T&T: Back to my engine stalling problem

[Jake2124 at aol.com]

A couple of weeks ago I described a problem I was having with my  engine 
stalling after first starting. I thought I found the problem when I  discovered 
the fuel filter was almost plugged ( 10 inches Vacuum)
 
WRONG!!!!!!!
 
Still have the problem. Let me describe it again:
 
The engine starts in about 1/4 revolution, runs for about 10 seconds, then  
shuts off. All at once, runs out of fuel. If I then crank for about 20 seconds, 
 it starts and continues to run just fine all day. If I start it the next 
day,  starts and runs perfectly.If I wait 2 days, starts and runs perfec. If I 
wait 3  days, it starts instantly, runs for 15 seconds, then almost dies, but 
keeps  going and runs fine all day etc. If I wait 4 days or a week or two, it 
starts,  dies, crank then is fine after it starts. I have checked all the fuel 
line  fittings, I replaced all the gaskets on my Racor, I also replaced the 
fuel  filter, no cigar. There are, as far as I can find with pretty close 
inspection,  no fuel leaks. I can say that this happened after I purchased fuel, and 
that the  day before this started, my fuel filter vacuum gage read zero. After 
this  started it read 10 inches HG. Also, at the same time, I was in pretty 
rough  seas. So, new fuel, rough seas, plugged filter, and this problem. 
Personally, I  think the fuel and plugged filter are just a coincidence, and have 
nothing to do  with the problem. Also, the fuel lift pump has no leakage out of 
the "weep  hole", the air inlet on the "dry" side of the pump. Could a valve 
in the lift  pump be leaking internally or something. I am pretty much stumped 
and welcome  any suggestions. Just more info:  The Racors are higher than the 
lift pump.  The fuel pick up is from an equalizer line between the tanks, 
lower than the  Racors. One marina operator said he had a similar problem that was 
some air  bubble in the tank that was solved by pumping a bunch of fuel out 
with a high  speed pump, but that was after the owner had run out of fuel. I 
have never had  less than 115 gallons in my tanks.
 
Thanks
 
Jake
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