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  1. 04-01-2022, 12:51 PM #1
    dean c
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    Why does an Optimax die after a long idle then fire right back up pumping the bulb

    My 16 250 does this every now and then always after a longer than normal idle…other than that runs fantastic. What is slowly going bad to cause this?

    SN 2B124174
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  2. lpugh
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    #2 04-01-2022, 03:44 PM
    Pulse pump, check valves or leaks on the suction side
    Thank You Leon Pugh
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  3. EuropeanAM
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    #3 04-01-2022, 07:01 PM
    +1... and to clarify, that would be any air leak or restriction in the fuel SUPPLY to the pump (or a problem in the pump itself).


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  4. dean c
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    #4 04-01-2022, 08:43 PM
    Can this thing (pump) lose prime? This only happens very sporadically. Always starts right back up pumping the bulb.
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  5. DewRonInc
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    #5 04-01-2022, 09:15 PM
    Primer bulb has a arrow that should be facing up for check valve to properly function
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  6. EuropeanAM
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    #6 04-02-2022, 11:47 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by dean c View Post
    Can this thing (pump) lose prime? This only happens very sporadically. Always starts right back up pumping the bulb.
    Well- the bulb is supposed to be pumped firm before each engine start, so yes (has more to do with the vaporization point of the fuel IN the line, though).


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  7. dean c
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    #7 04-02-2022, 05:57 PM
    Thank you Don.
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  8. Jumping Jimmy
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    #8 04-03-2022, 09:11 AM
    Not an expert but I had a similar problem with my optimax. I would get a portable fuel tank complete with hose and primer bulb. Connect the properly vented portable fuel tank directly to your pulse pump. Plug your existing fuel line. Launch your boat and take a long idle. If problem persists, your issue is with the mercury.
    If all goes well then I would look for the issue on the boat side.
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  9. JOE54
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    #9 04-03-2022, 11:51 AM
    winter blend fuels can be a problem also
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