Help needed

[Bigmeat]

Took my boat out a while back for the first run of the year, 1996 40hp merc. 2stroke, started and ran fine, new gas, even added 10oz of seafoam to 10 brand new gallons of gas. Ran 8 miles up river without a hitch, fished a bit, then started back to ramp. Would start fine but when put in gear and started to give throttle it would stall out. Did this over and over till i gave up and got a tow back in. Took to local shop and they said when hooked up to their gas it runs fine but when hooked to my gas line and tank it shuts right down. Recommended new gas and happy fishing! My gas was new. I'm thinking of either the gas line and bulb needs changed or maybe the fuel pickup in the tank itself. It's a red "plastic" 12 gallon removable tank. Anybody have any thoughts to the contrary or where you would start? I've searched the internet but can't find the fuel withdrawal parts that i would like to change without having to purchase an entirely new tank. Thanks for any help.

[WildeOne]

Is the primer bulb a Merc or aftermarket part? I've never trusted the after market pieces.
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Jim
23' Grady White Gulfstream "Get Reel"
Ocean Pines, MD

[Bigmeat]

I'm not sure, I bought the boat used a few years back and it's the same primer bulb that I've used since i've owned it. Are there filters in or around the primer bulb? maybe i could just change the bulb or bulb and line and be fine. That's my first inclination but really have no idea.

[Spearo]

Change the bulb. Do you mix your own gas?

[Bob H.]

If the bulb was pumped up, engine started, then immediately put in gear, there's plenty of fuel in the bowl to keep the engine running. If the bulb is getting sucked flat there's blockage in the tank. Fuel pump can be ruled out since it worked in the shop. Neutral safety switch is questionable since there's no detail on how long it ran prior to putting in gear (empty fuel bowl). Dump the fuel tank and check the screen.

[Bigmeat]

I don't mix my own gas, it mix's on its own, ie:oil injected. It would run in neutral for as long as i wanted it to, did not notice bulb getting flat at any point. I even tried to continually manually pump the bulb when i put it in forward however that produced the same results, quick shutdown. Bob you say "check the screen", sorry for my ignorance but where is the screen you speak of located? Thanks for all the help.

[Bob H.]

Screen is on the end of pickup tube in the fuel tank. I don't know exactly what the shop did but the neutral safety switch in the shifter is suspect. I aasume your definition of quick shutdown is immediate shutdown and that's an ignition problem, not fuel. Check the safety switch and wiring.

[Bigmeat]

I'll start with changing the fuel and checking the screen. Hopefully that will do the trick, if not i'll have to call in more mechanically inclined help than myself! Thanks again for all the help. Bob, how soon can you be in Hagerstown, just kidding!

[edgewater1]

leak in the gas line

[Bigmeat]

no leaks that i have seen but i'll double check, i'm gonna start to dig into this problem later this afternoon and this weekend. I purchased a new bulb just incase the fuel swap and screen cleaning do not do the trick. I'll keep you posted, thanks again.