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Crusader 454XL fuel pump issue

M

moezon

New member
Seems I have a unique issue not specifically covered before as far as I can tell. My starboard engine won't draw fuel from the single onboard fuel tank. I was cruising well at 3200 rpms when all of a sudden the engine nearly died - but did not. Engine then ran at just 2000 rpms for a while, then Nearly stalled, then 1000 rims then just died. There is No fuel in the line leading from the engine to the filter. Using the port engine parts as replacements I have tried the following: swapped fuel filters, swapped oil pressure switch, swapped fuel pump, swapped fuel tank pickup port/tube. Took fuel line off and checked for blockage. Each time I swapped something the port engine ran just fine which means none of those parts are faulty. Starboard engine continues to not start/draw fuel from the tank. I connected a portable gas tank to the starboard engine and with the tank in the cockpit - higher than the on board single fuel tank - the starboard engine fired right up. So I'm thinking the fuel pump is not running well enough (low voltage???) to create enough suction to draw from the inboard tank. Went back to the manual and there is no fuel pump relay to consider. The pump must be working to some degree as the engine continues to run on the portable tank - I'm thinking because the gas is more gravity feed since the tank is higher it needs less suction to draw gas in. I am at a complete loss for what to do next. Has anyone experienced anything similar? Any help/suggestions would be appreciated!
 
If you swapped the pumps between the engines and the suspect pump works, you are one the right path to check the electrical suppy for the fuel pump. you also said you swapped the oil pressure switches (the ones with the pigtails, right?)

If so, I'd proceed to look for bent/recessed/dirty pins and sockets within the connectors and then verify adequate voltage and current are available to the pump. You could do it directly with the proper meters or use a pressure gauge and a vacuum gauge.
 
fastjeff said:
Did you inspect the anti-siphon valve at the tank?

Jeff
Click to expand...

Sort of - each pick up tube has a separate anti-siphon valve. I moved the starboard engine gas line to the port pick up and port engine to starboard pickup. Starboard engine still won't start (draw gas) while the Port engine stills runs great.
 
makomark said:
If you swapped the pumps between the engines and the suspect pump works, you are one the right path to check the electrical suppy for the fuel pump. you also said you swapped the oil pressure switches (the ones with the pigtails, right?)

If so, I'd proceed to look for bent/recessed/dirty pins and sockets within the connectors and then verify adequate voltage and current are available to the pump. You could do it directly with the proper meters or use a pressure gauge and a vacuum gauge.
Click to expand...

Yes the oil pressure switches have 3 wire pigtails. They looked clean but i did squirt them with electrical cleaner. Will check to see if they are making solid connections. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
Electrical connections all looked and tested fine. Decided to replace the fuel line which was USGC approved and only 2 years old and amazingly that was the problem. Cut the 2 year old hose open length wise to locate the problem and surprisingly, the hose looked brand new inside but weighed considerably more than when installed. Problem solved - ethanol destroys gas lines, even when its alcohol/ethanol rated.
 
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