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FishingFrenzy

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Hi all. Total newbie here so please bear with me.
I bought a 14ft fisher/cruiser just before covid kicked in. The little 15hp outboard started beautifully. Fast forward 18 months......I got it to start but I think it uses the fuel in the float chamber then cuts out. It doesn't appear to be pulling fuel unless I use the primer bulb.
Any, and I DO mean any advice is extremely welcome.
Best regards
Dave
 
Hi Dave,

Welcome.

Could you please list the brand and model number of your outboard? If you know the year model that might be helpful too.

If it is a Honda, and I'm assuming it is, they will have what is called a "frame number" that can be very useful for maintenance and identifying and ordering parts.

On older units (pre 2000) the frame number might be printed on a label located on the starboard or right side of the extension (leg) case. The post 2000 model frame numbers are typically found on the front portion of the part that clamps to the transom of the boat and can usually be easily read while sitting at the tiller.

An example frame number might look like:

BALJ-1000001

Always four letters followed by seven numbers.

Sadly, often those number labels have fallen off or have been intentionally removed. But if yours is there, you might want to write it down and keep a copy with the boat's papers for future reference.


As to your issue, the first thing I might have you check is the vent on your fuel tank. If it's an old style portable tank, it will have a small thumbscrew in the tank cap to vent the tank. If you forget to open it or, it has vibrated shut, it can cause the symptom you describe. Very common problem that's bitten all of us at one time or another.

If the vent is open then the next thing to consider would be the fuel hose and or bulb. If they are aged and possibly sun damaged from exposure, there could be crazing cracks in the hose and there could be air entering causing a loss of prime.

Inside the bulb is a check valve to prevent "backflow" of the fuel. On an old bulb it might be leaking. I have also found that laying the hose in such a way that the bulb lays horizontally and that you can see that the flow direction arrow is on top also helps to prevent loss of prime issues. Having the bulb hang vertically on the delivery hose will often cause loss of prime. The solution is to have enough hose on the outlet side of the bulb so that you can lay the bulb flat on the deck or the hull floor.

Check out those things and get back to us with what you find.

Hopefully others here will chime in with some good/better ideas.

Good luck.
 
Last edited:
jgmo said:
Hi Dave,

Welcome.

Could you please list the brand and model number of your outboard? If you know the year model that might be helpful too.

If it is a Honda, and I'm assuming it is, they will have what is called a "frame number" that can be very useful for maintenance and identifying and ordering parts.

On older units (pre 2000) the frame number might be printed on a label located on the starboard or right side of the extension (leg) case. The post 2000 model frame numbers are typically found on the front portion of the part that clamps to the transom of the boat and can usually be easily read while sitting at the tiller.

An example frame number might look like:

BALJ-1000001

Always four letters followed by seven numbers.

Sadly, often those number labels have fallen off or have been intentionally removed. But if yours is there, you might want to write it down and keep a copy with the boat's papers for future reference.


As to your issue, the first thing I might have you check is the vent on your fuel tank. If it's an old style portable tank, it will have a small thumbscrew in the tank cap to vent the tank. If you forget to open it or, it has vibrated shut, it can cause the symptom you describe. Very common problem that's bitten all of us at one time or another.

If the vent is open then the next thing to consider would be the fuel hose and or bulb. If they are aged and possibly sun damaged from exposure, there could be crazing cracks in the hose and there could be air entering causing a loss of prime.

Inside the bulb is a check valve to prevent "backflow" of the fuel. On an old bulb it might be leaking. I have also found that laying the hose in such a way that the bulb lays horizontally and that you can see that the flow direction arrow is on top also helps to prevent loss of prime issues. Having the bulb hang vertically on the delivery hose will often cause loss of prime. The solution is to have enough hose on the outlet side of the bulb so that you can lay the bulb flat on the deck or the hull floor.

Check out those things and get back to us with what you find.

Hopefully others here will chime in with some good/better ideas.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Hi.
Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Secondly, thanks for such a comprehensive reply.
I had removed the inlet hoses (and primer bubble) from the tank and used a smaller petrol container without a sealed top so it was well vented.
I trimmed the ends off the hoses to ensure no cracks or air being sucked in.
I did (do) have my suspicions over the primer bubble......I will change it.
I removed the carb and cleaned it. Float was fine and opened and closed perfectly.
Engine ID number is BAAL 1000626 (although the first 6 may be a 5). She's certainly not a young girl :)
Thanks again for your help.
Regards

Dave
 
Yep, she's a classic model alright. Frame number indicates a "pre 97"...that's as close as I can get.

Below is a link to a www.boats.net parts page that lists the fuel filter that William01 mentioned. While I consider that a very good suggestion, I don't think I have ever seen one plugged before. But, even though I'm old, I haven't seen everything yet.

It also depicts the fuel pump. The lucky thing is those pumps were meant to be rebuilt and the diaphragm "kit" is still available. Item 2

https://www.boats.net/catalog/honda...la-vin-baal-1000001-to-baal-1099999/fuel-pump

If the pump diaphragm is weak it might cause the symptom you describe.

If the diaphragm leaks, it might allow gasoline to enter the engine oil so putting in a new one might not be a bad idea. You should check your oil condition just in case. These engines do have an oil "filter" but it is internal and isn't accessible without removing the powerhead.

The fuel filter is available (item 6) but you might be able to just match yours up with one from the local lawn mower shop and save a few bucks on the part as well as shipping. Those filters are simple, inline plastic housings with a perforated plate inside to stop relatively large debris.

Please note that it is normal for that filter to appear "half empty".

It is important to make sure the filter sits snugly in the rubber holder (item 7) to prevent chafing and leaking. If that holder (they call it suspension) is damaged it's probably a good idea to replace it to protect yourself against fire on the water. That and maintaining the correct nipple size for proper flow are really the most important considerations when trying to match a filter up locally. Otherwise, they all function the same.

Let us know how she goes with a new bulb and anything else you try. We're always standing by as the cheering section.

Good luck.
 
Hi again.
Thanks for the links, Unfortunately I'm UK based so parts are not as plentiful or accessible.
I had considered the pump to be the culprit (it's a KEIHIN) but wanted to check all the cheap easy fixes first.
I'll get the spanners and screw drivers out this weekend (weather permitting) and report back.
Thanks again
Regards
Dave
 
Ok Dave,
But boats.net DOES ship worldwide as far as I know if you absolutely have to have something.
Those are GREAT old outboards for sure but the parts are getting harder to find.
 
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