2001 Malibu Sportster runs then dies

[Superchemist]

We were out skiing, everything OK, came in to pick up a spare ski, got 40 feet off the dock, and the engine died. Would not restart. Took to dealer, who replaced the fuel filter. Next day, skied early for 20 minutes, then same thing. Engine dead, no gas. Towed back to dock. Local guy says no gas getting pumped to carb.

Took took a different repair shop. They said fuil filter housing was corroded and leaking. Replaced and sealed. Worked for one week. Next week, tried to ski, again, engine died, no gas getting to carb.

Engine fires up with starter fluid, dies within seconds. Ignition is good, but no gas.

Any suggestions??

Yes, there is plenty of fuel in the tank.

[Woodski]

Sounds like a bad fuel pump or if electric maybe a blown fuse or bad connection.

[Rednucleus]

1+ for fuel pump. Our 98 Sportster went out last year - kind of worked for 2-3 weeks before giving up the ghost completely. There is a screen in the pump you can clean but we found that only a temporary fix.

[minnmarker]

Cut open the old fuel filter. Full of crap? Where did you buy gas? Perhaps you got a tank full of rusty sediment with your last fill up? Some low volume places with 10% ethanol gas will have rusty tanks.

If fuel filter looks clean (enough) then +1 on the fuel pump.

[Superchemist]

Thanks for the input. Where can I buy a new fuel pump? Filter looks OK.

[Rednucleus]

Is it a carter? Should be a part # on it - lots on ebay and other marine supply shops. Bet your local dealer has one too but probably a bit more spendy.