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Hi all,

The primer solenoid on my OMC TurboJet is no longer working. I have also disconnected the VRO and created a primer bulb between the gas tank and the fuel pump, mixing the fuel.

Issue I am dealing with though is cold starts. Almost impossible. Without an electric primer solenoid I use a spray bottle with gas mix in it to squirt down the carb throat and then I have no problems. The crummy thing is that this is fairly easy with the carb cover off...not so easy with it on.

So I want to "furnish" some sort of primer to the carbs. The primer solenoid isn't super expensive, but after a motor rebuild my funds are pretty much depleted. Would it be feasible to run a "Y" connector with a fuel shut off switch directly to the fuel lines that the primer solenoid used? My theory is that with the line open, I'll squirt some gas in the carbs with the primer bulb, then I shut the line off and it feeds the fuel pump.

Thoughts?

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You are running up against the Federal and Coast Guard regulations that pertain to inboard gasoline engine fuel systems in boats.

All fuel system components have to be approved and meet the 2 1/2 minute flame test while full of fuel. Your primer ball does not meet that and any modifications to the fuel system puts you, your loved ones and strangers nearby in jeopardy should a fire occur.

You can read more about the regs at:

http://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/boatbuilder_s_handbook/fuel_standards_partu.aspx

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Are you saying that I am currently, without any further modifications, against regulations? I am currently using a primer bulb to feed gas to the fuel pump instead of using the VRO. Many OMC TurboJet owners do this, as the VRO is crap.

Sorry if I seem ignorant to this.

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Yes, a primer ball is not a fire-resistant Coast Guard approved item for inboard gasoline engines such as yours.

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Thanks for the input. I'll look into restoring some sort of normal flow while bypassing the vro.

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And of course I cannot find the primer solenoid anywhere. Wonder if another from a different model would work...

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Just wanted to provide an update...

Took the boat out for the first voyage following the rebuild. Found out that my primer solenoid does actually work, but the wiring was bad. I furnished a switch in the console to turn on and off, it worked perfectly.

I am now using VRO, but only as a fuel pump...got rid of the primer bulb. While cranking, fuel is pulled effectively to the carbs, with the help from the primer to start it. 3 cranks at the most and she was up and running.

Only getting about 4300 RPMs on WOT, and the book says I should have 4500 - 5500. I am also leaking fuel slowly somewhere, as the bilge had some in there and the gas fumes were heavy. I'll have to check all my lines. Also idle is a bit rough. I am thinking carb rebuild or timing.

Other than the RPMs and the fuel leak, I would say the trip was a success (mening that I did not get stranded and/or have any MAJOR problems).

Now I need to read a bit about the throttle adjustment (for the rpms), timing procedures, and fish down the leaking fuel lines. Any comments from experience are greatly appreciated.