| Author |
Message |
    
Kelly Campbell
New member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 1
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009 - 10:11 pm: | 
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I've got a 99 150 that starts and runs impeccably. Last time out though, the "check engine" light appears and the audible alarm sounds at WOT (5600 rpm). I bring it down to idle and the light and alarm quit. Try again at WOT and same result. My manual quotes "fuel restriction" as the cause. I've checked and cleaned the fuel filter, checked all fuel lines I could get at, lots of gas in the tank, oil bulb is primed, tell tale nozzle is spraying fine. Any ideas what my problem could be? |
Morten Ringvold
Senior Member
Username: haffiman37
Post Number: 3879
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009 - 10:33 pm: |
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Two more likely options:
-Fuel tank vent - try running with fuel cap open.
-Anti Siphon valve on tank-top stuck.(Spring loaded ball valve) |
Kelly Campbell
New member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 2
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009 - 10:51 pm: |
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Thanks Morten. The boat is a Stratos Vindicator, I just attempted to get at the Anti siphon valve on the built in tank but I haven't found a way to get at it yet, and darkness has set in. The tank seems to vent properly though, the vent is beside the tank filler and it hisses when I fill the tank. I'll chase this lead and post any findings. I just don't understand how the motor doesn't skip or stutter if it has a fuel restriction, is it smart enough to know it's not getting the required amount of fuel at WOT? |
Morten Ringvold
Senior Member
Username: haffiman37
Post Number: 3880
Registered: 04-2006
| | Posted on Friday, July 03, 2009 - 11:05 pm: |
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That is why that engine is equipped with a vacuum switch, the engine itself is not smart enough!! The engineers however knows that at a certain vacuum in the suction line, the engine will not only run lean, but Your VRO pump might be damaged as well. |
Kelly Campbell
New member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 3
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 04, 2009 - 06:29 pm: |
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Had it out today and it runs great, kept rpm's at 5000 and didn't set off any alarms at all. I'll try and get at the tank valve tomorrow. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 4
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 04, 2009 - 06:30 pm: |
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And a Happy 4th of July to all the great Americans out there. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 5
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Saturday, July 04, 2009 - 10:08 pm: |
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Well I just inspected the anti-siphon valve and it seems to move freely. What is my next move? I've got a few people interested in purchasing this boat but I can't sell it knowing there could be an issue with this motor. |
roy craig
New member
Username: cfishn
Post Number: 1
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 05, 2009 - 12:05 am: |
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I registered just to assure this for you it's quite simple !
Your Max RPM = 4500-5500 RPM !
You have to much pitch on your prop if you turning 5600 as stated !
My Pop has a 1999 Johnson 150 !
I noted the rpm range on www.IBoats.com prop finder section ! |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 6
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 05, 2009 - 12:00 pm: |
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Hi Roy. I considered that. I've got a Raker 14.5 X 24p that I've been running for two years at WOT and haven't heard the alarm, so it seems strange it would alert now. I'm thinking I might have been trimmed up too high. What's your dad running for a prop and on what vessel? |
jwbmarine
Senior Member
Username: jwbmarine
Post Number: 4573
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, July 05, 2009 - 03:52 pm: |
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kelly,....u have,a fuel restriction...chg all filters,repl anti syphon valve,w/plain nipple..5600,is not setting off ur vacuum sw...in fact,thats not even a problem,itself. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 7
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 05, 2009 - 07:24 pm: |
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Hi there jwb. It's a J150PLEE if that gives you more info, is there only the one cone shaped filter on the engine itself or could there be more upstream in the line somewhere, because I've inspected that one and it's clear. Would I be wise to remove all fuel lines and blow compressed air back through the lines? The fuel primer bulb appears to be functioning properly because I removed the filter on the inlet of the VRO and had to reprime upon reinstallation. I've also removed the anti-siphon valve and the ball and spring move freely. Is the restriction definitely the only cause or could the VRO pump be questionable? Sorry for the questions but I'm starting to get frustrated with this problem. |
jwbmarine
Senior Member
Username: jwbmarine
Post Number: 4578
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, July 05, 2009 - 07:38 pm: |
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u can pull a vacuum test,on vacuum switch,to verify,it wks properly...i dont know the spec of hand. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 8
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 05, 2009 - 08:07 pm: |
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The Clymer says to place a vacuum gauge inline at the fuel pump and look for a reading of less than 4 in. hg, anything more and there's a restriction. Does that sound right to you. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 9
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, July 05, 2009 - 08:43 pm: |
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Alarm should sound when vacuum on the switch is either within 6.5 to 7.5 in. Hg or 5 to 6 in. Hg depending on the color of the housing, according to Clymer. Now I've got to find a vacuum gauge or a mechanic with one. |
Tony Delio
Senior Member
Username: tonyob
Post Number: 1488
Registered: 05-2001
| | Posted on Monday, July 06, 2009 - 11:55 am: |
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Assuming the vacuum gauge turns out to be okay, something is causing the vacuum to rise, and this can lead to serious trouble. Frequently the culprit is a fuel hose that is collapsing as the vacuum increases. A slight kink in a hose can cause this. Some fuel hoses have an inner core that can become detatched and thereby restrict flow. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 10
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Monday, July 06, 2009 - 09:54 pm: |
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I've managed to find a nice Snap-on vacuum/pressure gauge that will work nicely. Hopefully have time tomorrow to test. Do you recommend I vacuum test the fuel hoses and then the vacuum switch? |
John Filbey
New member
Username: filb
Post Number: 1
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 07, 2009 - 08:40 pm: |
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Just stumbled on this site. Like it already. I'm new here in more ways than one. Got new/used boat and might be over my skis on this. Don't know hardly anything about outboards. Spending more time troublshooting than boating right now. I'll be on here probably every time after I'm working on the boat. Appreciate any advice I can get. Thanks!! |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 11
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 07, 2009 - 09:16 pm: |
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Great!? |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 12
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 07:20 pm: |
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I've tested the vacuum switch with a hand pump, the 'check engine' light came on but the audible alarm didn't activate at 6.5 in hg. What does this result mean? |
jwbmarine
Senior Member
Username: jwbmarine
Post Number: 4585
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 07:26 pm: |
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the overheat...wont operate,on a system ck...system,unless eng is running,..i suspect,that,may be the case,w/the vacuum sw also..not 100% on that tho. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 13
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 07:36 pm: |
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So the audible alarm only works w/ engine running- makes sense, gotta overcome engine noise. I can assume the switch is functional then? |
jwbmarine
Senior Member
Username: jwbmarine
Post Number: 4588
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 07:56 pm: |
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i would say so,...u might ck,w/eng running.....i hardly ever,..see a prob w/vacuum switches. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 14
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 07:58 pm: |
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OK, thats good enough for me. I'll move on to vac testing the fuel lines once I find a 3/8 tee. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 15
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, July 09, 2009 - 06:00 pm: |
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A question. Why does the vacuum switch reach 6.5-7.5 in. Hg before activating when the acceptable vacuum at the pump is 4 in. Hg or less? |
jwbmarine
Senior Member
Username: jwbmarine
Post Number: 4595
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, July 09, 2009 - 07:31 pm: |
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i guess they want a more serious,vacuum,before activating. |
Kelly Campbell
Member
Username: ff92
Post Number: 16
Registered: 07-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, July 09, 2009 - 09:08 pm: |
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Well just got back from the lake. Motor ran great, no alarms set off at WOT, hopefully problem is fixed. I had full intention of measuring vacuum at the fuel inlet, I had a tee built, a nice vacuum gauge, and changed the anti-siphon valve to a straight through nipple. On the water I primed the fuel line bulb and must have sucked fuel into the gauge rendering it useless. I assumed since it's a combo vacuum/pressure gauge it could handle fuel? What could I do but reassemble the fuel lines and try some wide open running. I guess the siphon valve was the culprit after all. On a lighter note does anyone care to teach an idiot how a vacuum gauge works and is it possible to replace the needle spring? Thanks for the quick responses to this problem all. |
