Suzuki DF50 losing prime

[Navy DOC]

Recently took the family out for a day of motoring. Things got off well, and we were underway when the engine started to sputter and lose RPM's, then died. I put everything back to neutral, re-primed the fuel line and off we went again, only to have the same problem repeat. I can keep the engine running by mannually pumping the priming bulb during operation, however if I stop priming, the engine stops...

My internet research leads me to believe that the primer bulb may be bad. Anyone have any experience with this sort of issue?

thanks

-Mike

[MadMacX]

You might want to check your entire fuel line. The new fuels have been known to break down the interior of the fuel lines. What happens is the inner liner collapses and will not let the fuel flow, but if you pump it with the bulb, it gets enough to prime the engine, but then the line just collapses again.

BTW, you may also look for an air leak.

Good Luck,
pat

[DAVEWVU86]

stupid question but it's been overlooked before - did you open the vent on your fuel tank?

Also, sputtering and stopping and then restarting after priming the fuel line doesn't mean that the problem is losing prime. Those could be coincidental. Try restarting without priming. Perhaps you have water in your fuel - not unheard of. It'd cause your motor to sputter and sometimes die.

[johnnyonspot]

This is not a solution, just an anecdote. Your situation reminds me of the first time I took out my Mac 25. Had three friends along and we cold not get the motor to start. Indeed, we could not even get it primed. Then one of my more observant friends looked at the squeeze bulb and saw the arrow pointing back toward the tank! Couple seconds with the screwdriver to remove the clamps, reverse the bulb and re-tighten, and we were off. I am still wondering how the PO ever got the motor running.

[Currie]

Mike,

I have the exact same motor and the exact same issue. I've been fighting with it all season. Here's what I've done so far - to no avail:

1.) Removed the quick connect from the gas tank and replaced it with a regular, fixed connector.

2.) Cleaned and adjusted the inlet strainer inside my gas tank.

3.) Replaced the primer bulb.

4.) Replaced the low-pressure fuel filter in the DF50.

5.) Purchased but haven't yet installed a new Suzuki fuel-line connector on the DF50 side.

The fuel line itself will be next. Beyond that, I'm out of ideas. I tested for air leaks (my first theory). I always make sure the tank vent is open - even loosen the cap sometimes to be sure. Nothing. It runs for a few minutes then sputters. I've been priming it continuously during use, all summer long. It's embarassing to explain to guests why you're doing it

My boat is back in the driveway now - season's over. I'll let you know what I find in the fuel line. Beyond that, it'll have to go to the pros ($$$).

Good luck! Let us know what you find.

~Bob

[MadMacX]

Here is some more info on this "new fuel" and the problems it creates.

http://www.boats.com/news-reviews/artic ... rt-ethanol

http://boatingsailing.suite101.com/arti ... or_boaters

http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/ ... m-ethanol/

Got to love what they (government) do to us under the guise of progress!

Pat

[Pacamac-uk]

Sounds like the fuel pump has failed? Maybe the diaphragm split assuming it's got one?

[Hardcrab]

Generally speaking, I'll second the fuel pump as the problem.
Perhaps a simple test worth trying is to raise the fuel tank above the engine and see if a gravity feed will keep the engine running.
If so, fuel pump is bad.
If not, inconclusive.

But squeezing the bulb is doing the job of the pump to keep the carb bowl full of fuel, IMHO.

[Navy DOC]

Thanks for the input from everyone.

At this point I'm going to do the following:

1. Replace the entire fuel line/bulb/quick disconnect assembly.
2. Replace the fuel filter.
3. Ensure there are no air leaks by teflon taping and reseating my fuel risers on the tank.

I'll test and see what happens.