2 Questions: Engine won't restart & Do I need a new mechanic

vtomgardner

vtomgardner

New Member
Oct 10, 2019
26
Boat Info
2001 240 Sundeck
Engines
350 Mercruiser TBI, Alpha I Gen II
Everyone, as most you have had more experience than I do, I'd like to get your thoughts. Last year I got a new to me 2001 240 Sundeck with a Mercruiser 350. It ran great. We cruised around during the fall a few times and had no issues.

This year the problems started: I did had bad gas at the beginning of the season, that seems to be fixed. I've also put in new sparks, oil filter, fuel filter, and batteries. I had the oil changed during winterization.

My questions:
1) I'm able to start the engine and it runs fine at idle and cruising. BUT after I've been out for a bit (maybe 10 mins) and the engine is warmed up, after I turn-off the engine for a while, whether filling-up the tank or sitting in a cove, I CAN'T get it to re-start. It's cranking, but it just doesn't catch. Any ideas? (Note, the mechanic has done a cap & rotor kit and coil kit, new sparks,)

2) To get this fixed, and to give the boat a once-over I went to the local sea-ray dealer (Marine Max in Cornelius, NC). Two days ago they were supposed to give it a lake test and return it to me. I haven't heard from them since -- I'm guessing the lake test didn't go well. But, here's the thing. They've had the boat for 38 days now, and $3,500 later (also had impeller replaced, bellows replaced, gimbal bearing, replaced etc), it's still not fixed. I haven't dealt with a boat mechanic for decades, is this time-frame normal? Or should I just get the boat of of there and find somebody else?

Thanks for reading.
 
vtomgardner said:
Everyone, as most you have had more experience than I do, I'd like to get your thoughts. Last year I got a new to me 2001 240 Sundeck with a Mercruiser 350. It ran great. We cruised around during the fall a few times and had no issues.

This year the problems started: I did had bad gas at the beginning of the season, that seems to be fixed. I've also put in new sparks, oil filter, fuel filter, and batteries. I had the oil changed during winterization.

My questions:
1) I'm able to start the engine and it runs fine at idle and cruising. BUT after I've been out for a bit (maybe 10 mins) and the engine is warmed up, after I turn-off the engine for a while, whether filling-up the tank or sitting in a cove, I CAN'T get it to re-start. It's cranking, but it just doesn't catch. Any ideas? (Note, the mechanic has done a cap & rotor kit and coil kit, new sparks,)

2) To get this fixed, and to give the boat a once-over I went to the local sea-ray dealer (Marine Max in Cornelius, NC). Two days ago they were supposed to give it a lake test and return it to me. I haven't heard from them since -- I'm guessing the lake test didn't go well. But, here's the thing. They've had the boat for 38 days now, and $3,500 later (also had impeller replaced, bellows replaced, gimbal bearing, replaced etc), it's still not fixed. I haven't dealt with a boat mechanic for decades, is this time-frame normal? Or should I just get the boat of of there and find someb ody else?

Thanks for reading.
Click to expand...

Time frame is normal for this part of the season, every mechanic is backed up. Does it eventually start after waiting 30 mins or an hour? because, if it does, i would use it til the end of season. Where are you located? maybe it goes away when the temps cool down...
 
vtomgardner said:
Everyone, as most you have had more experience than I do, I'd like to get your thoughts. Last year I got a new to me 2001 240 Sundeck with a Mercruiser 350. It ran great. We cruised around during the fall a few times and had no issues.

This year the problems started: I did had bad gas at the beginning of the season, that seems to be fixed. I've also put in new sparks, oil filter, fuel filter, and batteries. I had the oil changed during winterization.

My questions:
1) I'm able to start the engine and it runs fine at idle and cruising. BUT after I've been out for a bit (maybe 10 mins) and the engine is warmed up, after I turn-off the engine for a while, whether filling-up the tank or sitting in a cove, I CAN'T get it to re-start. It's cranking, but it just doesn't catch. Any ideas? (Note, the mechanic has done a cap & rotor kit and coil kit, new sparks,)

2) To get this fixed, and to give the boat a once-over I went to the local sea-ray dealer (Marine Max in Cornelius, NC). Two days ago they were supposed to give it a lake test and return it to me. I haven't heard from them since -- I'm guessing the lake test didn't go well. But, here's the thing. They've had the boat for 38 days now, and $3,500 later (also had impeller replaced, bellows replaced, gimbal bearing, replaced etc), it's still not fixed. I haven't dealt with a boat mechanic for decades, is this time-frame normal? Or should I just get the boat of of there and find somebody else?

Thanks for reading.
Click to expand...
Probably worth a call to get an update on the status.

In my experience it's usually a few weeks to look at it, but once they do, it's on the board and gets repaired within days depending on part availability.
 
Question:

Have you tried running your boat with the fuel cap off or loosened?

Wondering if a vacuum is being created so fuel is being sucked back into the tank when you stop.

If it runs and starts fine with the cap off or loose....... look at your vent line and see if it's clogged or kinked.
 
Chris-380 said:
Time frame is normal for this part of the season, every mechanic is backed up. Does it eventually start after waiting 30 mins or an hour? because, if it does, i would use it til the end of season. Where are you located? maybe it goes away when the temps cool down...
Click to expand...

Coincidentally, the boat was returned to me today. I happened to be there when it was returned, and the person driving my boat was the mechanic. Turns out it was vapor lock caused by a bad impeller, AND the ignition coil was going too.

Thanks for letting me know about the standard delay. I had no idea things would get this backed up.
 
Little Ducky said:
Question:

Have you tried running your boat with the fuel cap off or loosened?

Wondering if a vacuum is being created so fuel is being sucked back into the tank when you stop.

If it runs and starts fine with the cap off or loose....... look at your vent line and see if it's clogged or kinked.
Click to expand...

As it turns out it was the impeller causing extra heat which led to vapor lock. But thanks for the suggestion! I'll be sure to remember it for future issues.
 
My buddy took his boat to a local mechanic April 12 to repair a windlass and fix the captains call. Got the windlass fixed, told him to wait on the captains call, just wanted to get on the water. Was told it was ready on Tuesday morning. Got a second call at lunch and the mechanic said he started the boat to check verythibg, and it’s heating up.... I feel so bad for him and his family. Just bought it in March and still isn’t on the water yet
vtomgardner said:
Coincidentally, the boat was returned to me today. I happened to be there when it was returned, and the person driving my boat was the mechanic. Turns out it was vapor lock caused by a bad impeller, AND the ignition coil was going too.

Thanks for letting me know about the standard delay. I had no idea things would get this backed up.
Click to expand...
 
Other than the vapor lock, I've seen all too often things run good until ran enough to get warm, then run like crap or just quit until it cooks off.
I just chased similar in my son's Dodge truck. Cold crank sensor works great. Get it warm, start pushing...
Ignition Coils are much the same.
 
Hi vtomgardner
Whoa, that mechanic time frame is rough...I understand it, but it really is tough to swallow especially with short summers and the money we all spend in marina fees. This is the primary reason to try and be as pro active with maintenance as possible in the off season, and be to try and be prepared to perform whatever tasks you are capable of yourself IN season. Taking your boat out for repair in season is the worst! You've spent a bunch of money...I hope it's all fixed up and you can enjoy it now!
 
Vapor lock is caused by a hot engine in a small engine compartment with inadequate ventilation. Try running the blower 100% of the time the engine is running and a few minutes after shutdown. Run it again for about 5 minutes prior to starting a hot/warm engine. This might keep the vapor lock from occurring in the first place.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,120
Messages
1,426,613
Members
61,037
Latest member
wojozobl
Back
Top