Guys, I'm stuck in a Marina and need your help

G

gnealon

New Member
Apr 8, 2009
570
West Babylon, NY
Boat Info
2005 280 DA, Garmin 4208
"Ship Faced"
Engines
Twin 5.0L Merc BIII
OK i have 2 freaking kids screaming... and a boat all packed up. Murphay's law... port engine won't start. Can i get some advice?

Here is what is going on. When i hit the ignition button, half way, on my starboard engine i hear a faint hiss. I believe fuel pump?!?! Anyways... i don't hear that hiss on the port engine. I am leaning towards fuel issue. Also, i changed swaped the fuel filter and still nothing.

I appreciate the help.:smt013
 
Guys... sorry forgot to mention... the engine is cranking. I also check the spark plugs and they looked fine to me.

Thanks for the help.
 
I agree that "hiss" is likely the fuel pump priming and if you are not hearing it on the port engine then your fuel pump may be gone. Although I am not sure I would call mine a "hiss" and I really do not hear mine prime unless I have the engine hatch open.

John
 
OK - you need some fast help on this one..

FIRST...check that your port drive control is in the neutral position.

What happens when you depress all the way on the switch to start - is there any crank?

EDIT: I just saw your post about the cranking. So it won't turn over after cranking? Batter level is OK for that engine, right? Turn off the fuel pump manually, then start it again, then turn it back on. There is a screw on top that manually bypasses the pump I believe. Might be a stuck valve. Do you have a volt meter to check that the pump is getting juice?
 
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You're saying it's not even attempting to crank? Meaning you hit the start button and nothing at all happens?

The easy thing would be a bad ignition switch or key switch. Checking voltages with a meter may help. Or at least a test light to verify power. Swapping switches is another possibility.

If you're really in a bind, just take off on one engine.

On edit: Boy you guys are quick! I read the first post, started typing, hit "submit" and there were already 3 new posts!

Seems like the other guys are on the right track.
 
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gnealon said:
Guys... sorry forgot to mention... the engine is cranking. I also check the spark plugs and they looked fine to me.

Thanks for the help.
Click to expand...
1) fuel at intake?
2) spark at plug?
3) air filter clean?
$4) water in oil or cyl?
 
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you should hear that hiss you describe (fuel pump) so if you dont, check fuses that power the port side to make sure none are tripped. You might also try pulling a fuel line AFTER the pump and see if fuel is moving through the line. Make SURE you have the blowers going and vent the area afterwards until he fuel vapor smell is gone. This will help you understand if fuel is moving through the system the way it should. The IAC valves have also known to be problematic so maybe see if there is one that you can swap out (maybe from starboard to port just to see if thats the problem). Hope this helps
 
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K-9 said:
1) fuel at intake?
2) spark at plug?
3) air filter clean?
Click to expand...

When i removed the port fuel filter the canister was filled with fuel.

spark at plug... no idea how to test that.

thanks again guys.
 
+1 on IAC valve as a possible problem. Disengage the drive from the throttle (using the black button on control) and throttle-up while starting to see if this gets you going. if so, you may have an IAC problem.
 
Oh, do you have a "kill switch" on your 280?

Spark at plug: Be sure engine hatch is opened and well ventilated - no gas fumes from pulling off filter, etc. Pull plug out, insert back into wire and hold (with something insulated) the base of the plug near the block. Have someone crank, look for spark.
 
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gerryb said:
+1 on IAC valve as a possible problem. Disengage the drive from the throttle (using the black button on control) and throttle-up while starting to see if this gets you going. if so, you may have an IAC problem.
Click to expand...

thanks gerry.... thats the first thing i tried. no good... i am going to swap the IAC right now.
 
Lazy Daze said:
Oh, do you have a "kill switch" on your 280?

Spark at plug: Be sure engine hatch is opened and well ventilated - no gas fumes from pulling off filter, etc. Pull plug out, insert back into wire and hold (with something insulated) the base of the plug near the block. Have someone crank, look for spark.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about that kill switch. Never heard of it so assume NO!??!

Anyways... swapped IAC and still no good :smt009

do i need to test all 8 plugs? thx again
 
gnealon said:
I'm not sure about that kill switch. Never heard of it so assume NO!??!

Anyways... swapped IAC and still no good :smt009

do i need to test all 8 plugs? thx again
Click to expand...

Couldn't remember offhand if the 280 had the kill switch. You'd know if you had it - so you're probably correct in saying you don't have it.

Testing plugs - one or two will do the trick. You're just verifying if spark is getting there.
 
can you guys give me an idea on where the fuel pump is? Is it worth checking for spark even if i don't hear that "hiss"? im leaning towards pump but will try anything at this point :-(
 
Lazy Daze said:
Couldn't remember offhand if the 280 had the kill switch. You'd know if you had it - so you're probably correct in saying you don't have it.

Testing plugs - one or two will do the trick. You're just verifying if spark is getting there.
Click to expand...

ok.. ill check now.
 
Is your voltage good on that side? Meaning - your batteries are good on your Port Side?
 
When I had a gas boat, we had a similar problem. Hiss on one engine not on the other, swapped fuel pumps, problem solved.
 
If your not hearing the "hissing" sound, your fuel pump is not pressurizing. Could be a faulty pump? Not getting power?
 
firecadet613 said:
If your not hearing the "hissing" sound, your fuel pump is not pressurizing. Could be a faulty pump? Not getting power?
Click to expand...

that's what im thinking... i have voltage... also i am pluged into shore power too and still nothing. my voltage on port is 13 and starboard 14. but i assume its still ok...


guys i would like to swap fuel pumps. can anyone tell me where it is?
 
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