Should I change my Carb
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Engine Repair
Forum Discription: Engine problems and solutions
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=51635
Printed Date: November-21-2024 at 7:59pm
Topic: Should I change my Carb
Posted By: theairguy
Subject: Should I change my Carb
Date Posted: June-23-2024 at 11:28am
| Hello I am new to Ski Nautique boats and I just bought a 1982 2001. I noticed that the carb had been changed out to a Carter competition series with an electric fuel pump. I dont think this carb is marine grade. Should I change it back to the Holley and a manuel pump? |
Replies:
Posted By: Jonny Quest
Date Posted: June-23-2024 at 1:08pm
|
In the marine world, the fuel system has safety features built in...mostly to avoid fire and explosion. As such, non-marine components may put you at risk. A marine carb and fuel pump are critical so that you keep gasoline out of the bilge of the boat -- mitigating a fire or explosion risk. The marine carbs have a safety feature that will return gasoline into the throat of the carb in the event of over-filling of the fuel bowls. A marine fuel pump should shut off when the engine stops turning to prevent gasoline from being pumped to the carb continuously. So, if your engine components don't have these features, then you are at risk. FWIW, I've run a non "approved" fuel line in my old 1994, but it was built to my spec with a stainless steel braided line. I took a risk, but there you have it. Carbs: The Holley 4160 carb (marine version) has been mounted on thousands of marine engines and is a good choice. The Quick Fuel line of marine carbs are also an excellent choice (my personal favorite). The Quick Fuel M-600 would work on your 1982 -- assuming that it has a 351W small block Ford engine. Fuel Pumps: Carter makes mechanical and electric fuel pumps. The electric fuel pump needs to be wired to a shut-off device -- such as a low oil pressure switch -- that would stop the pump from continuing to pump when the engine stops turning. The traditional mechanical fuel pump (marine) obviously stops pumping when the engine stops turning. The marine mechanical pump has a safety device built-in if the diaphragm ruptures. There is a hose (usually clear) that runs from the pump up to a carb inlet so that excess gasoline would be ingested into the carb if the diaphragm fails. Auto pumps simply allow the excess gasoline to escape onto the ground. So...to answer your question...it's your choice. I know what I would choose -- safety. Fire on a boat is terrifying. I've seen boats burn to the waterline. If you provide additional details regarding your engine, this Forum can provide you with part numbers and help you with the installation process. JQ
------------- Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
Posted By: MrMcD
Date Posted: June-23-2024 at 1:26pm
| Well said JQ, people have died because they did not follow this advice. Marine parts cost more but in this case you do not save money. Buy what is proper and safe. |
Posted By: theairguy
Date Posted: June-23-2024 at 1:34pm
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Yes thank you for the reply, it does have the Ford 351. when you turn the key on the fuel pump comes on so it is not wired to shut of unless the key is off. I can see how this is a dangerous set up. I ordered the correct fuel pump and the metal line that goes from the pump to the carb. I have not ordered a new carb yet. Is it ok to just use hose clamps to connect the rubber fuel line from the filter to the pump? any help or part numbers would be great. I want it safe as possible seeing how my kids will be on the boat.
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Posted By: theairguy
Date Posted: June-23-2024 at 1:42pm
| Which carb do you thik is better the regular Holley or the quick fuel? I ordered a new fuel line it doesn't look like it will fit the quick fuel model. |
Posted By: Jonny Quest
Date Posted: June-23-2024 at 5:46pm
Quick Fuel was started by ex-Holley engineers. The ex-Holley guys wanted to improve on the Holley designs, but apparently Holley was reluctant, so the ex-Holley guys left and started Quick Fuel. Many of the Quick Fuel carbs are very close to their Holley counterparts -- but Quick Fuel included some very nice additions and improvements. Eventually, Holley realized that Quick Fuel was taking significant market-share, so Holley purchased Quick Fuel. Funny how these things work out. Now, Quick Fuel is part of the "Holley Family". Many parts are interchangeable...some are not. Think of the Quick Fuel M-600 as a Holley 4160 on steroids. The Q.F. M-600 has sight windows in the float bowls and external float adjustment hardware for easy adjustment of fuel levels. The Q.F. also has adjustable (changeable) jets in the primary and secondary circuits...Holley has fixed jets in the secondaries. Maybe these features aren't important to everybody, but to a carb geek, they are very cool "must haves". For a fuel line, www.skidim.com offers a flexible fuel line that will work: https://skidim.com/flexible-fuel-line-w-fittings/ Sierra also offers flexible fuel lines that are USCG approved. JQ
------------- Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |
theairguy wrote:Posted By: Faceplant
Date Posted: June-23-2024 at 9:35pm
|
Very happy with my Quick Fuel Carb. ------------- Feels like I am hanging 10 but in reality - probably hanging 6. |
Posted By: theairguy
Date Posted: June-23-2024 at 9:57pm
| Do they make a premade line that goes from the fuel filter/water separator to the fuel pump? |
Posted By: Jonny Quest
Date Posted: June-24-2024 at 12:52am
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You can use USCG approved fuel line to feed the fuel pump. Available at many online sites. Skidim.com. NautiqueParts.com. Etc. JQ ------------- Current 2003 Ski Nautique 206 Limited Previous 2001 Ski Nautique Open Bow 1994 Ski Nautique Open Bow Aqua skiing, ergo sum |