How to check fuel flow on outboard

This video will show you how to check the fuel delivery through your outboard motor. Watching this you can check fuel flow all the way from the tank to the carburetor bowl to determine if you have a fuel delivery problem or if the carburetor itself is gummed up.
If you have questions or would like to check out other helpful articles and videos, visit: www.rowintel.com

[@mac-kk9ir]

Great video, professional and right to the point. Unlike others on KZbin that play music in the back ground and waste time wanting to hear themself talk. Keep posting! 👍🏻

[@myotheraccount5947]

I don't do a lot of work on engines, but when I do, I usually get a refresher and I'm always reminded of how intuitive they really are... fuel oxygen spark. Thanks

[@j.graham3269]

1995 60hp Tracker cranked no start (sat idle for a year) this video showed me how to check for gas to carburetor, opened the bowl drain, pumped the gas ball to flush out old gas, started right up. ( already had put fresh fuel and enzyme additive in tank) . Thanks for taking the time to show me how to trouble shoot.

[@SwampyOgre425]

Thanks for doing this, the store told me I should be able to just squeeze the pump and fuel would come out, didn’t work. Watched your video and it made it easy to see that you need to push that connector in for fuel to come out. Did that and it confirmed it was working. Saved me an unnecessary 75 purchase of a new one

[@isaiahrosales7070]

Well even if that one didn’t work your store don’t offer a return policy or wtf? I’ve done something similar and had to return it but I didn’t have to pay again so that’s kinda crazy they would make you pay again

[@johnrawlings5466]

One of the best explanations of outboard motor fuel flow, excellent job😊

[@boatman222345]

A common mistake people make when attempting to prime a fuel line from a previously empty fuel tank is forgetting to hold the primer bulb in a fully upright position while squeezing the bulb. This enables the valves in the primer bulb to function properly. Another often missed step in systems with large fuel tank line filter systems is neglecting to fill the canister with fuel after changing the filter. If you leave the canister empty you will be forced to squeeze the primer bulb many times to fill it before fuel will actually be delivered to,the engine.

[@CTRadventures]

Good to know! I just got my first boat *comment above* the primer his horizontal and I have always used it that way. Might explain why sometimes the boat starts on the first try and others the 6th

[@jamesa6272]

Nice video! My 8 hp tohatsu wouldn’t idle. Took off the carbs and cleaned out the jets. Put back together and it ran perfect.

[@MJ-zr1bk]

This video is the most helpful video on KZbin. Thank you so much 🙏

[@mikeodonnell9888]

Definitely in my top 5 for sure

[@taringaturi6950]

I couldn't figure it out till I watched this clip. I put the bulb on the wrong way haha! Cheers Mate

[@memphisbelle6077]

This guy in the video is also a legend in the Avaition community

[@Lee_Lee1776]

Man you are the best. So to the point and clear.

[@fatboydan02]

2000 model 40 hp Johnson outboard. New fuel tank ,line and primer bulb. Engine recently gone through (maybe),it runs good,but will Sometimes not run unless you constantly squeeze the primer bulb,other times it'll run fine. Don't want to just start throwing parts at it....found your channel,you seem to be well versed on the operation of outboards. Hoping you or a subscriber can guide me to the proper troubleshooting needed to get the engine running properly. thanks in advance.

[@Tgwork-k7u]

Explains everything very well

[@marley4142]

I see why you have 1.5 M views, calm commonsense advice. Well done, subscribed.

[@tallmex96]

bought a little boat with a 35hp motor, one of the things that i just noticed while unsucesfully trying to start it was the one way pump was installed in reverse and i realized that during this video lol

[@h7283]

Very well explained. I tend to jump in too fast and miss little essential checks.

[@BassBashin]

This just completely opened my eyes thanks a lot man!

[@Jim-fe2xz]

We rented a small fishing boat on a lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It would run for a while then quit. We looked around and saw a lot of other boat renters waving for a tow. I found that priming a few squeezes would get it started but this time when it started to stumble I'd give the bulb a few squeezes kept it going. Annoying but better than rowing! Interesting that every boat they rented had the same problem huh?

[@shirleymckey6483]

Thank you! Very helpful to remove the mystery of an outboard motor!

[@Sean-bp6xb]

Great. Thx. Watching from Ontario Canada

[@gregbrowning4827]

Your boat motor videos are the best on the web. I've learned a ton from you. Thank you!

[@Sertao2013]

With the new cheap after market bulbs they put a plastic liner to keep the ethanol from eating the rubber . The liner has been breaking lose and blocking the fuel . you can pump it and see some fuel come out but its not flowing when its connected one brand that a lot of people are complaining about is the attwood . This is causing a lot of carburetor rebuilds for nothing . Show how to test to make sure the flow of the gas is coming from the bulb .Get a Attwood bulb cut long ways for a side view of whats going on inside and how the plastic liner is stopping the fuel from flowing like it should . I went through 3 attwood bulbs in one month and was having engine trouble do to lack of gas getting to the carb . I finitely went and got the 30.00 mercury bulb and now it runs perfectly . I wish you would make a video showing this new way the cheap bulbs are being made are not allowing fuel flow . Look at the reviews on the attwood bulbs . This problem is going to cause a lot of headaches . I'm just glad I figured it out without rebuilding my carb .

[@rudorc]

Wow! Great video. Quick and clear instruction. I needed this last spring.

[@bradfordpalmer2298]

Going thru this right now on. A Honda 20 hp brand new but haven't run it in 1.5 years. The gas in it had stabilizer. I got fresh gas and will purge the old fuel thru the bowl hole you indicated. Thanks.

[@greglogaridis7873]

Did this end up working for you? I’m going to try this tomorrow

[@Lee_Lee1776]

GREAT video. Easy to understand and informative.

[@siaripop7]

Great video and narration, very helpful!

[@kratos0777]

Wow thank you. You're vidieo was very informative and I could see everything you were describing. Simple clear and concise

[@sadaftracy9972]

I have Honda 50hp, was running good. I added more fuel to tank, now it’s mkt starting.

[@mikescampfire1676]

right on....i got about half way through the check...will continue and thank you

[@Smitty1714]

Such an informative and easy to understand video! Thanks a lot!

[@Rowintelplus]

+EX Smith Thanks for watching. Safe Motoring!

[@Smitty1714]

+ROWINTEL.COM thanks! I had a problem with fuel drippig out of the cowling when the engine was trimmed up. When I took the cowling off and primed the bulb, I saw that a tiny amount of fuel was seeping through the engines actual fuel filter. unscrewed the bowl, wrapped some plumbers tape around the threads and screwed the bowl back on and I am happy to say I no longer have the issues anymore!

[@alexblair9047]

Very helpfull i just got my boat out of the shop and its still not running right and it runs but starts cutting out when you give it full throttle then it dies after a few mins it will start back up idles great till you give it the juice....thanks

[@tommyphillips8113]

Very helpful indeed! I just need to change my fuel line from the center console gas tank to the water separator No clue how to get it from the console tank The flow is restricted Presumably trash on pick up

[@mikeodonnell9888]

Great KZbin instructional video!!

[@leesalouise9058]

Great tips. Having trouble with fuel getting to carb. Very helpful thank you.

[@fishhunt9874]

That was a good way to verify that you had fuel to the carburetor using the pressure created by the fuel priming bulb. You did miss out on mentioning the other main culprit of fuel starvation being a faulty fuel pump. I am having an issue with my kicker and I already eliminated my fuel line as a culprit by removing my connection to my main tank and connecting to a known working portable tank. Today I am going to connect a “T” fitting into my fuel line after my pump and check the amount of fuel pressure as well as the consistency of that pressure.

[@floridagirl9064]

what causes a brand new Y 50 to starve? its 3 weeks old this os ridiculous. it runs when it wants to

[@laffilmfest3759]

Very thorough info...thank u!

[@thomasmyers6000]

This video saved me hours...

[@wes8740]

Good video! Straight the to point and informative. Thanks

[@SwampyOgre425]

My outboard only gets 4000 RPM WOT, It has good compression, new plugs, new fuel pump, filter, cleaned carbs... I'm wondering if I have a fuel flow problem. Is it possible if I have a clog in a fuel line that it can get to a certain fuel flow amount and then tops out and that's why I can't get it to do the recommended 5500 RPM at WOT? We've checked the linkage and its fully WOT, but it acts as if I've only pushed the throttle up 75%. Since I've replaced so many other things I was tempted to just to buy a new fuel hose, go straight from a gas tank and straight into the fuel pump. That way I bypass the pickup line, older fuel lines, water separator, and fuel lines in the engine. The one from the filter to the pump almost looks like it could get kinked. If then I can get full RPMs I've isolated my problem to something in the lines.

[@Dan-SATX]

Have you found a solution? I have same problem, but only get 3000rpm.

[@SwampyOgre425]

@@Dan-SATX Nope, unfortunately not. I think mine might be electrical or something, maybe coils or CDI fail under load but it's difficult to test. I no longer think its fuel flow because I bypassed almost everything and still have the same result.

[@geyang4837]

Love this video... I have a 1987 110 evinrude after we did carburetor rebuilt the motor just won't get gas.....change all fuel line....fuel primer.....fuel pump...check the fuel tank....the engine will run when press full of gas from primer....but dies after the fuel is burn out....and will start again after pressing fuel back into the motor....any clue would be helpful... Thanks!

[@mattyB114players]

This is my same issue on my Yamaha 115! Did u figure anything out?

[@CTRadventures]

Yup mine is bogging down if I go full throttle once I hit 45 ish mph she starts to sputter but when I back off it regains and it fine. It's an 87 Johnson 150 V6 2 stroke. Friday when I can take her out. I been told to pump the primer ball once we hit that speed. To see if it comes back. Then I'm guessing it's a primer ball or fuel pump? I'm brand new to boating and this is my first boat. I also noticed that at least I'm my opinion if on idle and in gear seems to be running a little rough unless I give it a little juice. I wouldn't be surprised at all if I need to clean all 6 carbs

[@TravisInCanada1]

Perfect explanation, great video thank you!

[@charlesbryant5627]

Great video, guy's like you make it worth it. Thanks so much.

[@AROC1988AI]

This is proper troubleshooting. Thank you!

[@eamonnocarroll5866]

Very well explained Thanks

[@hucknbarry3496]

Guess what I'm doing tommarow morning! Thank's, for this video, makes sense and cheaper than replacing parts etc.

[@franciskelley6919]

I just had a shop rebuild my carbs and didn’t have time to test drive / he only tank tested motor ! Will start & idle and run up to 2200 rpm / after that will not increase rpm and go on plane / already changed hose & bulb/ but does not seem to squeeze up firm! Motor ran good before I took in for service , just wanted carbs clean and new needles and seats ! I am thinking fuel pump or dirty filter ?

[@jonathanravelo2263]

We’re you able to figure it out I’m having a similar problem

[@doeroe8480]

If you havent Adjust your carb setup all three carbs have to run in sync they make a special tool to adjust

[@Gizzard4400]

This is one hell of a video thank you very much. Exactly what I was looking for 👌👍👍👍

[@randybarnes8454]

Don't pump the bulb to hard or you can stick shut the needle valve on the floats. Also make sure the vent on the fuel tank or cap is big enough for proper fuel flow to the engine at wide open throttle. If it isn't the engine will bog down until you back down on the throttle.

[@ShadBaldes]

my man

[@BryanJSmith-ne4kv]

Informative video... Now my problem consists of the fuel system not holding pressure. I pump the bulb it will start and run... Sometimes stalling I reach back the bulb is soft again and requires pumping... I re-pump and it will start but runs like it's not getting enough fuel.. I know this cause I proceed to pump bulb while engine is running and then it begans to idle better and run correctly... I cut it off and after having fished for a while... anywhere from 30 minutes or longer, I go to start it and again no pressure and have to start all over again with pumping before starting and then pumping it while it's running... Long I know but you seem astute in this area

[@memphiswudtke2690]

i'm having same problem? what's options??

[@jonathanravelo2263]

I’m having the same problem

[@ia6980]

When i primed my external gasoline tank on my tohatsu 6hp outboard and once bulb inflated, if i press more on it, gasoline pees out of the black tiny hose in front, is that normal? My engine started to sputter at high rpms and im trying to figure out what could it be, engine is new 2023, Barely used, always run it dry after use ,(i dont drain carbuterator though, just let it run idle until it shuts down, any advise would greatly appreciated)

[@rickwalls2395]

Very informative, I will be able to find my problem. Thanks

[@mo8748]

Very good clear advice!

[@markgundert5760]

My 9.9 2 stroke starts up no problem but when I'm under way I have to squeeze the bulb in order to keep it from dying out... faulty fuel pump?

[@CHUNKYCATSFISHING]

I’m having similar issues with my engine I made a video showing my struggles Yesterday

[@Bonjbeer]

Great video. Traced my issue to a dodgy primer bulb on the external tank fuel line.

[@Robbo321]

Great video. Very clear and helped me out. Thanks

[@mikesanythingoutdoors9153]

Great info, im getting plenty of fuel to the carb so next ima check the jets,i have a tahatsu 4 stroke 8hp looks just like that, any other suggestions if it's not the jets?

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Check the float needle is functioning correctly.

[@McNighthawk750]

Also check the condition of those o-rings at each end of fuel hose

[@tomwilliams1035]

What if the fuel pump leaks will it prevent it from starting ?

[@bowesproject2304]

thank you very much for the help turn the fuel mixture down starts up really early now

[@Rowintelplus]

+Bowes Project Not a problem, glad it worked out for ya!

[@cesarcastro39]

I have a mercury motor on my boat 115 Hp it sometime has a good speed and sometime to slow what could be problem?

[@NickYack]

Awesome video! Thank you for sharing this education

[@dakotajohnson6270]

Does this have to do with a two-stroke or four stroke?

[@rickyd865VOL]

Do you close the fuel cell vent after you get engine started or do you run the engine with vent open on fuel cell?

[@johnkerr1115]

Good detailed video

[@findingtruth511]

Hi what are some symptoms of bad fuel pump also of bad carburetor when engine runs

[@jacobvanleerflyfishing]

Thanks for making the vid

[@Scooopdog]

Great advise thank you it answers my low power at full throttle, carb was not getting a good flow due to a crushed hose :)

[@cramos6638]

Was s crushed hose in the outboard or the hose from your tank to the outboard?

[@melcase8153]

I have a 1997 Mercury XR6 150hp 2-stroke EFI (recently purchased). can you show fuel system from tank fuel flow? ie, is there a backflow valve inside tank. Does the fuel pickup nozzle in tank have a filter?

[@thruthfog]

What if ball pump doesn't get hard? Thanks for the great video.

[@stevepeterson9749]

Replace check valve in gas hose.

[@mickaelcohen6152]

Bring a pink pussycat it will get hard 4 sure

[@kahnkhairi9714]

Very nice thanks can u plz help for 40hp outboard 2000 how much oil I need to mix with petrol thanks

[@ychongy]

If you keep pressing the bulb and over flow the carburetor. Will fuel start squirting out the carburetor through a screw that looks like it has a hole?

[@Bennysnamehere]

Do i need to totally uncap and vent the gasoline container before i connect it to the outboard?

[@dookiebowser8601]

great video

[@philipknoll5694]

I have rebuilt my carbs on a 40hp mercury it idels great but when you go to excellerate the motor just bogs right down I have a brand new primer bulb and line plenty of fuel out of the fuel pump. what else can i look at ? thank you for your help

[@Rowintelplus]

Does it make a difference if the motor is warm or cold?

[@delstep2255]

Thanks my brother

[@nickbeard2821]

So I have a 25 efi merc and my motor after running rough totally died. I can prime with the primer bulb and get fuel to the engine fuel filter but there's an inline clear glass filter before the vapor seprator the is clearly not filled with fuel. I tried priming with the hand bulb filling it up and hitting the electric start but either way its still empty. Could my fuel pump have went out? I had drained all fuel from the whole fuel system including fuel rail cause i thougt i had water in my fuel.

[@duaneadamski780]

I have a 2016 Evinrude Etec 50 HP. My question is should the fuel filter be full of gas when running at all times. Visually after priming the bulb it is visually full and after 10 minutes of running it is empty. The motor continues to run. In fact the dealer tested the motor and stated he ran it for 1.5 hours and all full pump pressures where per specification. The filter was empty when I picked the boat up after service. Thoughts?

[@ayhankucukozer1478]

Mercury 50 hp marine engine fuel is not coming to the spark plugs. I am thinking. injectors are solid. ecu is solid. When you add a few drops of gasoline into the cylinders, the engine starts and then stops. Cylinder pressure is very good. When you press the starter to start the engine, oily gasoline comes out of the exhaust. Can you help me? Also, there are syringes inside the log. I don't understand what they do. Greetings from Turkey.

[@craigmac1516]

Those grey lines are garbage the liner will degrade and sends particles into your engine. great video ..

[@jamesmurphy3347]

I'll make it short... runs grate cold but once warmed up I have to squeeze the primer bulb to keep it running Also I've refreshed the gaskets and diaphragm in the fuel pump..did not replace the 2 check valves. 1967 merc 500 thunderbolt 4 cyl 50 hp outboard 2 stroke motor. Any ideas?

[@onanysundrymule3144]

Choke stuck on.

[@bbushert]

My motor 76 Johnson 70hp runs great at full speed. But doesn't run very good at slow speed. Also runs great at idle in neutral. When you hit the throttle it takes a little to get going. Sometimes Boggin down pretty bad. Once it gets going it flies. Seems like it has trouble getting fuel at slow speed? I was wondering if it is just a fuel filter. ... I assume that is what you called the strainer. Any ideas? Thanks

[@emersonvandyk1191]

Sounds to me like the idle circuits in your carbs may be clogged. Dirty fuel filters would effect top end first, then if not replaced would eventually cause the motor to starve completely for fuel.

[@emersonvandyk1191]

Also the bogging down would mean your transition jets are also gunked up

[@bbushert]

@@emersonvandyk1191 well I have never taken apart and cleaned a carb. I assume it is something I would have to take to a marina eh?

[@PiotrWasilewicz]

Good video thanks

[@kevinanderson9243]

1980 mercury 50 hp runs fine in neutral and low rpms but when I open the throttle up it won't go into that higher gear...runs like a 10 horse! I changed plugs, Sea Foamed the carbs, but no real results. Saw your video and remembered the bulb doesn't really get "hard"...🤔...sound like fuel filter? If filter in tank is clogged then it wouldn't pull enough fuel to let the bulb get hard would it? But if the engine filter was plugged, it would get hard! What do you think? Thx

[@jshall1000]

Could it still be carb if I spray starter fluid in carb or where plugs are but still won't start

[@katiepoole1221]

to get motor started, have to spray gas into carburetor. After you do tat it will stay running. When you put in gear and idle it will shut off, have to give it more throttle to get it to run. When running and go down to idle it shuts off.

[@1964summit]

I have a 95 Evinrude 25 with a carb. just had it rebuilt when it wouldn't idle. Couldn't locate a inline fuel filter. Can I add a clear plastic one to the gas line ( before the pump bulb) coming out of the gas tank. 2nd yr for a rebuilt carb. ugh

[@KowboyUSA]

What if the motor will run great wide open throttle for an indeterminate amount of time: anywhere from 4 minutes to 40 minutes - then it suddenly bogs down and only runs slightly above idle rpms with the throttle still wide open? 1996 Johnson 15hp - already replaced the gas tanks, primer bulb, all the fuel lines and completely disassembled and cleaned the carburetor (twice).

[@mickaelcohen6152]

Get a new engine

[@Shokenryu]

Check your fuel pump. Could be a leak or clocked.

[@santaellamedia7077]

My Johnson 15hp seahorse outboard which runs strong will sometimes stall out. I thought that it maybe a spark plug or carburetor issue but when checking the fuel line to engine/ bulb, there wasn’t any gas in the line and the outboard wasn’t getting fuel. I’m happy that the problem is pretty minor but I’m wondering why after it is running for some time, this happens? My fuel tank is full when this happens and the bulb full when I start running the engine. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@officialWWM]

Santaella Media is the vent open on your tank?

[@santaellamedia7077]

Music Islife ya the vent is open

[@joshuafredrickson7408]

I have a 1998 evinrude 50 hp 2 stroke. I acquired it after the prev owners let it sit for 3-5 years. I am able to get it to run half-a!@'d, but when it is in the water and in gear, it barely goes 5 mph at full throttle. It will rev all the way up when not in gear. Any suggestions? Also.. do you have a video that shows the removal of the two carbs on a 98 evinrude 50 hp 2 stroke? Thanks alot.

[@monacocross4241]

i have problem , my pump when pomping not hard , meybe tank problem or in line air , no idea

[@RaymondBogah]

Thankyou ❤

[@f5debris]

Awesome, Thanks a bunch.

[@CyphersCycles]

I have a 2001 Johnson 2 stroke 50 horse power outboard motor. It starts right up cold/or hot. However after I ride for an hour and then stop (to swim or restaurant), it will not restart. Sometimes it will takes 2 hours to restart. And when it restarts, it starts quick. Vaporlock? driving me crazy. Mechanics can't fix it because it starts right up for them. Help please.

[@TTTT-rc4fv]

Hi did you fix your issue? Same happened to me today!

[@jeffstrasheim7683]

Great video, do you have on how to adjust the carburetor for low trolling speed at higher altitudes?

[@justinfaircloth1676]

What if the primer bulb is going flat after accelerating it will idle and do fine at low rpms

[@TheSeamus99]

I had oil come out of that drain plug!!! any suggestions?

[@chilo31416]

Very helpful. Thanks for the video.

[@scottmack356]

I have this same motor and am having problems won't idle or should I say stay running and at full throttle I have less then half power ,what was your issues

[@jameskimbllin8573]

I have fuel coming out what appears to be the lower unit ??

[@bjpatpat5801]

after i run my boat to a spot and turn it off in an hour or so later the bulb gets soft when I start and I have to pump bulb to get it started but it seems like the bulb is still soft thinking off changing bulb not sure of size I put a 9/16 wrench that fits tight but not sure of the right size in millimeters