Fuel Starvation

[Andrew Benjamin]

Several weeks ago I reported a problem with fuel starvation on my H31. Many of you gave me advice and from that I decided to remove the Screen on the bottom of the fuel pickup tube. When I went to do this I had a problem getting to remove the tube. To help others understand the problem I have taken a photo of the parts.http://users.erols.com/avmh/Tank1.jpgI removed the Valve. I held the Nut in place and tried to unscrew the Fitting. However,I think that if I try much harded I will break somthing. The Nut (if removed) wouldwill not slide over the Fitting.Has anybody removed the screen from this type of fitting and could they tell me what I should be unscrewing. Thanks to all for there help especially Steve and Larry.(Larry ..... if you read this will you be at the raft this weekend?)

 

[Frank Pratt]

fitting

I was able to remove the fitting without holding the nut as it holds the through tank bushing that the fitting threads into.Another thought on fuel starvation is a problem that I found on my 31. The engine stop cable had some lost motion in it that would allow the lever on the engine to move, turns out the cable housing had seperated from the through bulkhead fitting that holds the knob. Replaced the cable for $18+ tax and problem solved.

 

[Rafi]

See my previous posting

from 09/06 titled "It can be a tricky job ..." which contains detailed info on how to get to this damn screen. This is information I received from Don in the UK. I have exactly the same setup you have, and after applying lots of force to the fitting (while holding the nut tight in place) it gave in. Anyway read the posting and if you cannot find it, e-mail me and I will send you a copy rafi_p@mailandnews.comGood luck. Rafi.

 

[Bill Verburgt]

Pickup tube removal

Had exactly the same problem. I removed the valve and then tried to unscrew the pickup tube by putting my largest wrench on the square aluminum (?) block. No go. Afraid I was going to damage the fuel tank. "Liquid Wrench" made by the "Gunk" people to the rescue. I actually read the instructions on the can and they suggest spraying the stuff on the joint and then tapping it to set up vibration. Bingo! Tube came out. Screen is out. Problem is solved.

 

[John]

My experience with same

I had the same symptom on my 83 H31. I too checked the screen (it came apart with only three cuss words and five grunts), and found a clean screen. When re-assembling, be sure to use the special pipe dope that is made for fuel line and petroleum products. DO NOT USE TEFLON TAPE, because it can lead to problems down the road.Then I found that somehow I had gotten some air trapped in the top of my fuel filter/separator. This is not the fuel filter on the engine, but a separate filter and water separator located oon the line. I removed the air, and the problem went away. I think I must have run the tank too close to empty, and sucked a bit of air into the line. The air separated out and got trapped in the filter.I hope your problem's cause turns out to be this simple.