08 9hp Pro Kicker dies after a few minutes

[Red Rock]

Bought a used boat and kicker starts and runs fine for about 5 min then if I grab the primer bulb and pump it, i'll gain another five minutes untill I repeat this procedure, very annoying.

It was suggested that since it is using main fuel tank to shut of main engine vavle so as to not such air,
This was done with no change
Suggested that the 3/8 primer bulb and line maybe to big for the kicker and cause it to loose vacuum
So I replaced with a new 5/16 bulb and line, still no change (maybe gained a little run time)

Just curious if there is anything else I can check before brining to a dealer, thanks.

[Bowhunter74201]

fuel filter?

[Hot Runr Guy]

early versions of the ProKicker had a weak fuel pump, that just couldn't pull fuel from a built-in tank reliably. Since you're able to keep the motor running by "re-charging" the system, I'd bet on the fuel pump.

HRG

[Jerryv]

Sounds like the fuel pump may not be working or you have an air leak in the fuel line. Could also be a plugged filter as Bowhunter suggests. Check all the connections, even inside the cowling. Try a remote tank if you have one.

Does the bulb collapse? Or get soft?

Jerry

[REW]

Red,
You do have a separate fuel bulb for the main motor and another fuel bulb for the kicker don't you? If not, add a separate fuel bulb and line for each motor.

If there is any doubt as to fuel line and bulb condition - change it. It is a very inexpensive change and if there are many years on the rig, it is likely due for a fuel line and bulb change anyway.

If you still have issues, and if all filters have been changed - if there are any - install a new fuel pump in the engine.
By the way, check under the cowl for any fuel screens or fuel filters that might need to be cleaned and or replaced.


REW

[Red Rock]

The fuel system is as follows

from main tank to two separate ball valves

One ball valve to primer bulb to main
one ball Valve to primer bulb to Kicker, I did replace this with new line and bulb from ball valve to primer bulb to the Gray mercury line without any change.

Bulb will get soft (not sucked flat) engine starts to sputter, I can keep it from dying if I get back there and pump up the bulb (about 6-8 before firm) and it's smooth running for another 5-8 mins and repeat.

Was a auto mechanic for 15yrs but don't know squat about boat motors, I would say that I'm the fuel pump in this scenario so maybe I'll just order one up and see if that's the cause.

[TomP.]

Originally Posted by Red Rock

i would say that I'm the fuel pump in this scenario so maybe I'll just order one up and see if that's the cause.

Good cal my money is on the fuel pump as mentioned before MAKE SURE IT IS THE UPDATED PUMP.

[peter8]

My 06 did exactly the same thing. It was the fuel pump.

[Red Rock]

Originally Posted by TomP.

Good cal my money is on the fuel pump as mentioned before MAKE SURE IT IS THE UPDATED PUMP.

Is this a updated pump from Mercury?

gave up last night and brought to my dealer, hopefully he'll get it figured out today, have a Oahe trip leaving this fri.

[bcmss396]

My pick is Fuel Pump.. Probably a pretty easy fix.

Sounds just like my dad's Mariner 9.9 this spring.
Blair