Mercury Outboard Fuel Pump Problems: Top 6 Problems With Explanation
Is your mercury outboard burning fuel more than usual and stopping in the middle of the lake? If so, it must be a matter of great concern for you. Such a problem arises due to a damaged outboard fuel pump. Including this, many other problems are also caused because of a faulty fuel pump.
The mercury outboard fuel pump problems are easy to figure out. But do you have any idea about what those problems are? If not, then this article is just a perfect match for you.
In short, if your mercury outboard fuel pump goes bad, you will face problems like no noise from the outboard engine or weird loud noises from the fuel tank. Moreover, the outboard engine will also not function properly. The engine will sputter, and it will be difficult to start the engine. Also, the engine will have low fuel mileage.
Now, you might not be clear about the problems yet. To clearly understand the fuel pump problems, read the whole article.
Mercury Outboard Fuel Pump Problems With Explanation
There are some specific signs that indicate that the fuel pump in your outboard is not in good condition. Read the following points and know what Mercury outboard fuel pump problems are. Remember, if you face any of these issues, you might need to change the fuel pump of your outboard.
No Sound From The Engine
You must have noticed that whenever you start your outboard engine, it always makes a sound. This sound indicates the fuel pump is engaging with the engine to provide fuel. However, if you find the engine totally in silent mode, there might be two problems.
Now, the problem might be with the engine battery or the fuel pump. So, first, you have to check the battery. Determine whether there is any problem with the battery or not. If you see that the battery is in perfect condition, then the problem is with the fuel pump.
Remember, no sound coming from the motor or engine of your outboard is actually a strong sign that tells that there is a problem with the fuel pump.
Noise From The Fuel Tank
When the fuel pump of your outboard gets damaged, you will hear noises from the fuel tank. Now, do not get confused with the first issue that we discussed. The first issue was about the sound from the engine. But this issue tells about the noise coming from the fuel tank of your outboard.
Remember, the outboard fuel pump usually makes loud noises when there is an insufficient amount of oil or there is debris in the fuel tank. So, whenever you hear noise from the fuel tank, do not rush to make any decision. It is wise not to change the fuel pump immediately after you hear noises from the tank.
Before you make any decision, first check the fuel tank whether it has fuel or not. Also, you must make sure that the fuel tank is not contaminated with any sediments or debris. If you see that the fuel tank of your outboard has enough fuel and is still making loud noises, change the fuel pump.
Note: It is normal for the fuel pump to make a low hum.
Engine Sputtering Or Stopping
A sputtering engine is one of the common signs that tell that the fuel pump of your outboard needs replacement. The engine of your outboard will sputter or slow down the speed if the fuel pump fails to produce a constant flow of fuel. Also, it might happen that your outboard will stop running in the middle of the lake or river.
Now, when does the fuel pump fail to produce a constant flow of fuel? Have any idea about it? Well, the reason behind this is a clogged fuel filter. So, you might need to clean or change the fuel filter besides changing the fuel pump.
Difficult To Start The Engine
It is obvious that you will face problems while starting your outboard engine if the fuel pump cannot push the fuel to the engine. It is hard for a damaged or clogged fuel pump to pass fuel to the engine. So, if you see that you are struggling to start your outboard engine, you must check the fuel pump.
Overheat
If the fuel pump of your outboard is damaged, it is evident that it will cause the engine to overheat. The fuel gauge lets you know whether the engine is overheated. So, if you see that the temperature of your boat’s fuel gauge is at a higher level, it is a sign of a damaged fuel pump.
Lower Fuel Efficiency
Too much fuel usage is another problem that arises due to a bad fuel pump. To figure out this problem, first, check how long a full fuel tank usually lasts. If you see that the fuel tank of your outboard is emptying quicker than usual, check the condition of your fuel pump.
The Reasons Behind A Malfunctioning Fuel Pump
By now, you know what the mercury outboard fuel pump problems are. But do you know why a fuel pump cannot function properly? Below are the points that are the main reasons behind a malfunctioning fuel pump.
Clogged Fuel Filter
It is normal for the fuel filters to get clogged due to different kinds of sediments from the river body. When you do not clean or change the fuel filter for a long time, it gets clogged and blocks fuel movement through the pump. So, it is time to clean the fuel filter whenever you see your outboard machine is backfiring or not working properly.
Sometimes cleaning the fuel filter might not solve the problem if it is too late. That means if you keep running an outboard motor with a clogged filter, it will eventually damage the fuel pump. In that case, you need to change the fuel pump as well.
Defect In The Fuel Pump Relay
The fuel pump relay plays a vital role by controlling the power current that is received by the fuel pump. So, when this relay becomes faulty, it also affects the fuel pump. This gives rise to problems like difficulty in starting the engine, power loss, low acceleration, etc.
Low Voltage
To pass fuel through the fuel line to the engine, a specific voltage is required by the fuel pump. If that battery fails to supply the required voltage, then the fuel pump won’t work properly. In such cases, you must check whether the battery is dead. If dead, then replace the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A fuel pressure gauge will help you to diagnose a fuel pump problem. All you have to do is check the pressure of the fuel line with this gauge. If the fuel pressure shows a reading of zero, it indicates a dead fuel pump.
Some specific reasons will cause low fuel pressure. These are inaccurate tank venting, clogged pumps, clogged filter, blocked fuel lines, broken electrical control, and a weak pump.
Final Words
That is all about the Mercury outboard fuel pump problems. Now that you are at the end of the article and read all the problems elaborately, you can easily tell whether your outboard fuel pump is in good condition. Hopefully, you will be able to figure out the fuel pump problems and change the fuel pump before it causes more damage to the outboard motor.
Remember, a fuel pump is the only component that helps the fuel to reach the engine. So, if the fuel pump is damaged, the engine will not get enough fuel, and this will cause various problems. Now, you can detect those problems and replace the fuel pump before it’s too late.
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