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How do I find the fuel pump I need?

C

Champion Chris

New member
Hello everyone! Let me first start by saying that this is my first post as well as my first experience in owning a boat. Since I know everyone will want to know the specifics, here they are. I own a:

1988 Champion 201
1988 Johnson GT 200

Now I am thinking I may have a fuel related issue due to what I think may be a weak pump. I should be able to determine that for certain this weekend. Regardless of whether it's the pump causing my issue or not, I'd still like to eliminate the VRO pump for a straight fuel pump so I can simply mix in the tank. I don't trust the VRO system. But I can't seem to find any information on how people are doing this. Do I just install an inline electric pump, or is there a fuel only replacement that bolts in place of the VRO? Yes I do understand I could buy a new VRO and plug the oil side, but for the price of doing that, there has to be another way. Sorry for all the rambling but, I appreciate the help. Thanks everyone.
 
Sorry to say that I don't have the answer you seek... but at the minimum, my entry will get your post back on the top line for others to view in case they missed it the first time around.

I don't recall if the Looper 200hp had the machined mounting for the smaller pumps or not, but I think not.

There seems to me that a VRO looking pump exists that is simply a fuel pump only... and also possibly a kit exists for your present pump that would cost peanuts as compared to the regular VRO. If so, I assume any dealership would have knowledge of this.

As a check/test..... remove the function hose from the VRO or the crankcase (hose that leads from the VRO to the block), pump the fuel primer bulb up hard and observe where you disconnected that hose to see if fuel is leaking past the diaphragm. If so, a kit would correct that.... if no leakage, reconnect the hose and...............

Do a test run with the rig, having someone pumping the fuel primer bulb constantly, acting as a manual fuel pump, bypassing the VRO's function but forcing fuel the VRO directly to the carburetors.

If this cures your problem, whatever it is (You haven't said so I can't comment on that), then you do indeed have a VRO problem.

Let us know what you find.
 
Joereeves, thank you.

I do believe I have seen the VRO looking fuel only pump for around 350 bucks...assuming that is what I was looking at. I am just curious as to whether or not there is a simpler/cheaper/more reliable setup to switch to.

As for the issue I'm having here are the basics to the engine:

Powerhead is brand new with only 2 tanks of gas ran through it. The powerpack is also new. That is what the previous owner had done.

When I got it, I replaced a few lines that were leaking and put in new plugs and wires. The previous owner told me to run the oil tank and to keep it full as well as mix the fuel tank 50:1 for the next few tanks of gas for the break in period...of which I'm on the last tank of gas for that.

Now, the problem I'm having is when the engine is under a load. It won't run wot. Somewhere right between half and three quarter throttle it begins to surge really bad and won't pick up rpm. This happens at different rpms, also. One time I had the boat out and it woukd run to 4200/4300 before it would start surging. Last weekend it was around 3700/3800 before it started doing it. Now, when I have it on the muffs in the back yard, it'll rev to 7k. The previous owner said that wot with him and gear, it would run about 6500rpm and around 60-65mph. Now, when I'm running at roughly 4k or so, it cruises right around 40-45 mph.

When it's surging it almost feels like it's getting gas then it's not, if that makes sense.

When I'm giving it throttle it operates pretty smooth up to the point when it starts to mess up, and it seems to be the exact same point in the throttle every time. I usually just back it off till the surging stops then keep it there.

And another weird thing is that when it's in the back yard, it almost always starts up the first time...purrs like it should, revs without hesitation and sounds great. Now, as soon as it gets in the water it takes multiple times to get it to idle...it nearly dies ever single time I slow to a stop. No wake zones are nearly impossible to keep it running through and after driving it a but, at low rpm it has a real bad 2 stroke sneeze. Now, as soon as I get it out of the water and back home, all those issues go away.... Im really confused. I was thinking a fuel pressure issue which lead to my post. Hoping a buddy is going with me this weekend so I can pump the ball while he drives. Don't know what else it could be.

Also, last weekend when I had it out while it was surging I pressed the choke in and it started to bog the engine down quite noticeably.
 
Okay.... Hopefully pumping the fuel primer bulb makes a difference.

NOTE: DO NOT ever exceed 1800 rpm when running on a flushette. That is inviting a runaway engine whereas the rpms will continue to increase even though the throttle butterflies are closed... the engine will diesel and turning the key OFF will have no effect. By the time you figure out what to do.... connecting rods will be flying out the side of the crankcase. Not good!
 
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