Fuel pick up issue?

[John.Richardson]

A few weeks ago I thought I'd empty my fuel tank so I knew exactly how much fuel was in it for a race. I removed the fuel line and fitted a hose to the pick up, but couldn't syphon the tank as air kept getting into the pipe.

Then I cut out the other day - no fuel getting to the engine. Pumped the bubble but it seemed like air was in the system and fuel wasn't getting to the bubble.

Luckily it was only in the harbour and i got a tow to the fuelling pontoon. Put some fuel in and I could pump the bubble hard again.

Raced for about 40 minutes, got the boat home - checked and the bubble's got air in it again. Again I can't pump it hard.

I'm thinking it could be an issue with the pick up? I could change the lines and bubble first but given that I couldn't syphon fuel out it and that I ciould pump it hard with a full tank I'm thinking it's probably not the problem?

Other than undoing the inspection hatch and shining a light in there any ideas if I'm on the right track or on how I could check or what else it might be?

Thanks very much for your help!

J

[John.Richardson]

Sorry forgot to mention - there was 50 litres in the tank both times as I filled it full!

[kitten]

I'd go for split pick up pipe.
How much fuel do you need total, may be time to bin the tank and go for a bladder.
Bladders are excellent for race boats, no chance of water ingress and easy to fix with no hard spot mountings to bust. Wouldn't recomend for plush leasure boats as they always tend to smell of fuel, but for open race boats they are perfect.
Available to your spec from Paul Tilley at Tidel. (I have no connection with Mr Tilley, bu**er wont even give me kick backs or loads of discount.)

[John.Richardson]

Cheers Kitten - split pick up makes sense - is the pick up sometimes a hose in the tank the? I thought it'd be a metal tube for some reason!

Will bite the bullet, get her out the boat and see if I can get the inspection hatch off.

Was looking at a plastic replacement - presumably they're lighter etc.

I will give him a bell about these bladders - I need to check with our scrutineer over here he'd be happy with one and have a think how I'd fit it.

Thanks Again

John

[Cookee]

Originally Posted by John.Richardson

Cheers Kitten

I will give him a bell about these bladders - I need to check with our scrutineer over here he'd be happy with one and have a think how I'd fit it.

Thanks Again

John

Most OCR boats are using them now ...............

[Big Dutch]

Hi Fast Jonny make sure its going fast enough there seems to be a silver Slipstream pushing you hard !

[John.Richardson]

I saw in the press! You were right behind me!!

I've got quite a bit to do before the next race - really didn't feel very prepared for the last one - got to fix these bolts once and for all - am going to go way OTT

- thinking Nylock - double nutted - loctite and sealant on the thread!!

Did anyone get a video of your spinout? Would love to see it!

J

[Big Dutch]

No film yet but Jeff Fox got a bit wet on the gaurd boat !
So did my co driver
I remained bone dry he he
Put 6 engine bolts through the transom jon double bolt too