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2002 BF225A Bogging down and goes from bad to worse?

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rjhiler

New member
I've had my 225 for 20 years and I'm familiar with the fuel system but I'm stumped . I checked the evaporator, replaced all filters and checked both fuel pumps. On the water it runs up to 5500 rpm but after a few minutes it begins to slow and eventually stays around 4000 to 4500 rpm. After idling for a few minutes it accelerates normal but slows at around 4500 rpm. Any help? thanks
 
Sounds like an intermittent fuel restriction.

When it is bogging down, feel the primer bulb to see if it may be partially collapsed. If so, your fuel tank vent may be clogged, or your fuel pickup tube may be clogged, or the check valve in the primer bulb may have failed.

Next, remove the cover where the fuel line enters the engine compartment through that big black grommet and see if there is anything restricting the fuel line. Check inside that grommet, too. Corrosion often builds up in that area.

You can run a clear plastic hose between the LP fuel filter and the LP fuel pump to look for air bubbles. You can do the same from the LP fuel pump to the VST, bypassing the fuel cutoff valve.

How did you check the HP fuel pump?
 
chawk_man said:
Sounds like an intermittent fuel restriction.

When it is bogging down, feel the primer bulb to see if it may be partially collapsed. If so, your fuel tank vent may be clogged, or your fuel pickup tube may be clogged, or the check valve in the primer bulb may have failed.

Next, remove the cover where the fuel line enters the engine compartment through that big black grommet and see if there is anything restricting the fuel line. Check inside that grommet, too. Corrosion often builds up in that area.

You can run a clear plastic hose between the LP fuel filter and the LP fuel pump to look for air bubbles. You can do the same from the LP fuel pump to the VST, bypassing the fuel cutoff valve.

How did you check the HP fuel pump?
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback Chawk_man. The primer bulb was one of the first things I checked. I have tried running with the gas cap open, suspecting clogged vent. When we pump fuel through the LP with the primer bulb it flows freely. Running a clear tube as suggested is a good idea, I'll pick some up. I have only checked the pumps visually, looking at volume and flow. The HP is fairly new.
Some reading has suggested it could be the fuel pressure regulator? Any experience with that?
 
Well OK. If you are convinced that fuel lines are unrestricted and no air is being sucked into the fuel, then things get a bit more complicated. Did you drain the VST completely? And make sure you are not leaking fuel around the top of the HP fuel filter.

First thing I would do is check the fuel pressure. You will need a 6mm adapter for your fuel gauge. Remove the pressure relief bolt on top of the HP fuel filter cover and screw the gauge in there. Remove the vacuum line from the regulator and clamp or plug it closed. Start engine. Let it settle down to +/- 600 rpm. Your fuel pressure should be between 41 and 48 psi. Watch it for a good while.

If pressure is too high, remove and thoroughly clean the fuel pressure regulator with carb cleaner. (I've never done this myself, but several folks on this forum say that there is yet another fuel screen inside the regulator.)

If too low, then you have a flow problem from the VST, the fuel pump, or the screen on the bottom of the fuel pump holder could be clogged. If you pull out the pump, make sure you have a replacement holder available. They often break when removed.

Another possibility is the float or float valve in VST is not working properly. To check that you need to remove and disassemble the VST.

Another possibility is that the HP fuel pump is bogging down or not getting consistent voltage - not likely but a possibility. Check the plug to the HP fuel pump and make sure it is corrosion-free and pins are super clean.

Let us know what you find.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a marine tech - just the owner of a BF 225 who does my own maintenance and repair.
 
chawk_man said:
Well OK. If you are convinced that fuel lines are unrestricted and no air is being sucked into the fuel, then things get a bit more complicated. Did you drain the VST completely? And make sure you are not leaking fuel around the top of the HP fuel filter.

First thing I would do is check the fuel pressure. You will need a 6mm adapter for your fuel gauge. Remove the pressure relief bolt on top of the HP fuel filter cover and screw the gauge in there. Remove the vacuum line from the regulator and clamp or plug it closed. Start engine. Let it settle down to +/- 600 rpm. Your fuel pressure should be between 41 and 48 psi. Watch it for a good while.

If pressure is too high, remove and thoroughly clean the fuel pressure regulator with carb cleaner. (I've never done this myself, but several folks on this forum say that there is yet another fuel screen inside the regulator.)

If too low, then you have a flow problem from the VST, the fuel pump, or the screen on the bottom of the fuel pump holder could be clogged. If you pull out the pump, make sure you have a replacement holder available. They often break when removed.

Another possibility is the float or float valve in VST is not working properly. To check that you need to remove and disassemble the VST.

Another possibility is that the HP fuel pump is bogging down or not getting consistent voltage - not likely but a possibility. Check the plug to the HP fuel pump and make sure it is corrosion-free and pins are super clean.

Let us know what you find.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a marine tech - just the owner of a BF 225 who does my own maintenance and repair.
Click to expand...
Hey Chawk, Thanks so much for your detailed advice on how to proceed. I too am a BF225 owner and I've been doing most of my own work for 20 years. I am currently in the Florida Keys, someone else's boat, so I will get back to my problem when I get home. Thanks again for the help.
 
I have a 2001 150 hp outboard Honda when you turn on the switch, the fuel pump keeps pumping. Is there a pressure switch that shuts off the pump?
 
rjhiler said:
Thanks for the feedback Chawk_man. The primer bulb was one of the first things I checked. I have tried running with the gas cap open, suspecting clogged vent. When we pump fuel through the LP with the primer bulb it flows freely. Running a clear tube as suggested is a good idea, I'll pick some up. I have only checked the pumps visually, looking at volume and flow. The HP is fairly new.
Some reading has suggested it could be the fuel pressure regulator? Any experience with that?
Click to expand...
Had a similar problem turns out the fuel line was collapsing when I pushed rpms up ran ok at lower speeds swapped out fuel line problem fixed
 
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