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Thread: Fuel line/bulb question

  1. #1
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    Default Fuel line/bulb question


    I am suspicious of my line/bulb. I probably bought it at Basspro or Academy. A mechanic told me one time that these mainstream ones are no good and he makes them from scratch and they are far better, whatever that means. I had just bought it or he could have, lol. Does anyone have an opinion on this or where I could buy a good one? Mechanic is probably booked up and too busy. Mine is a few years old and doesn't want to always pressure up and sometimes it seems it goes flat quick. My motor is hard to start. Of course, that could be many things FOR SURE but I am suspicious of the line/bulb anyway. This is a 1997 Tracker 40hp (Mercury) motor on a 17 ft Tracker ProTeam17 boat.

    This is the type that clamps onto the motor with the spring-loaded gizmo latch.
    ~~~
    Bill

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    Make your own. Marine fuel line (Napa or online), standard bulb and fittings, and stainless hose clamps. Easy.

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    Used to be an item found in any marina or even some tackle shops. If the hose is old and weather checked I would replace it as well.

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    The fuel line in those pre-assembled kits is crappy, but the bulbs are fine in my experience.

    I just use automotive fuel line, it doesn't last that long in the sun, but it's cheap, and it won't plug your fuel system with plastic crap like the cheap ones will.

    You can salvage your current fittings on the tank and motor by slicing the band clamps with a grinder, or cutting them with side cutters. Then slip your new line over with hose clamps or zip ties, as mentioned.
    Likes Trapperpete52 LIKED above post

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    If your ball compresses and goes flat when your motor is running (or when priming) you have a fuel tank vent issue.

    If you can squeeze and squeeze the ball and it doesnt seem to get pressure, but always returns to round quickly, you have a fuel delivery problem. Could be your pickup tube in the tank, the fitting on the tank, the line to the ball, the ball, the line to the motor, the line within the motor, or the carb. If any of these have a crack to let air in, you will have priming issues.

    If your fuel line is from 1997, I would definitely start at the tank and go to the motor with all new lines and pick up a new ball at any marine shop. MAKE SURE you get ethanol rated marine fuel line, even if you plan to never use ethanol.. I bet you still get some in that tank some time in its life.. either a mishap at the pump, a pump using the same nozzle for regular and ethanol (pump line will hold approx 1 gal of gas the previous user bought), or the hauler putting the wrong gas in the station tanks.

  6. #6
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    If using zip ties make sure you get the ones designed for fuel lines.

    Fuel hose zip ties, also referred to as radius cable ties or clamp ties, feature a unique head design that provides an even, consistent compression around soft rubber hoses, including fuel, water and air vacuum lines. The radial head allows you to secure a hose or fuel line and keep it tight all the way around with a 360° seal.

  7. #7
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    Eagle 1 is offline Crappie.com Legend and Mississippi Moderator * Crappie.com Supporter
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    Bought a bulb at Walmart . It did not solve my issues ,so I took it to a mechanic . He put a zip tie on each end beside the clamps . pulled it tight with plyers . Quick fix as that brand is ok but assembly line made . no problems since . Worth a try .

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bricks View Post
    If using zip ties make sure you get the ones designed for fuel lines.

    Fuel hose zip ties, also referred to as radius cable ties or clamp ties, feature a unique head design that provides an even, consistent compression around soft rubber hoses, including fuel, water and air vacuum lines. The radial head allows you to secure a hose or fuel line and keep it tight all the way around with a 360° seal.
    You are exactly right...recommended for fuel lines, click here Radius Cable Ties
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    Say, there is a threaded cap atop the transom well, says, "PERKO" on it. That is a line that leads to and is inserted into the top of the gas tank. It is threaded but there are opposing notches (on each side) in the inside threads where there are no threads; it appears that air can flow in or out of the line even if the cap is secured, so, I assume it is a vent. Is there any trick to this cap; I cannot get it totally tight. It screws tight and then breaks loose and then it will screw tight again with same results over and over. I assume that I need to just screw it tight enough to hold and that's it or how do you use this and what is the purpose?

    EDIT: Added image. This is at the transom and you can see the vent cap on the other side of where my fuel line comes out of the transom well. (Underneath, it goes into the gas tank.)Name:  1997 Tracker boat transom well where vent cap is.jpg
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    Last edited by livemusic; 03-26-2021 at 03:34 PM. Reason: add image
    ~~~
    Bill

  10. #10
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    Merc fuel lines are expensive and turn black from mold. PIA to keep clean. I could make my own line, but I am too lazy and cleaning gives me something to whine about.
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    Likes silverside LIKED above post

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