Very hot fuel pump

[Anonymous7500]

I went out to my boat to run the Atomic-4 since it hadn't run in a couple weeks and I am taking my wife out today. Engine problems are not an option, so I was just looking to run it for a little bit.

When trying to start it, the engine would only run with nearly full choke and a small amount of throttle. As soon as I closed the choke a small amount the engine would die. When I went below to see if there was an obvious problem, I touched the inline secondary fuel pump and found it very hot. It was hot enough to have heated the fuel line between the pump and the engine significantly as well. I disconnected the power to the pump and attempted to start the engine again. After a couple of minutes the engine not only running, but was idling fine without any choke.

I am assuming that the fuel pump raising the temperature of the gasoline was the reason for the problem. Is that reasonable?

[Sailmonkey]

Vapor lock maybe

or a stuck pump when powered?

[Anonymous7500]

Replaced the pump.....no joy. Found filth in the path to the carb which is really disappointing after replacing the tank and filters over the weekend.

Next step is to replace all of the fuel lines (copper and rubber) and relocate the fuel filter. Relocating the filter will reduce the overall length of the fuel run significantly. Hopefully, this will eliminate any future problems.

Oh yeah, taking the carb cleaning task personally this time around just in case there is a need for the skill in the future.

[Anonymous7500]

Cleaned the carb during the week and re-installed today. I also replaced all the line between the fuel pump and carb as well as bypassing the ancient mechanical pump.

The engine started like it should and idled with no choke immediately!

Oh yeah, even though I paid for the carb to be cleaned and rebuilt last summer, there isn't any way that the work was actually done. I would like to extend a special and very sarcastic thanks to Tower Marine in Saugatuck, MI for the work they "did".