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Hello all-
Just had a tune up on the 88 Johnson 120 VRO. The boat was tested in the water, but probably not run long enough to show the problem. My initial voyage was low speed @five miles. Called the marina and he suggested a fuel supply problem..will have to get it there,but thought someone here could give me some heads up.
The engine ran well at low speeds, then I wanted to explore the upper limits. All was fine then the engine died. started right up and same issue. Sounds like fuel starvation to me. Question is, where do I start looking? I'm thinking: air leak, bad fuel pump, clogged pick up or vent? Can anyone suggest steps for troubleshooting? Memorial weekend..bummer!
Fuel history: I filled the tank with non ethanol gas, Startron and marine Stabil last fall.. installed fuel/water separator, new fuel lines from separator to engine. Don't know the condition of lines/vents below deck..just got the boat last fall
The engine ran strong when powered up, then gradually ran down and died. Electrical seems fine.
Thanks in advance!
John.

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What i would do is run it with a 5 gallon can of gas. That way you can eliminate the antisiphon valve(if there is one) and the vent and bad gas. If it runs fine its a tank issue. If it runs the same its an engine issue. Maybe a torn fuel pump diaphragm. Also, if you run it on its own tank is the primer bulb being sucked flat? Then you know it is a vent issue.

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I had a bad valve inside of the fuel primer bulb one time that acted similar to what you are describing. Every time I put her on a plane, the motor would die. Check your water separator as well. If it is full of water it might do the same thing.

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Try the remote tank first to eliminate all the boat, tank, seperator, old fuel questions first. Even if you have to purchase a 6 gallon tank, then you have one for future troubleshooting use. If motor has same symptoms, it may be small obstruction between the bowl and the throat of the carberator. If you have more than one carb, try choking off the throat with a clean rag while the boat is under load. If you choke a carb and notice no loss of performance that is the carb with the problem. Just went through this with a 200 Yamaha 2-stroke. Has 6 carbs and one had a microscopic piece of debris [we never did see it], removed that carb, disassembled, cleaned, problem solved. Unfortunately I have never gotten this problem to clear up by spraying, running seafoam in gas ect. Had a 115 where it was almost a yearly event. Replaced that motor with 115 Yam 4-stroke and have never had it happen.

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Thanks guys for all your suggestions.Hopefully I can try the remote tank. I'll keep you posted
John

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Oops.. forgot to answer a question..the primer bulb was empty when the incident happened..pumped it up again..should the bulb remain hard(full) after the initial priming? I can't say it was sucked flat, but definitely had little or no gas in it.
Hope this helps.
John

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The way i understand it once the engine starts all the primer bulb dies us act like a hose. The fuel pump takes over once rhe engine is running so there is some gas in it but it wont be hard. It should not be sucked flat. That would indicate a clogged vent.

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I would additionally suggest the new hose installations be checked. When installing new hoses, it is quite easy to cut a small flap from the inner-wall of the hose, causing a blockage. The bigger problem could also be this becomes a loose chunk, traveling in the system. Reverse air blow of each part, separately, from the quick disconnect at the motor back to the last install. That is if the new tank and hose eliminates the trouble.
Good luck.