E-140TLCDC will not run unless I use the primer

[Dchunter]

The motor is 140hp E-140TLCDC to be exact. I believe the power head was replaced in 93, and I am still having the same problem. In 2014 I started to have fuel problems, but last year 2015, it ran flawlessly until the end of the season as it got cold out. It did run fairly well on a full tank early this season, but once it got down to 3/4 tank the same problem again of stalling out. It seems as if the fuel line goes empty as if the pump can not pull the gas out of the tank without help.When it does start, I can keep it running by squeezing the primer bulb when it is about to stall. I ran an external tank today and had the same problem of wanting to stall after it started. By squeezing the primer I was able to keep it running. So I ruled out bad gas or collapsed fuel line system. I now believe the problem to be at the fuel pump. I noticed that some of the fuel lines are dry rotted and one that is plugging an unused hole on the bottom of the pump is torn almost in half leading me to believe that I have a vacuum leak or air leak so I am in the market for new fuel lines from the fuel pump to the engine only. Would and could that be my only problem, or does it sound like the old pump may have given up? I am not sure how the fuel pump works on an outboard like mine.

[Joe Reeves]

E-140TLCDC = 1986 140hp Evinrude....

When squeezing the fuel primer bulb (acting as a manual fuel pump) the engine stays running indicates that the pump is failing.

Your mention of..... "some of the fuel lines are dry rotted and one that is plugging an unused hole on the bottom of the pump is torn almost in half leading me to believe that I have a vacuum leak or air leak"..... indicates that your engine has been converted back to a non VRO setup whereas you mix 50/1 oil with your gas supply.

Using premix and converting the engine back as above, that smaller fitting at the bottom rear of the pump must be plugged properly!

As it stands, either the pump is failing internally OR is drawing in and supplying air to the carburetors.

[Dchunter]

HI JOe,

Yes it was converted before I got it, but I would have done the same. So yes that plug was over the old oil intake. I repaired it today. Still have the same problem, but can run at about 3000 rpms without it stalling and having to reprime the system to start. I suspected it to be the pump. It's an old engine and I guess it is about time for something to go wrong. I just wanted to check out all the cheaper options first. The VRO pump is over 400.00 for this engine. So I am in the market for one. Looking on line now.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Dane