vacuum in Gas line 23 Scepter 1985, w 1997 225

[slantedeagle]

I recently purchased a 1985 Scpeter with a 225 Yamaha. It runs great but after 20 minutes a Vacuum is created the Ball in in the Gas line colapses and the engine starves from no gas flow. It's not the filter as I have repalced and the the problem persist and the Filter is always full of gas after it stalls out. Any thoughts on the Cause.

[caper]

Vent hose plugged.

[JW-Tex]

Is the vent line clogged? Is there debris in the tank that could be getting caught on the pickup tube inside the fuel tank? There may also be some kind of a ball valve (anit-siphon device I think) after the fuel pickup that could be a problem. First I would check the vent line, next I would run the tank dry (or siphon the gas into auxilary fuel tanks or cans) and remove the access hatch and look inside the tank (I found tree leaves in mine).

I had a simiar problem one time, in my case the fuel tank was plastic and the pickup tube would actually get stuck to the bottom of the tank when running (aparantly the tank would flex just enough and the suction on the pickup tube would grab the bottom of the tank, I shortened the pickup tube slightly and solved the problem. I spent several weeks checking everything having to do the the fuel system before I figured it out.

JW

[ScottM]

My father has the same boat/engine combo. I'd be interested to hear what type of performance you're getting with that setup once the vacuum problem is solved.

[slantedeagle]

I'll let you know as I want to gather all that data for myself anyhow. I am told it has 144 Gallon fuel tank and plan on doing some long trips.

It seems these boats are very popular in New England. I am from Cape cod and but now In fort lauderdale. I stole the set up from guy going through a divorce. What do you suspect this set up is worth up your way? It is in above average condition with recent electronics etc etc. I may trailer it up in the spring and consider putting it up for sale.

Great site thank you all for the quick input on the vacuum. I'll clear the vent ASAP.

[slantedeagle]

Thank you I'll will take your advice.

Take care

[ScottM]

144 gallons sounds right. My father's boat cruises 24-25 knots @ 4500rpm and WOT is 34-35 knots at 5600rpm. The engine turns a 3-blade 15" pitch Yamaha SS prop.

Up here that boat in nice condition with good electronics, bimini enclosure and a good trailer will go $15-18K asking price. The Sceptre isn't as popular as the CC, so you won't get as much for it as a comparable CC.

My dad essentially stole his boat from a widow with a gambling problem. Must be something about this model, huh? [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

[Bigshrimpin]

Ditto on the check valve . . . I had the same problem with my new tank. I replaced the aluminum check valve with a straight through 3/8 nipple.

[Runco]

My 1985 Sceptre w/144 gal fuel had similar problem. Found tiny little screen filters at the top of the pickup tube. They would get plugged with junk from the tank and starve the motor for gas. Took them out, put a Racor fuel filter and changed it every 50 hours took care of the problem. Replaced the tank this past spring with a new one because of age and could not get rid of all the stuff in the tank. Good luck

[captkev111]

i had the same prblm with my 1988 23'walkaround i changed the gas bulb to a mercury gas bulb and its been fine ever since