Boat Fuel Problem

Does your boat have a fuel problem? Danny explains why you have a problem getting your fuel primer bulb to draw fuel from the gas tank to the carburetors.

[@buddychrist1907]

On a boat rental in the middle of the lake motor died. This video literally got us going after 5 minutes of troubleshooting on our own. Thank you!

[@Succstrat]

Wowzer, I did not realize so many had and are still using this information and in every case resolved the problem. This of how many people that took their boat to a shop and spent a ton of money when all the shop did was replace the bulb and give you a line of crap. I worked as a auto and boat mechanic and never pulled that kind of crap on anyone but worked at shops that condoned it, glad there is a You Tube to help share this type info.

[@joshfarmer4055]

we still using this tidbit of info. thanks for it.

[@ismaelsalazar6199]

August 30, 2023 getting my Four Winns boat ready for Labor day weekend, and no gas going to the engine 170 😢, i kept pumping on the prime bulb, and nothing, full tank of gas too. Saw ur video 😮 put the arrow up and a minute later the engine stayed right on! Thank u Sir!!! 🎉🎉 my boat and Wave Runners now 😅

[@ianlanman]

never heard of this issue in 40yrs of boating.I have always pumped in flat position,till this year. couldn't get bulb primed,tried everything.then I watched your vid and it worked great,,and fast too! thanks a bunch!! cheers

[@Succstrat]

Sorry it took so long to see all the help this has been and a. Glad to see even old dogs like me and you can still lead. A new trick lol

[@scottdiperna5073]

I've been outside for 4 hrs trying to figure out what was wrong with this damn thing. Thank you.

[@alexandriawilson2195]

Thank you so much. Was stranded on a rental pontoon and the guy never told me to hold it vertical. Your video fixed the problem and got me unstranded!!

[@morsexcode9101]

Made me feel like a dumbass after all these years of boating but thank you so much, you are the man!

[@stevenmeddaugh440]

Very useful information! I am a first time boat owner and I am learning every lesson the hard way, Thanks for this video.

[@geneneralteetee7539]

Same here. Mine was having a fuel problem. The plastic fuel filter connection was broken so I got a whole new filter. It then worked good for about an hour to hour and a half then it just did the same thing as before. Which was randomly dying at full throttle. This time though it was having trouble starting back up. I’m thinking there’s a problem with my bulb and tank. Owning a boat is the most interesting thing I’ve owned so far!

[@Succstrat]

I apologize for not replying to you all until now. I did not realize this video was still so helpful. I recently became part of the Google family which now notified me when post have been made on my KZbin videos. Thanks for all your replies and I am glad this solved your problems and helped get you back in the water, Thanks again

[@larryclayton8286]

Thank you Brother. This was driving me insane. God bless. Larry

[@markmaniha9062]

In the middle of the bay and lost prime to start. You saved the day sir! Thank you!!!

[@imalicenseplatepressingdud6780]

Thank you for the very useful information and it has happened to me before . That's why now I take off from the boat ramp with the trolling motor and then I try to start it when I'm away from everybody🤣

[@Succstrat]

I hope the explanations below shed light on your problem. After reading more than 70 replies, I see that peoples fishing trips were canceled, wives were upset, some chased this problem you years, all could not believe the fix was this simple and many had spent a lot of money chasing a gremlin. All in the end saw the video and could not believe it when it fixed the issue. I am thrilled to see this video has placed boaters like myself back on the water to enjoy time with their family and friends. Several issues below addressed additional problems like clogged fuel lines and dirty water separators and for those that do not know what that is, it looks like a car oil filter and has a clear plastic bottom so you can see the water. If the water is dirty, orange or off color, the filter is most likely dirty and can accumulate dust and trash that will clog the filter paper. Look for pinched lines. If you suspect the fuel line may be clogged from the tank to the bulb, you can remove the bulb so it pushes pressure back towards the tank and it should move air easily back to the fuel tank. If the bulb starts to get hard, there is a good chance the line is blocked. Keep in mind the age of the boat and question how it was maintained by its previous owner, not everyone knows how to take care of a boat and motor and these could help troubleshoot your problem.

[@pageman3910]

I recently had change my fuel/water filter and drain my fuel pump due to get rid of old gas. Afterwards I pumped and pumped and pumped and pumped and pumped and pumped and pumped and pumped and pumped and pumped and pumped, and yet no gas was being fed into the line.... I can't thank you enough for posting this!

[@DanaKWhite]

Thank you SOOOO much! This worked immediately and solved a MAJOR frustration in our home!

[@pay-itforward1384]

You fixed a problem I have been having for two years. Man, do I feel stupid. For years I guess I was just lucky that my primer bulb had been in a vertical position. Thank you and good luck fishing!

[@Succstrat]

That is too funny. I hate gremlins but they are out there

[@dellerbe]

Great Video! I've been boating for years and never had that problem until I recently purchased a bass boat and I noticed that problem sometimes. Now I understand what is happening. Amazing helpful info! Good Job!

[@Succstrat]

Dale Ellerbe Glad this waz helpful

[@gsman5828]

Thank you for the information. I assumed my bulb was worn out but didn't pay attention to the the bulb laying flat. I always blamed the motor but it was operator error! I was about to buy a new fuel line and bulb until I saw this video. Thanks again sir!

[@TipsyGamerZ]

That was brilliant, I was bout to spend 130 bucks on a new fuel line, bulb and tank. All I needed to do was turn it the right way round, what a legend. :)

[@Succstrat]

Glad this was helpful. It should only take 6-8 pumps to get the bulb full, it will take a little longer if the boat has set because the fuel will drain back to the tank. Keep pumping it will get there.

[@floridagirl9064]

@@Succstrat how do i know when the bulb is full?

[@efaciler2462]

Can't believe it, just had the same issue. Got to the ramp, put boat in, dam thing would not start. Brought it home watched this video. Went back out pumped it the right way. Turned right on. Thank you so much.

[@johnmaio4113]

You saved me a lot of anxiety ! Thanks, Merry Christmas!

[@forrest1518]

🙏 been trying to start my 25hp Johnson outboard all morning, took your advice, now it's, running like a champ, thanks again, new subscriber

[@Succstrat]

Ricky Forrest Glad this was helpful and thanks for subscribing

[@brucecalder7752]

Thanks! That fixed a problem I've been working on all morning. You Da MAN!

[@itstoolate4this]

Awesome! My hands were aching from pumping that bulb. Turned the bulb arrow to 12 o'clock and primed on the first squeeze. Thanks!

[@Succstrat]

lol You sounded like me when I was trying to figure out the problem, not only was my hand hurting, that went on several times, ruined a couple of fishing trips and taught me several cuss words I didn.t know I knew.

[@robd7559]

Awesome great tip I've been fighting this problem for a while.. tried what you said and problem dissolve.. thanks Larry

[@538wayne]

Worked perfectly, just replaced my fuel lines and bulb. But could not for the life of me figure out why I wasn't get any gas to my motor. Thanks for the help!!

[@dudehorner]

Worked 1st time like a charm. Thank you, sir.

[@stlouiscardsfan6762]

I spent 15 minutes in the driveway trying to get my engine started before heading to the ramp. I saw your video and had it started within 2 minutes. Who knew? Put the bulb in the 12 o'clock position. Don't I feel stupid. Thank you very much for posting this video and saving me all sorts of grief!

[@rios0545]

This video just saved me at the boat ramp. Thank you very much

[@s3rg10e3279]

Thanks for the info. Keep on pumping 👍

[@catfish340d]

Trying this soon as I get home. You have no idea how many 4 letters words I done said today

[@TheOutdoorsWithJohnny]

Thank you for the information! Thought I had to spend money redoing my fuel lines and fuel pump!

[@tommycorley1493]

I never knew to do that. I've been having a priming issue. Replaced the bulb, but have the same issue. Thank You

[@celiad7286]

Yes, in 2020, I still find it helpful. Thank you! Just to add a trick that I just found out. With a new fuel line, don't plug in the end to the motor right away. While pumping the primer bulb, press down the tiny metal ball at the center of the plug to the motor. Doing this makes the fuel come up faster.

[@adammoore5668]

Wow man! You saved my whole day! Thank God for you. Fish on!

[@tommymorrison422]

Omg wtf 😳 thank you so much who would of thought that was me yesterday dead in the water got it started and did 10 mph in on a 23 footer with a 225 unbelievable thank you so much stay blessed smh 🤦‍♂️

[@amazingvideo2869]

Thanks Brother, You made my day with this

[@JuzzysAdventures]

Hahahaa FML. Was getting ready to take the tinny out tomorrow to chase squid and snapper and couldn't get the primer bulb full. This sorted it! Cheers mate

[@Succstrat]

I am glad to see people are still getting value and answers to my videos, thanks for the comment and hope you had a great fishing trip.

[@craigt9203]

Thank you sir I tried that it seems to be pumping to my generator for my camper. I used one of the reserve tanks for a boat for a reserve tank for my camper. You helped me determine that my fuel pump for my small generator for my camper is gone.

[@SeaWolfe59]

Genius! Thanks for solving this problem for me!

[@jefff9219]

Thank you so much! Wrestled with this problem for months. Now works.

[@Succstrat]

Glad this helped it drove me crazy for some time.

[@Succstrat]

Jeff F I did not realize Jove often this happens to people and how often it keeps them off the water.

[@jeffreyrood3488]

You’re a damn genius, 😂 thanks for saving me time and money! Never had this issue until last weekend.

[@mbolzies]

Life changing video. Thank you.

[@bryansdronefootage1153]

Mannnnnn!!! I freaking love you!! Thanks for that info. I'm always pumping and pumping and close to 45 minutes later, I'm still pumping🤣🤣 this just solve my problem.

[@alecburton9006]

This is amazing! Fixed my mysterious problem

[@nickemerson4489]

Thanks man really helped me out!

[@mikederleth3442]

Awesome advice, does it mater if the arrow is pointing up or down?

[@BoopBoopHR]

Thanks Danny That fixed it Running like new

[@jorgemaldonado-uq6td]

Thanks for the info that’s the way I have my primer bulb flat!

[@steveturner888]

you're a legend, thank you!

[@jeremythrasher2954]

I'll try that, and I'll get back to you. Thanks for the insight!

[@rodshafer4506]

Thank you. That's very helpful.

[@javierrodriguez140]

You solved my problem, thank you

[@920HVAC]

🤦🏼‍♂️such a simple fix. Thanks for saving me future issues.🤝

[@garywest2250]

Worked like a charm

[@shaunjohnson2337]

This video is great such a funny start lmao great tip

[@tomasetas]

I recently bought a 58 evinrude 5.5 HP motor. Do you know where to find info on changing the fuel line from 3 prong to a two prong? I've looked around and it seems these types of gas systems are dangerous. Thanks for any help you can give.

[@larse.5321]

You just saved our boat day

[@MrJimP57]

How do you mount the bulb in a vertical position in the back of the boat.

[@Farmer2492]

Fantastic video my primer bulb never gets hard when I press it if I mount it at 12 o'clock should that work

[@losg313]

?????!!!...😮 im new to boating and I've recently had this problem and i was i was thinking the pump must be old so i was going to order a new one so glad i did some research thankyou 👍🏾

[@Lou_Zoey]

I had boat out this weekend, 60 hp mariner, fired right up was tilled up high prop was in the water (all good and fine) ran for about 10 minutes then cut out on me. Go to pump the ball and i could hear gas spraying out of what i assume is the carb. This is my father-in-laws boat, could this be a ball issue? I know he told me to hold the gas line up when pumped the ball, but it still wont fire up

[@eduardodominguez3372]

Muchas gracias por su consejo!!!!

[@smannee]

You do gods work.

[@edwardcreel4571]

Great help thanks

[@georgebetancourt1897]

It worked thank you I pumped and pump pumped and I kept on pumpin nothing working. It worked having it flow up thank you

[@stevestewart3816]

So a problem i have is that i can prime and bulb gets hard( primed) boat starts up and runs fine until i cut the motor off and back in a couple if times after that its like the fuel isnt keeping a constant flow. I can crank up and when i go to throttle firward the biat cuts off. What could be the problem? I have new bulb, carbersters were just tuned and gone through and the fuel pump assembly was just replaced

[@anthonyhill3771]

My arrow is pointing to gas tank. It does get tight and fuel to my motor. However My motor takes forever to start. Would this have anything to deal with it?

[@TheGnthreman]

So my problem is when I get to full throttle my primer bulb goes soft. It lays on its side in front of my motor.

[@markspears1167]

Holy crap! That has to be my problem. I have had this problem for years and no one can figure out my issue of starving the engine of gas. Fanfreakingtastic!!!!!

[@fje137]

thanks for the video!! do you think a universal fuel filter for a yamaha four stroke 15 hp is good enough vs an original fuel filter strainer ? i just bought the motor so i am not sure abou the history i just know that it had a universal fuel filter and when i put it in full throttle it shuts off on me. also, it is peeing very hot. any information would be helpful

[@joshuabrown7034]

Would this cause my bubble to collapse during operation

[@donnieneal6204]

92 150 Johnson. ,it. Really works thank u. Thank u Jesus. I'm so happy .not to say the mechanic would have thought I was stupid.,can't wait to tell him.

[@mxpent]

what happens if the ball has a small, i guess crack, and sucks in air? started but motor kinda jumps im guessing when it sucks in air. will replacing the ball fix the jumping of the engine. its also very difficult to start the engine and ball never gets hard.

[@MrJohn410]

Sir, Thank you very much for this simply absurd fix ! Next, now that I have cleaned every last bit of my fuel system, (first time boat owner. I have a question, Should there be a check valve near or at the tank? Mine has a shut off valve. Boat bought second hand.

[@johnever3226]

thank you !!!! ,, i was ready to change the fuel pump .!!

[@dylandauzat]

This actually worked for me!! Wow

[@Succstrat]

Glad this helped

[@BrewdasDM7419]

My thumb is still strained from 2 weeks ago. I replaced 15 fuel line clamps with metal ones today. Including the primer ball and hose to engine. I had fuel line leaks from the carbs on back that were making my vro run rich, causing it to smoke. All better now. 1990 Jhonson 175gt.

[@BrewdasDM7419]

And Loose power...

[@djplayerproductions]

My primer ball always laid on the floor with my mercury 250 efi but now I have a mercury 200 carburetor outboard. I wonder if this is the problem. My ball is going flat when I get up on plane and the boat starts to bog back.down. Check the ball and it is as there is no gas in the primer ball.

[@musicsoundpure]

I have a brand new 80hp mercury 4stroke and starts perfectly well and runs fine till about 3000rpm. As soon I try to increase the speed (above 3,000 rpm) the engine just revs and loses power. I have an external fuel tank and the primer bulb sits horizontally on the same tank. I shall try positioning the primer bulb vertically and will see if it works. In the meantime would really appreciate your views on the above. Many thanks!

[@danbarosh2942]

Been there Done THAT...THX for reminder

[@daleduroux4573]

Hi my bulb is vertical and have no problems starting when cold how ever some times when I stop motor and fish for a while I have trouble starting again would this fix this problem

[@BeardsAndBowsOutdoors]

Good tip

[@272727sa]

You, have tested your bulb in a gas can. It absolutely works. Now it's connected to the fuel line, but still draws no fuel up. Is it time to change the fuel line?

[@HerzogRod]

Thank you.

[@MrArtemiomr]

thanks. way better result.

[@Freplantscare]

Nice information. There's another problem in my conneter I cannot connect it what to do?

[@ericmoore7466]

This worked immediately. I have just saved a lot of problem solving time and money. Thanks!

[@Succstrat]

Your very welcome, glad it was helpful.

[@rayland8553]

Unbelievable! Thanks man you fixed a problem that I’ve had all summer. Once it’s hard and the motor started can you turn it back the vertical position?

[@forrest1518]

I’d like to know this, have you found out?

[@tolgahk84]

I dont know if this applies to my situation or not, i was contemplating wether or not to replace my complete fuel tank to outboard fuel line including the bulb, for starters my fuel primer bulb is extremely stiff, i cant pump it anywhere close to how easy your pumping your one, secondly i had my bulb facing upright just like you showed your's to be, and no matter how much i pumped not one drop of fuel came out, i even took the bulb off to see if i could hear air like yours passing through and heard nothing. The reason i wanted to change my fuel line aswell as the bulb is the fuel hose is extremely stiff aswell, i cant bend or curve it at all im guessing the line and the bulb need replacing due to the age. What would you reccomend for my situation, replace the bulb and line or could it be something simple to get my bulb working again?

[@Succstrat]

I guess by now you figured out your bulb is dry rotted and was replaced. They get old when sitting out in the sun and just getting old. They should be a soft rubber and easy to pump.

[@BigKahuna_outdoors]

Dang didn't think of that but that seems to be on of my problems didn't have this problem with old boat.

[@tmise50]

That's probably what happened to me at the ramp yesterday. I replaced the bulb and hose at home because the old bulb rubber felt stiff and the hose didn't look great by any means. The old bulb was an Attwood I believe and with it in the horizontal position it never felt like it was getting that hard when I primed it but didn't have any problems getting the motor to start. New one is a SeaChoice brand, I primed it at the ramp while it was in the horizontal position and again it never seemed to get hard. Cranked it probably 50 times or so before it finally got going. I'm sure that was the problem as plugs are new, compression is 100 and 97 in the cylinders. Although it was hard to start with the new bulb in the horizontal position, once it did start it ran great??

[@barcreptiles]

awesome, thanks a ton

[@jasonsatterley4282]

Thanks, I've been fighting this for awhile.problem solved

[@Succstrat]

The Explanation for why this happens to boats with inboard fuel tanks If the check valve, which is a metal bearing, does not seat in the correct position to make a tight seal, it allows gas to gravitate back to the fuel tank. After reading about 70 replies I see there is a common statement, "I start the motor, drop it in gear and when I am at about half throttle, the motor dies or falls on its face, why does this happen?"Answer: When you pump the bulb, you fill the carbs, smaller motors have 1 and larger motors have 3-6. the carbs are full of gas when the primer bulb get hard. You start the motor, the fuel starts gravitating back to the fuel tank. You let it run a minute while you raise the anchor and get situated. You drop it in gear, get on plain and then go about 50-100 feet and it dies. It dies because you just ran the carbs dry and because the fuel bulb and line are dry, the carbs are not getting gas. You finally decide to pump the primer bulb again and it is soft. (because all the fuel drained back to the tank.) If the bulb is in the horizontal position and not drawing fuel from the fuel tank you will pump for a long time and not get the bulb to prime or pull fuel from the tank. Twist the bulb in a vertical position with the arrow pointing upwards and start squeezing again. It may take 5-15 times of pumping but the primer bulb will get hard and your carbs are full again. Try to position the primer bulb to stay in this position which resolves the issue.

[@1savdsoul439]

Not a honey hole problem but definitely a Sun bathing problem. I take the Boat full speed across the lake no problems, stop to sunbathe and hang out, an hour or so later, get in the boat it starts and turns over but won't stay running. It is an inboard outboard. Any help is appreciated, thank you.

[@labelle_lake8529]

The problem I have happen when I'm going 3/4 to full throtle... my primer bulb actually de-prime and the engine is running out of gas.. I need to ask someone to pump it up in order to get fuel to the engine... Since I saw your video I put the bulb verticaly but same problem occured... I have a ponton with a mercury engine (60 HP)... the primer bulb is connected to the low pressure fuel pump... so it seems the vaccum of the pump is not sufficient to "pass" the primer bulb... I have changed the bulb but same results... I have connect the hose into a separate 5 gal. tank (i have a integrated full tank) and same problem... checked the fuel filter... all cleared... I'm now thinking changing the fuel pump.... Would you have any idea what can cause this... ? Thanks for your expertise....

[@Sertao2013]

They make bulbs for different motors make sure you have the one for mercury . I think the line size is different .

[@chadstewart6570]

Fuel pump

[@krisford3035]

Please someone answer having same issue 50 4 stroke mercury

[@jasontalbot3121]

How clever...it worked! does it matter when the motor is running because my old mariner is unpredictable, most times, it will run good a full throttle at first, then it bogs down like it’s fuel starved!

[@Succstrat]

Water in your 6 gallon fuel tank. Todays fuel has 10% ethanol which is alcohol, alcohol extracts moisture and extracts it from the humidity in the air. One person asked how does the vent on my 6 gallon tank and when does it need to be open and closed. Good question! I have another video that shows the example I am now going to tell you about. Everyone has at one time seen a 5 gallon plastic gas tank used for lawn mowers etc... In direct sunlight or during the daytime (with the cap connected to the spout) it expands and looks like it could blow. Then in the evening, it shrinks back smaller and looks like it has sucked in and is wrinkled. This is an example of a fuel tank trying to breath, the cap keeps the process from taking place. (the vent is closed) When the vent is open the process still takes place and we say the fuel tank breaths, in the daytime gas expands and pushes out, in the evening it cools and breaths in. When it breaths in, it draws in air and humidity and in Houston it is always between 80-100 % here near the Gulf. The air enters the fuel tank, the ethanol extracts the humidity and then settles in the bottom of the fuel tank. The next morning it breaths out but the water stays in the fuel tank. It breaths back in air and humidity in the evening and before long quite a but of water builds up in the bottom of the tank and the first time you start the boat, you shot that water straight into the carburetors and your out of luck, water in the carbs. This is very common in lawn mowers, generators and riding mowers. Open the vent on your 5 gallon fuel tank before starting the motor and leave it open while you are boating. Close it when you return to the dock. It is best to keep the 6 gallon fuel tank out of direct sunlight when not in use, if you can not store the boat in a storage garage, you could disconnect the fuel tank and store it in a safe shaded area. I do not push products but strongly suggest adding Seafoam which can be bought at any auto parts dealer. It is a fuel stabilizer and keeps water from building up in the fuel tank, it also is great for cleaning dirty carbs and in many cases if you can get the motor running after it has set up, allow it to run idles up with a water hose connected to the lower unit and after a while you will hear the motor start running properly. Rev it several times and if it idles smoothly, chances are you just saved yourself a visit to the shop and several hundred dollars. If you have a fuel tank that has an open hole, the vent is broke etc... place a piece of plastic over the hole and secure the plastic with a string, rubber band or tie wire until next time used.

[@anthonymannino7586]

This worked for me as well but I have another question that I can't seem to find an answer for: I have a vent cap on my gas can and I don't know when it should be open and when it should be closed and how does that affect fuel flow? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@Succstrat]

I know it is a year later but I will answer because it is a good question and I hope someone with this problem will see the reply. The vent needs to be open when you get ready to start the motor otherwise the tank will draw a vacuum no gas will get to the motor and it will die. Be sure to close the vent when you are not using the boat,why because the gas expands and contracts and every time it breaths in the ethanol in the fuel extracts the humidity and holds it in the tank and before long you have water in your fuel tank. This applies to lawn mowers as well. If you can not close a vent place a baggy or plastic over the hole with a string or wire to hold if from allow air to get in Also it helps if you store the boat in I direct light or remove it from the boat and place it in a shaded area.