Boat motor issues.

[southern_indiana_man]

I have an issue. my boat will run fine for a good while. Then after a while when your on plane it is like you almost turn key off. It starts to spit and spatter and won't hardly run at all. It's an 1984 Astroglass boat with a Johnson 88 horse on it. I took plugs out tonight and I'm gonna get new ones. Also, when running the primer bulb will go flat and this is when I start having trouble. I'd surely appreciate any suggestions from you fellows.

[CrappiePappy]

Sounds like the bulb/gas line might need changing, too. Primer bulb going flat usually indicates a restriction in the gas flow from the tank to the bulb, clogged pick-up tube, or a clogged tank vent.

Is your gas tank a built-in or portable ??

... cp

[belizaire]

Also change your in line fuel filter if you have one had the same issue last spring

[Wildcatter]

I am currently having the same issue with my 2005 PT185. I have changed the primer bulb and fuel filter. I have also checked compression and timing. I now am not sure where to look. Any more ideas?

[Barnacle Bill]

Pappy is right on. Normally its a clogged tank vent or in the case of portable tanks not opened. Some tanks have anti syphon valves that can go bad.

[southern_indiana_man]

My tank is built in. Ok i will replace what you all told me too. How do I check my tank vent to see if it is clogged Pappy or Bill? Im no mechanic by any means. Thanks.

[Barnacle Bill]

You should be able to easily blow air thru it. Built in tanks usually have a thru hull fitting for the vent. There are many different styles. Here are some of them http://www.iboats.com/Fuel-Vents-Fue...view_id.238202

[southern_indiana_man]

Ok thanks Bill for your information and help everyone. I will do what you all have suggested.

[southern_indiana_man]

ed Thank you Bill and Pappy. I just checked my vent like you said and i can blow right thru with no problem. Believe once i replace other things as mentioned i will be good.

[CrappiePappy]

Be sure and get a bulb/hose kit that's rated for ethanol gas use !!

If that don't fix it, you might have an "old" gas line running from your tank to the bulb hose, and it might need to be replaced. According to the discussions I read, the ethanol can cause the interior of the gas lines to deteriorate or separate (inside lining) and heavy flow can suck them closed ... and you can't tell by looking at the outside of the hose. You "could" also have something in the gas tank that's being sucked against the pickup tube. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves ... and just eliminate one possible problem at a time.

... cp