Help! Running on the lake and the engine shuddered then shut down.

[Champ2005]

I started it up and saw some smoke. It started, but I’m afraid to run it. I’m worried it might be a piston? Water temps are fine as is water pressure. Temperature working fine. I’m on vacation so I’m not near my mechanic. Thank you

[Savage]

I would PARK it

[Champ2005]

Ugh, I have 5 days vacation left. Thanks for your input.

I started it up and saw some smoke. It started, but I’m afraid to run it. I’m worried it might be a piston? Water temps are fine as is water pressure. Temperature working fine. I’m on vacation so I’m not near my mechanic. Thank you

[Champ2005]

I also noticed my fuel bulb doesn't stay firm. Maybe a fuel delivery issue?

[Bryanmc57]

Check the water in fuel sensor in the front of the VST and mak sure it's not leaking.

[Champ2005]

Brian, where is the fuel sensor and VST?

Check the water in fuel sensor in the front of the VST and mak sure it's not leaking.

[SilverFox579]

Follow the line from the bulb to the engine, it connects to the VST under the cowl.

[Bryanmc57]

The sensor is on the front side of the vst near the bottom. It has 2 wires connected to it and they can leak fuel. Wiggle the wires to see if they're loose, if they are the sensor needs to be replaced. When mine went bad it sounded like a hammer factory back there from all the extra fuel vapor being sucked into the intake.

[Champ2005]

OK, I'll check that out. Thank you so much. Is it possible I need to change the line with the squeeze bulb?

The sensor is on the front side of the vst near the bottom. It has 2 wires connected to it and they can leak fuel. Wiggle the wires to see if they're loose, if they are the sensor needs to be replaced. When mine went bad it sounded like a hammer factory back there from all the extra fuel vapor being sucked into the intake.

[Champ2005]

Doesn't appear to have loose wires. The inside of the cowling isn't wet and when on the water I didn't see a gas slick behind the motor. Any other ideas?

[lpugh]

Find someone, even an automotive technician to do a compression test on your motor and report back with results. If compression is good and plugs look good, it may be safe to run it if there are no alarms. Lower cowls must be removed to do this, 4 fastners for cowls and 2 or three for rigging tube.

[Savage]

I agree with Leon. There is a big risk to playing around trying to figure it out, without the proper tools.

[Champ2005]

I’m on the water using my trolling motor. I squeezed my bulb until firm and made a short run and it quit again. Bulb was soft. Did this three times and each time bulb was soft.

[lpugh]

how many pumps to get firm, will always be soft after running. 2 or three pumps would be normal

[Champ2005]

About 4-5 pumps to get really firm

[lpugh]

About 4-5 pumps to get really firm

Would not have caused it stall though it needs attention

[Champ2005]

If I want to change my fuel filter how do I disconnect the rod that is in the way? I thought I remember Don saying something about prying it off with a screwdriver, but I don't want to create more problems.

[OH_Ranger]

If I want to change my fuel filter how do I disconnect the rod that is in the way? I thought I remember Don saying something about prying it off with a screwdriver, but I don't want to create more problems.

Comes off easy with a big flat screwdriver. Pop it back on by hand. Mercury makes a tool to get that filter out but a big square shaft screwdriver would work.

[JOE54]

CHAMP i use needle nose pliers behind rod joint should pop right off

[Champ2005]

Thank you Joe and OH_Ranger.