Fuel leak

[PATMUL]

Hi all,

I have a tohatsu 6hp 4 stroke outboard engine. I tried starting the engine the other day and when I squeezed the prime bulb, a small amount of fuel leak from the cooling water outlet. I think I may have had the engine tilted up at the time. Could this have been the cause?. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

 

[VicS]

Hi all,

I have a tohatsu 6hp 4 stroke outboard engine. I tried starting the engine the other day and when I squeezed the prime bulb, a small amount of fuel leak from the cooling water outlet. I think I may have had the engine tilted up at the time. Could this have been the cause?. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

IF tilted then this could have been the reason.
The fuel level in the carb is controlled by a float and a needle valve. If the engine is tilted it wont control the level property and the carb may overflow.

If fuel leaks when pumping the primer bulb with the engine not tilted the needle valve is not closing properly. It may need cleaning . may be worn or the float may be sticking

You should not try to start the engine unless in its normal working attitude with the lower unit properly immersed. You will wreck the water pump if you run it dry.

 

[PATMUL]

Hi VicS,

Many thanks, this advice is very useful, I must try to remember to have the engine untilted before priming next time.

This is first time this has happened to me, so I'm hoping the tilt was the issue.

Thanks again,
Pat

 

[Beneteau381]

You should not try to start the engine unless in its normal working attitude with the lower unit properly immersed. You will wreck the water pump if you run it dry.
Really? perhaps missing a word or two?

 

[VicS]

You should not try to start the engine unless in its normal working attitude with the lower unit properly immersed. You will wreck the water pump if you run it dry.
Really? perhaps missing a word or two?

What words do you want to add ?

 

[RichardS]

What words do you want to add ?

All I can think of is please and thankyou?

Richard

 

[VicS]

perhaps missing a word or two?

Please do not try to start the engine unless in its normal working attitude with the lower unit properly immersed. You will wreck the water pump if you run it dry.
Thank you.

Happy now?

 

[Beneteau381]

Please do not try to start the engine unless in its normal working attitude with the lower unit properly immersed. You will wreck the water pump if you run it dry.
Thank you.

Happy now?

Perhaps, it can be started for a few seconds to check that it will start? This will not wreck the water pump. The use of the word "wreck" in this context is factually incorrect. The addition of the words "if you run it dry for an extended period of time, then the impellor could be damaged" would be correct.