Fuel problems are one of the most common reasons for an engine to stop or run badly. Fuel has to get from the tank, through the lines, filters and pump, to the carburettor or injectors, and it has to be clean, fresh fuel when it gets there. Start with the fuel itself, then work along the fuel system towards the engine.
PHOTO Dangar Marine Boat Guide
Out of fuel, stale fuel or water in the fuel
Open ›Problems with the fuel in the tank: running out, stale fuel, water in the fuel, a closed breather or forgetting the two-stroke oil.
Fuel lines, filters and primer bulbs
Open ›Old fuel lines break up inside and block the flow, and a clear filter bowl shows it happening. I cover replacing the lines, the primer bulb, and fitting a filter that catches dirt and water.
Testing and repairing fuel pumps
Open ›A faulty fuel pump can starve the engine at full throttle or stop fuel reaching it. I test the diaphragm and one-way valves with light pressure and vacuum on each port, then fit new valves.
Cleaning, repairing and synchronising carburettors
Open ›On an outboard without fuel injection, dirt, water or varnish from old fuel block the carburettor's tiny jets, so the engine runs badly or won't run. Cleaning, fitting a repair kit and synchronising carburettors.
Renko's diesel tanks, filters and injectors
Open ›The diesel fuel system on Renko, my steel trawler: tanks, filters, a fuel gauge, the fuel pump and the injectors.
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