Air leaks in the fuel system of outboard engines aren\u2019t all that uncommon. It\u2019s a problem that plagues almost every type of outboard engine, with dire consequences in most cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An air leak in the fuel system will cause the engine to idle erratically or perform poorly. it might even cause dangerous out-of-line fuel spraying. It’s not easy to detect the air leak in the fuel system as it can only be noticed through performance. Yet there are a few telltale signs to deduce the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But that\u2019s not all; what are these symptoms and their possible remedies? We detail it all in this comprehensive article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The symptoms of air leaks in the fuel line mainly depend on the type of outboard engine. Some might be petrol engines or diesel engines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others can be gasoline or injected engines. We will include all the symptoms so that you understand the issue regardless of your engine type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The fuel pipe itself doesn\u2019t become soft; rather, the pressure on the fuel pipe drops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In most outboard engines, the fuel pipe or fuel line is covered by a rubber or braided on the outside. It creates a hard structure with good fuel pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If there is air buildup in the fuel, the line will not supply enough fuel. As a result, you will notice a softer fuel line to the touch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s not the easiest to notice, it might be a symptom of an air leak if you see any crease or break on the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another telltale sign of an air leak is the dying engine. How can you tell if an engine is dying? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the air builds up in the fuel line, the combustion unit will have an erratic supply. The result will be stuttered start and loss of RPM over the engine’s use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the air leak becomes more severe, the engine will completely stop starting at one point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you notice prime is the fuel line, chances are there has been an air leak. Prime comes from the primer bulb, and its main function is to ease the transfer of fuel to the carburetor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The primer bulb is conveniently placed between the engine and the carburetor for ease of fuel transmission. If the prime leaks into the fuel, the air leak’s vacuum is primarily to blame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s clear that an air leak might happen in the fuel line. But where does the leak happen exactly? Identifying where the leak happens is a good way to take recovery and prevention measures beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In outboard engines, the lean situation occurs when there is an air leak between the fuel tank and the fuel pump. The middle vacuum between the two points creates a lack of pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This lack of pressure, in turn, reduces the fuel flow to the ECU, resulting in an overall low performance and constant low fuel signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The air leak might also cause a low fuel supply in the carburetor. Without a proper fuel supply, the output from the carburetor will dramatically fall. This is especially noticeable if the fuel supply is erratic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the early stage of the air leak, a complete vacuum doesn\u2019t develop. As a result, you will notice an erratic performance. But with time, the carburetor will completely fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you ignite the engine, there are chances that the fuel line might catch fire. It might sound scary, but this is also a definitive sign of an air leak in the fuel line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The line between the fuel pump and the carburetor often builds up extra pressure due to the vacuum created by an air leak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This might create sputtering at the joining points. Fuel leaks out in small amounts from the sputtering. And that fuel might cause small fires externally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This symptom is visible only if you remove the fuel line. On the suction side of the fuel line, you will notice a buildup of bubbles suggesting that air might have made its way to the fuel line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to the cause of air leaks in the fuel line of the outboard, it\u2019s just a handful. Here are three main ones from them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Replacement and repair cost changes depending on several factors, but it consists of the cost of parts and labor. The table below shows the estimated cost of repairing the air leaks in the outboard fuel line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n