Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: collapsed bulb fuel line
Posted by gcanbos on 04/22/14 - 1:30 PM
#1
...I live in RI, My 2004 13' SS with it's 40 hp engine didn't have any power. I brought it to a marina yesterday to have it checked out. They have told me the bulb fuel line deteriorated and collapsed causing fuel line particles to clog the carburetor, which will cost me $1000.00 to repair(clean and rebuild the carb). Has anyone ever experience this??? Or know of this condition? I purchased the boat in 2008 but I would guess that this is the original fuel line.
Geoffrey
Posted by Blackduck on 04/22/14 - 1:36 PM
#2
All I know is that $1000 is a crazy, high, price to rebuild one carb-
Posted by gcanbos on 04/22/14 - 1:38 PM
#3
...well actually a 2004 Mercury 40 hp elpto engine has three carburetors, one for each cylinder.
Posted by Phil T on 04/22/14 - 3:35 PM
#4
You are not the only member to report issues with fuel line or fuel bulbs deteriorating and clogging the carbs.
The debris may have been from a non-OEM or high quality bulb. They range in price from $15 to $50.
The consensus is to avoid aftermarket brands of primer bulbs. Any engine brand (Honda, Mercury, Yamaha, Evinrude et.al.) bulb.
Fuel line needs to be alcohol resistant. You can buy the length you want and cut in the bulb where you want it using stainless hose clamps.
Shopping online will save you money. We all do it for parts.
As for prices for carb rebuilds, keep in mind there are 3 "kits" needed plus the labor to disassemble, clean, reassemble and synchronize.
Shop the authorized dealers/ mechanics that service Mercury in your area. Get detailed estimates with price breakdowns to ensure an apples-too-apples comparison.
Posted by gchuba on 04/22/14 - 4:03 PM
#5
I had 6 carburetors rebuilt for a 1980 235hp Johnson for $800 from a professional shop. Shop around. I am also in the process of replacing all my fuel lines as well as the fill hose for my under deck tank. Found some the hoses cracked/failed at the clamps, some of the clamps broke when removing, inside of hose "raw" in places. Worth doing all at once.
gchuba
Posted by gcanbos on 04/22/14 - 6:49 PM
#6
...Phil T...thx for the consoling words. The marina that is doing the work is a Boston Whaler/Mercury dealer. I could never imagine that a deteriorating bulb fuel line, and I think it's the original, could cause such an expensive repair. I've grown up around boats, I live in RI, and I've never heard of having to periodically replace the bulb/fuel line to avoid cleaning and rebuilding the engine's carburetors. The repair is underway...any money I might have saved by going somewhere else didn't seem to justify putting more hands into the soup. Any other input on this condition is more than welcomed...
An "older, wiser," boat owner,
Geoffrey
Posted by CES on 04/23/14 - 3:47 AM
#7
Welcome to the world of Ethanol fuel. Though they're plenty if "naysayers" concerning the havoc ethanol wreaks on fuel lines and carburetors, I've seen first hand what this stuff does.
Good luck with your repair and I look forward to reading about your positive outcome.
Posted by gcanbos on 05/10/14 - 5:22 AM
#8
...well I don't know about a positive outcome with the repair bill being over $1500. That also included replacing the battery, prop and other needed services. Boats are an expensive endeavor...period. I'm off to paint the bottom...fun, fun, fun...:)
Geoff
Posted by wing15601 on 05/10/14 - 8:14 AM
#9
Put a filter on near the engine.
Posted by Silentpardner on 05/10/14 - 7:42 PM
#10
Actually, that motor, if it is a 2005, should have HAD a filter inline at the motor before the carbs...interesting that someone finally thought about that.
Sorta makes you wonder about the diagnosis by the mechanics involved...
Edited by Silentpardner on 05/10/14 - 7:44 PM
Posted by Cape Fear on 05/11/14 - 6:34 PM
#11
3 NEW carbs at full retail price would be under $1000.
Edited by Cape Fear on 05/11/14 - 7:15 PM