New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

All...I have a 2007 SX 18 with 42 hrs on it. The previous owner allowed it to sat for two years without taking it in the water. I bought it "as is" for a very good deal. The boat is in great condition. I started off by changing the oil, oil filter, in line gas filter, and battery. I also replaced the water separator/filter. Looks like it hadn't been replaced since the boat was bought. Either way, I knew there would be some preventative and required maintenance on the boat. I tried replacing the fuel pump filter, but the bolt head snapped off (yes, I was turning it the correct way :). So...I added fuel and a bit of additive to help clean out everything. There was no fuel in the boat.

Primed it bit and started it. Took a bit, but it finally fired up and ran...then died. Tried starting it from neutral, but it just will not do it. I have to jockey the throttle to get it started, and then it will just die when in neutral. Today, kept it running around 2300 rpms with the throttle pushed about halfway. She sounded a bit rough, but I wanted to pull some good fuel through it and clean all the lines out. I ran it without the spark arrestor on and could see fuel dripping into the intake (both barrels), however, when the through is pulled back from about the half way point....fuel stops.

Now...I know I should probably replace the other fuel filter, but know it will take a while since I need to pull the unit and drill out that bolt. Probably needs a carb cleaning too...but, with all that I've told you guys am I leaning in the right direction.

Also, I've read quite a bit on carb, but I'm unsure of what should be happening at idle. For instance...what should the electric choke be doing. Should the plate be open a bit? Should fuel be visible.

Re: New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

Try taping the side of the carb gently a couple times. You could have a stuck float.
If it was me , I'd change the filter , and rebuild the carb. Guarantee it's tarnished up with crap.
Electric choke will be open a bit til engine reaches operating temp.
BTW: Welcome to MOC! :)

Re: New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

Thanks for the reply. I'm having the carb rebuilt. Should be on the water this weekend.

Re: New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

Mechanic called today. Carb was all gummed up and full of water. Recommended draining fuel tank. Told him I'd drain it and to run the boat on an outboard tank. He wanted 250 to drain it. Does that sound right? Is it possible to have a leak somewhere that would allow water in the tank.

Re: New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

Condensation builds easily and quickly in a sitting tank if not properly treated.
Draining is a pain in the butt. :( Price seems about right for the job , 2-2.5 hrs labor for a good cleaning/flush.
Problem that is going to be the pain , is the "gum" and tarnish in the tank. Hard as he-- to get out without the proper equipment.
Doubtful you have a leak. You could always pressure test the tank to verify. :)

Re: New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

One thing about trying to run the boat on an outboard tank is that you will likely set off the alarm system.

Re: New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

So if I'm gonna do this myself after I get the fuel out what do I need to flush it with. Can't really scrub it down.

Re: New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

There lies the problem. A carb cleaner type solvent is used by the pros to get the gunk/tarnish from the tank walls.
I think I would put maybe 2 gals of fresh fuel in and drive it around to get it to slosh. Then suck it out , repeat til looks clean.
I bought a boat at one time that had "molasses" in the tank. It took me half the summer to finally get it cleaned up well enough to run it.
Non-maintenance of the fuel system in a boat can make you go crazy trying to rectify it.:(
It's that or bite the bullet and pay to have it done.

JMO

Re: New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

Drained 10 gallons of fuel tonight. Filled up all my lawn equipment. The gas did not have any sediment or water in it that was visible. All of this was siphoned from the tank opening. I plan to pull the sending unit or the filler hose and inspect the tank and soak up the last of the gas or whatever else is in there. If it looks good ill add gas a a fuel treatment. Any recommendations. Anything that would help with water in a tank?

Re: New Mariah Owner/ No Idle
 

Pulled the fill line from the tank and emptied via syphon. Used a hand pump to remove any residual, but really never saw any particulate moving through the line or water in the fuel. Ran out of time tonight. Hoping to be on the water Saturday...first time with this boat.

Will grab a good fuel treatment, fill up, and give her a run in the yard tomorrow afternoon.