Fuel Leak?

[NoCAL]

Ran the boat up to full speed for about 10 minutes. Idled into a cove everything good. Ran back to a new spot and it didn’t want to idle, then quit. I could smell fuel. Pulled the cowling off and saw possible drips at the front left of the motor. Immediately started it and ran back to the launch. I was watching the fuel gauge go down. Got to the 5 MPH zone and it quit again. Trolled in and was able to start it to trailer it. Came home and again smelled a strong gas smell. Just dropped it at the mechanic but anybody heard of this or have any ideas?
It won’t run at idle but will run on plane although not very far while watching the gauge go down!

NoCAL

[Bob G.]

Running the motor with a gas leak is not a good idea. Some possibilities could be a leak at the pulse pump/fuel hose or water sensor at the VST filter housing.

[SilverFox579]

"Could be" several things, best to wait until your mechanic has a chance to check it over and identify the problem.

[EuropeanAM]

More than likely you would have been able to see the leak while pumping the primer bulb.

Glad you are getting it addressed, as LEAKING FUEL poses a strong risk of FIRE or EXPLOSION (serious safety hazard).

More than likely the water-in-fuel sensor, at the front of the VST.

[NoCAL]

Update, just as predicted, it's the water-in-fuel sensor on the VST. Waiting on the part and then should be good to go. Thanks.

Second update: apparently the water-in-fuel sensors are on back order until end of Jan or later. Does anyone have a source for my motor and most importantly, is it as simple as screwing it in and connecting the harness? Would like to do it myself on a sunny day if possible. My mechanic is just so busy it might sit there a week to replace this part.

NoCAL

[NoCAL]

Updated

[lpugh]

I live on sacramento and have plug that fits that hole that you could run till the sensor comes in. Think I matched it up at ACE hardware. Kept in the boat at all times. Saved the day for a couple of guys on tournement day 916 813 0321
Just screw it in and connect, pump the primer bulb till hard

[NoCAL]

The new guy at GFM pulled the wires out of the bad sensor and filled the hole with RTV. So, I’m sealed for the short term. Thanks for the offer.

NoCAL

[Bryanmc57]

Eric, I think I'd rather have a solid plug than trust RTV against fuel...

[tomloans]

Hi Bryan, I think it is temporary for him. RTV is pretty gas resistant as well. He should be fine for awhile.

[NoCAL]

I agree Bryan, I don’t plan to use it. Goose hunting is the only outdoor activity in my future. You are missing the big storm over here!

NoCAL

[Bryanmc57]

You know the big spots will be chewing at Shasta in that weather...

[NoCAL]

Yes sir. We are already booked for the month of April and first half of May!

[NoCAL]

Anybody know the exact part number for my motor? Want to buy it and install it myself

[Bryanmc57]

Anybody know the exact part number for my motor? Want to buy it and install it myself

8M0021043

Late Feb and early March are when the big girls eat.

[SilverFox579]

With your engine serial number you can look up parts on European Marine's parts page 24/7 - http://www.europeanmarine.org/partsaccessories.html

[EuropeanAM]

No way would I use RTV in the fuel filter chamber.

Part# 8M0021043 is what you need- you can order it through our website, or drop Rhonda an email (see her post, pinned at the top of this forum for email contact info).

At the moment I am typing, there is one in stock.

[NoCAL]

Just placed the order, thanks Don. Anything special about the install? Nothing on the threads right?

NoCAL

[EuropeanAM]

You don't need to put any type of sealant on the threads- it's an o-ring seal.

You could use a little oil or 2-4-C on the o-ring, if you wanted.

[NoCAL]

Thanks Don, glad you had it in stock