kicker internal tank - no start

[DW]

I have an older 4 1/2 hp evinrude 2-stroke that I want to start using as a kicker. Since my main engine is a 4-stroke, I want to use only the internal gas tank in the kicker so that I don't have to carry an external gas tank. The kicker is probably a late 1980's, two cylinder that was also available in a 7 1/2 hp version.

The problem: The kicker has always started easily but only when connected to an external tank. I have never been able to start the kicker when using the internal tank. I am able to start with an external tank, then switch to the internal tank and the engine runs fine. I simply can't start using the internal tank.

With an external tank, I can hear the carb filling as I pump the bulb. Obviously, the internal tank isn't getting enough pressure to prime the carburator.

The kicker has a three way gas valve: internal, external, and off. There does not appear to be an internal prime pump on the outboard.

Any ideas?

[Hot Runr Guy]

I snagged this from the Evinrude parts site http://shop2.evinrude.com/ext/index.aspx?s1=937dcb81fc8bcd5045bc1bbac9865699 looks like there is an inline fuel filter from the built-in tank to the valve. I'd start there, since this tank has to work only as a gravity feed, if the filter is dirty, then the carb may not be filling up enough, before the fuel pump gets a'working.
HRG
ps: i had to go back to 1983 to find the 4.5/7.5 motors.

[DW]

Thanks Hot Runr for the link with the parts list and schematics.

I checked and my outboard does not have any fuel filter at all, either from the internal tank or the external line.

I will take out the internal tank and the fuel line and the valve, and look for an obstruction.