No fuel getting to engine

[Morc666]

I recently acquired a 97 speedster. I've solved most of the issues it came with but now I can't get the engines to start and it appears no fuel is being drawn into the engine. Some background info: the boat hasn't run since summer 2012, and has had little use prior to that, maybe 200 hrs. Once I replaced the battery, the starboard engine started up no problem, port engine solenoid didnt work so replaced that and starboard engine stared up no problem. But now port engine wont start. Then starboard engine won't start. And then port engine fails to start. I'm assuming they bth just burnt thro whatever fuel was in the engine. Checked fuel filters, ok but small amount if water in water. Emptied both, tried to start both engines again, removed filters again, no gas in either. Checked starboard carb and everything is as clean as new, fuel filter included. So I'm stumped, especially as whatever it is is affecting both engines. Any ideas anyone?

 

[Bonmotwang]

I was checking my 2001 sportster a few weeks ago to make sure good fuel is going into the carbs. I unplugged the fuel input line from the carb. Raised pipe to the same level of the fuel in the tank so that no fuel spill out. I found a long clear pipe big enough to cover the fuel pipe and suck the fuel into the clear pipe, not into your mouth. And then disconnect the clear pipe and dump the fuel inside. I did this a few times to make sure "good" fuel are coming.
Then connect the fuel line back. Push the throttle handle back and forth, you should see the fuel coming into the carbs (you need a helper or an iPhone doing video taping)
This was I did. I hope it can give you some ideas.


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[Morc666]

Thanks for the input. Seems it was an air lock, I sucked gas thro, poured some into carb and spark plugs, and both engines run. Now I seem to have another problem, one engine starts fine, other won't. Gas is getting thro to carb - if I remove fuel line it leaks out, also pushing throttle forward puts gas into carb. But engine will not start. If I put gas in carb and spark plugs it runs til gas is gone. Compression tested both at about 155

 

[dbracela]

Look for air leaks in the fuel lines, and pulse lines. Does that boat have the fuel selector valve? It may need cleaning.

 

[Morc666]

It has the fuel shut off valve, no reserve, just on and off. I checked filter in carb and it was clear. If I open fuel shut off and remove fuel line from carb I can blow air into gas tank, and I can suck gas from tank using a small pump. Fuel filter is full and fuel line appears to be full when I remove it from carb, and gas leaks back out from the carb when I remove fuel line. Hoses and clamps all appear to be in good condition. I'm wondering if I messed up something on the carb when I removed the pulse pump to check filter. I used new seals/orings/gasket when I put it back together. However I didn't replace the gasket between carb and engine block

 

[Morc666]

So I got sorted out. ( and I do have reserve on shut off valve. And they say ignorance is bliss?) any how turns out the bowl was gunked up, and so was the idle jet. Just reinstalled carb and now up and running with both engines. Going to check bowl on second carb tho, just to make sure. Thanks again to you guys for the advice.

 

[Bonmotwang]

Great troubleshooting. Good job!


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