Strange Fuel Pump priming sound??

[kpvikes]

Noticed a different kind of sound from the fuel pump last week while doing a boat vacation. Instead of the normal sound you hear from a fuel pump (a sound I can best describe as closely matching the constant steady sound of adjusting the trim on a inboard/outboard outdrive) it is more of a garble sound like water and air going pumping through our tsunami pump for filling and draining ballast bags. Sorry for these sound descriptions but it's the best I can do.

Also, for first time since we've owned the boat (new Moomba owner since late Summer 2011), we tried starting it at the dock after lunch and after running it that morning before lunch. It started but ran really rough until it died. We tried starting it for 1/2 hour or so with no luck until finally getting it going. We didn't have this issue the rest of the week however, the fuel pump still makes the garbel sound when you turn the key and it primes the engine.

Called the local dealer today and they want $315. for a fuel pump, additional $200 to install it and $100 to just check my fuel pump pressure to see if it's bad. Don't want to spend money for a fuel pump if there's nothing wrong with it. Anyone else had this strange noise from their fuel pump when turning the key and it primes the engine? Appreciate receiving your thoughts on this.

[wolfeman131]

Also, for first time since we've owned the boat (new Moomba owner since late Summer 2011), we tried starting it at the dock after lunch and after running it that morning before lunch. It started but ran really rough until it died. We tried starting it for 1/2 hour or so with no luck until finally getting it going. We didn't have this issue the rest of the week however, the fuel pump still makes the garbel sound when you turn the key and it primes the engine.

This sounds like the vapor lock many of us have experienced on hot days. Not sure if it's related to the sounds. You may want to swap out your fuel filter and/or you can try pouring some cool water on it next time this happens. Some folks run with their blowers on all the time during the summer, only run non-ethanol gas, use blue Stabil in their gas, do a special dance at fillup, all of these things, etc. Search the forum for some more answers.