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Outboard Gas Issue

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Steve Siefken
1st Mate

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USA
81 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/14/2007 : 13:23:49

Late last season (once) and then again yesterday, I was motoring along when the gas line came loose from the outboard. Both times this was after motoring for 15-20 minutes when it came loose. I got the engine re-started by re-connecting the gas line and all was fine.

At the dock, I can feel and hear that the connection to the outboard is solid. I generally let the engine warm up several minutes before leaving the dock.

Anyone else have this happen? Do I need to replace that gas line?

Thanks,

Steve Siefken
'84 SK/SR #4654 "Nicosha"

Edited by - Steve Siefken on 04/14/2007 14:40:34

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2007 : 14:29:29

Hi Steve, an unsettling situation for sure. I can only think that the spring clip that holds the fuel line to the motor is not engaged properly or that the lever that engages the clip is being opened somehow,(something is manually compressing the clip lever)
My new motor(Nissan 9.8 hp) has difficulty making the connection fully, I must be sure that the connector is fully engaged and that the clip lever is open,(not compressed). Occasionally the connector will pop off when trying to unite the line to the motor if not joined as mentioned.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT,#3936, Patchogue, N.Y.

Edited by - on

Steve Siefken
1st Mate

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USA
81 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2007 : 14:39:57

Val,

You are right, I did not mention this before but this event is ALWAYS associated with a visceral response

Unfortunately the Admiral was with me both times

When you lost the connection, did it happen right away or was the engine running awhile?

Thanks,

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 04/14/2007 : 22:12:03

Steve S,

What brand of motor?

Not all fuel line quick connectors are created equal. I suggest you take a really close look at how your connector is engaging. I've had some (Honda, OMC, and Yamaha styles) which wouldn't snap on securely unless I was paying special attention to getting the latch fully seated in the grooved pin. If just shoved on casually, they might seem to have latched, but would pop off later.

Poor quality fuel line quick connectors are one of my pet peeves, right up there with primer bulbs which only last one season.

The Chrysler outboards had a very good fuel line quick connect similar to a shop air line connector with the tiny balls which are held down in a groove by a sliding collar. They're available if you look around, but of course installing them means you're no longer compatible with the original equipment for your brand of motor. (Unless you happen to be running a Chrysler!

)

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

Steve Siefken
1st Mate

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USA
81 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2007 : 06:57:32

Leon,

I have a Johnson. I am going to take a closer look at that connection.

Thanks!

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2007 : 09:06:15

Steve: There's probably a little coil spring that holds the release lever up (in the closed position)--is that spring in good shape? Also, (I'm sorta guessing here) the latch itself is probably a right-angle-bend in that flimsy latch lever--is it in the proper shape so that pulling it doesn't cause it to let go of the groove it's supposed to hold onto? A little squirt of WD40 on the fitting might also help assure that the mechanism snaps closed completely when you push it on. (...although I guess on a 2-stroke, there's probably some oil around there already.)

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 04/15/2007 09:08:13

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 04/15/2007 : 12:35:20

Steve, I notice it right away since I check to see if I set it properly by pulling back on it without compressing the release lever. If it comes off it tells me to pay better attention to what I'm doing and not be in such a rush to get going. You must be sure that the right angled piece of the clasp is in the groove fully and that the release lever will hold it there. It's spring loaded and will click when fully inserted.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT,#3936,Patchogue, N.Y.

Edited by - on

Jay Schkloven
1st Mate

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USA
84 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2007 : 10:45:37

Check the connection. The plastic where it slides on to the engine gas fitting can get a hairline crack. This makes for a loose fit. I have a Johnson 9.9 and have replaced this end. Cut the old one off and clap the new one on.

Edited by - on

trent
1st Mate

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USA
44 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2007 : 20:32:51

Steve,

I have had bad luck with these, especially late at night when I wanted to go home. I now carry two spares and give them close inspection each year. It can be a real bummer to have one snap off and they are cheap. As with my old ALFA Romeo I'm learning that there is a set of spares you must carry...

Happy sailing - Trent

PS. I did replace the whole rig a couple of years ago and I am much more confident in it.

Edited by - on

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.