2001 196 Champion fuel tank access question

[Joe Leonard]

I'm having fuel starvation problems with my 200 Opti on my Champion. I've changed the primer bulb already and have talked with Don at Euorpean Am (Great guy) that has helped tremendously, thanks Don! I'm at the point of getting to my fuel tank to inspect the anti siphon valve, pickup etc. The fuel tank on my boat is under and behind the seats, with a very small access hole behind the middle seat that only allows you to see the fuel line. It looks like to me that there is a panel(under the carpet) directly behind the middle seat and on top of the back deck. I can't beleive that I will have to actually cut into my carpet and peel it back to gain access to my tank. Has anyone out there had this problem also? If so what did you find? Thanks,

Joe

[Lea]

Welcome to BBC and the Champion forum....glad you joined us!!

There is a possiblility that the Champ factory in TN may be able to help, even though your boat was built at the Mountain Home facility...

Just call and tell them you have a 196....615-494-2090 and ask for customer service...Tell them it was suggested you call due to the fact that you have a model that was built in both facilities...

[H2O_Fowl]

Just so happens I had to do exactly what you are attempting. You can't reach the anti siphon valve from the access panel you are talking about. You have to take the seats out and the tank cover off.

Make sure that the primer bulb is working correctly. I tried two before I got one that actually worked. Also, just because your primer bulb is not getting hard when you pump it up does not mean that it is not working. Neither of the ones I bought would get primed. I took it too the lake and tried it after squeezing it and it still did not get primed but the motor started just fine and I ran it for 2 hours straight got back to the ramp and it was hard as a rock.

If for some reason the primer bulb is for sure not the problem send me an email and I will tell you exactly how to access your fuel tank. I accessed mine twice. Takes about 30 mins to get to it. Most difficult thing is finding the screws under the carpet. Or IM me and I will give you my cell and talk to you in person.

[Joe Leonard]

Thanks for the responses! I tried emailing you Jack, but it came back undeliverable. You could email me at jjleonard@sbcglobal.net and explain the procedure for me if possible? I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks again,

Joe

[H2O_Fowl]

Joe email sent to ya.

My email is rngr361V@aol.com