2002 Utopia Burning Through Fuel

[mshaver]

We recently purchased a 2002 Utopia with 240 Merc EFI. We have only taken the boat out a few times, but seem to be going through an excessive amount of fuel. At this point, we have had to fill the tank- 40 gallons- once per week while using the boat for about 3-4 hours each week (10-13 gph at 20-30 mph) . There is also a very strong gasoline smell while sitting in the boat when not running. No obvious large amounts of fuel in the engine compartment. No obvious leaks when idling. First, is this normal? Second, if not, any advice before we pull the boat out of the water and travel over 50 miles to the only mechanic willing to service a jet boat?

 

[UKGlenn]

Depending on how fast you go and the load etc. The specs for the m2 are 21.8 gph at 5500 rpm down to 11.8 gph at 4500 down to 9.1 gph at 4000 rpm. etc. You can see why 40 Gallons doesnt last long. Welcome to boating.

 

[Tim75]

Welcome.
The 240 efi is a thirsty beast. How much gas does your weed trimmer use with its 22cc engine?
How much will your 2,500cc boat engine use? About 114 times as much!

What can you do about it? Make sure it's running at its best. Are all 6 cylinders firing? Are the injectors working properly? Is the throttle position sensor adjusted properly and working properly? The tps does fail and send the engine into full rich mode at anything less than full throttle. Hope it's not that- they cost $550-$700. Are the injectors leaking at shutdown? Dumps gas into engine. How is the engine's compression in all cylinders?

There should not be ANY trace of gas in the bilge at any time. If there is, you have a bomb on your hands.
Find the leak and fix it. Check the tank vent fitting.

Check all the small hoses on the engine block. These collect gas that pools in different spots inside the engine. They could leak vapor into the bilge. You do run the bilge fan before starting.

 

[Tim75]

Forgot something--
Check injector pump pressure on top of vapor separator tank (vst). Looks like a tire valve. Pressure should be 36psi. Too much pressure= excess fuel burn and less performance.

 

[Dr Honda]

sounds normal to me. I can burn 50 gal in an afternoon on the Pittsburgh rivers.

 

[mshaver]

Thank you for the information and insight! Had it looked at a couple weeks ago and they didn't detect anything. Looks like another trip may be in store. Most worried about the constant smell of gasoline, even though none appears to be present.

 

[Dr Honda]

Thank you for the information and insight! .................Most worried about the constant smell of gasoline, even though none appears to be present.

You're welcome. AND... the fuel smell is kind of normal for an older 2-stroke. An ounce or two of fuel spilt into the bilge... and it will stink for a long time. Also... you have to realize that on your engine... there's no air filter... or even a flame arrestor. (kind of dumb) So... when the butterflies are open... some fuel will spit back before the reeds seal.

The only thing you can do is to clean the bilge a couple times a season, and that will help. I use "Super CLean" for the section around the engine. AND... I've been known to put a scoop of tide laudry soap in the bilge when I go out for an easy day. That way... as the water gets in... it sloshes around... and then just comes out when I open the plugs at the end of the day. I don't recommend that on a "Play" day... the detergent is lightly corrosive, and you want to keep it's splashing around to a minimum. I do it on a day without the kids... and I'm going fishing .