RE: Fuel Pump/Running out of Gas

Jmass03 · Outlaw Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 239 City: OrLaNdO

Hey guys, did it again today, while tubing with a bunch of friends. Thought we had enough gas to get back to the dock, and ran out in the middle of the lake. The current from the wind pushed us into the weeds, in swampland, and we stayed there for a good 15 min until we flagged down two jetskiiers who towed us back to the house. My service technician told me last year, that it is absolutely horrible to run the fuel pump to empty, and I should never do that. I know I shouldnt, I've done it three times, including today since I bought the boat, however, I'm not sure how many times the previous owner did it. I bought the boat used with 45 hours on it. Its a 00 MC Xstar. Anyway, i know this is an 800dollar something part, but am i really screwed right now? I'm hoping its fine, and doesnt mess up. Isnt the boat supposed to have a reserve. Where the hell is it!?

Jonathan

Mike.H · Posted: Jun 29, 2004 9:26 pm Post subject:

i dont think its suppost to have a reserve but it should have a gas guage to c where ure at on gas and not run out.

mc_driver · Criminal Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 84 City: SF Bay Area

Whatever you do (if you know you've run out of fuel) do not keep trying to start the boat in hopes of getting that "last ounce" of fuel....you stand the risk of burning out the fuel pump solenoid, especially if it is an internal fuel pump(mounted in the gas tank). Fortunately for me, when I burned mine out, my boat was under warranty, and was replaced and no cost.

The service mgr. told me to never run the gas too low. The gas helps to keep the fuel pump cool when the engine is running. Plus, you don't want to suck up any debris or residue that is sitting at the bottom of the tank.

fowbish · Newbie Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Posts: 3

YEP, happened to me. The only problem that I have with the whole picture of this thing called a gas guage is that it never worked 100% of the time and we were guessing. I was only a couple of 100 ft from my dock and didn't try to start the boat again but after putting gas in the pump still burned up. The best part is that the 04 X-star that I have now is the so far the guage works

pedboydan · Outlaw Joined: 29 Aug 2003 Posts: 129 City: SJSU

a buddys MC ran out of gas and wouldnt start back up, called the dealer and they told us it was a burned up fuel pump but when we installed the new one it still didnt work, turns out it was a little fuse in the engine compartment that went out.

DiyGuy · Soul Rider Joined: 26 Dec 2003 Posts: 460

Frankly, anyone that can't properly excersize fuel management, should not even be allowed to own a boat. It is inexcusable, IMHO.

You have at least two indicators to tell you about fuel. If you know jack s**t about how much gas your engine burns, there is the hour meter to monitor. Mine for example runs on average around 5-6 gal/hr while boarding. 35 gal divided by 6 or make it 7 gal/hr = 5 hours. hobbs/hour meter starting day full of fuel is 160 hrs. At 164 hours or so, compare the fuel gage to the hour meter....NOT rocket science.

And, obviously a fuel gage.

noneya · Addict Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 796 City: Roxboro, NC

Well....if you were tubing you deserved it!