The last couple times I tried to start the boat, once after sitting for a period of time and once after running it out of gas, I had to finally resort to pulling the fuel line off the carb and literally sucking fuel up from the tank past the pump to the carb. This was after several times of direct priming the carb with no luck. This took an enormous amount of suction to even get fuel to move from the tank. I dont know if this is because I was pulling it from the output of the fuel pump but I cant easily get to the lower inlet line. I did notice when fuel finally starts to move I can hear something in the tank area, like a valve make a "shuttering?" sound like theres a anti-drain back valve or something that takes a lot of pull (vacuum) to open. Once I get fuel to the carb, she will start and shes good to go and starts easily until it sits for some period of time. This occurs with the fuel valve in the off position at the filter. Is this a sign that the pump is going bad or is there a possible blockage or valve in the tank that is preventing the fuel pump from pulling the gas from the tank? Once shes primed it seems to be OK.
Now, as for the fuel gauge, where is the sender unit located and is it easy to get to? First time out I ran it for some time until is was about 1/2 a tank then docked it for the day. Next day figuring I was only going out for a couple of laps I made it to the other side of the lake when it died, bone dry and still at 1/2 a tank. Had to wait for shore patrol to come around and tow me back in for fuel. Then deal with the above problem. Are the senders normally a problem and need to be replaced or do they occasionally get stuck?
Suggestions?
oh yea, 79 Skier with the 255 Commander.
