a while even with the chock on to get it to started. Once running it usually can start right up but some time I need to crank on it again. Is it not getting fuel? Should I install a one way valve on the fuel line to make sure there is gas right away at the carbs?

Thanks

 

[rkkoeb]

Fuel pumps? 135 compression

 

[rkkoeb]

anyone

 

[racerxxx]

Next time you stop. Run the blower for t minutes before you start. That will drag fresh air into the engine compartment. I had the same issue, I rebuilt the entire fuel system, pumps and carbs. It's just like new again.

 

[rkkoeb]

Carbs are all rebuilt but have not done anything with the fuel pumps. Maybe I will rebuild them next. Do you think installing check valves on the fuel lines would help at all?

 

[rkkoeb]

Who did you order your fuel pump rebuild kits from?

 

[rkkoeb]

So it sounds like there are no rebuild kits out for these pumps so I need to purchase new ones. Should I go with factory at $100 each or try something like these

Mikuni High Volume Fuel Pump

 

[racerxxx]

I just bought 2 from leaders rpm. OEM pumps.

Did you replace the needle and seat in the carbs?

 

[rkkoeb]

yep I did replace the needle and seats

 

[2x2smoke]

so your theory is that the gas is draining out of the carbs when the boat sits and therefore takes a while to start because the fuel pump needs time to refill the carbs when cranking?

The gas can only go three places. Leak out into the bilge. Leak into the engine. Drain back into the tank.

The system already has one way valves in it and you can test them by blowing retrograde into the return lines. I think the carbs are probably lower than the fuel level so gas probably isn.t flowing against gravity back into the tank, unless your tank has a vacuum condition for some reason.

Next time you go for a cold start, suck on the return lines coming out of the carbs to see i there is fuel present in them. Pull the spark plugs out after 5 or 10 seconds of cranking and see if they are dry or wet. You could just as easily have too much gas at startup than too little.

 

[rkkoeb]

OK I will check the plugs next time this happens. As of now I don't plan on adding the check valves as this doesn't seem to be the issue. I have order new fuel pumps and plan on installing them once they come in and see what happens.