Engine dies and has to wait for around 10 min to restart

K

kaneohe

New Member
Jan 8, 2008
8
Hawaii
Hey guys,
This is my first time here and unfortunately its to ask for help. I have a 2005 220 sundeck with 4.3 mercruiser. the other day it left me stranded about a mile off Waikiki where we had to be towed in. The problem is that the boat seems run fine from full to 1/4 tank or so it seems then it will shut off.The engine will turn over fine but will not catch. After around 10 min or so it starts right up. There was a one time engine lost com message on the smartcraft display but ive been looking since Sat for what that means. Today i changed all the filters and also the oil. The boat has done this about 3 times now. and unfortunatelly i cant spare another kidney to get a mechanic involved. Any ideas?
 
Sounds like a restriction in the fuel flow. When there is plenty of gas in the tank, the pressure due to gravity is higher. There may be a problem with a fuel pump. Check for crimped fuel lines. Look for them cutting too tight of a corner. You may have picked up some debris which may be blocking a line. If you really want to trouble shoot this on your own, use extremely cautious techniques to avoid a fire. Remove your fuel lines at both ends and check for obstructions (blow).
 
Does the fuel pick-up travel on a float? If so, the swing arm may be getting stuck at 1/4 tank.
 
Thanks hampton for the fast reply. Gonna run out right now and check the lines...the pump is cycleing..althought that doesnt mean its working right. Any idea what the lost engine com message might mean?
 
Sounds like vapor lock. Not enough details to offer suggestions. Don't know if you have EFI, etc.

Best regards,
Frank
 
Hi, Yes it has EFI all conections that i have been able to find looks clean and tight with little to no corrosion...i really scrub the fire out the boat when i come in from a trip. Any idea where the ECM is located thats my next step as far checking connections..unless you have another idea where to look.
 
It's a bit unclear when the problem occurs (other than with the amount of gasoline in the tank).

Does it happen when you are underway at planing speed or at idle? Or it is a situation where it won't restart when the engine is turned off? It could be any number of things but it would be helpfull if we could get as many facts as possible.

The ECM on by 350MAG is mounted right on the side of the port riser. Your 4.3 might be different but it is probably out in the open somewhere on the block.
 
HI Dave,
IT happens when im under way. The incident Saturday was after we had stopped to bottom fish, we then Started to troll back to the harbor we were going about 5mph when it just shuts off. It usually does this after we have been running awhile then stop for a little while maybe an hour or so then start off again. It will run for a few minutes then stop. After it stops you have to wait for about 10 min for it to start again. During the time it stops the engine turns over fine but will not fire or will catch for maybe a second. Saturday due to the currents and wind pushing us off island i decided not to take the chance and wait. we flagged down another boat and got towed to dock..and wouldnt you know as soon as i was tied to the dock it fired right up.
 
Sounds like the IAC valve, does the EFI engines have an IAC valve? Since it seems to be happening at low speeds and after the engine is hot.
 
Fuel filter or vapor lock would be my guess. Might just be some crud in the tank that gets picked up until the pressure releases it and it drops off the intake??
 
4 beers says it's the AIC valve (if EFI engines have one that is).
 
Here are some things to check.

You mentioned your fuel pump was cycling I am assuming it cycles on and then stops when not trying to start the engine indicating pressure is being generated in the fuel system sufficient enough to shut off the fuel pump. If the fuel pump keeps starting and stopping when the key is in the on position but the engine is not on then I would say you have a pressure regulator problem or a fuel bypass problem. The fuel on my 5.7 TBI gets pulled through the filter by the pump sent to the TB and excess fuel is released to back to the fuel filter via a second hose to be recycled. :wow:Warning here: This is how I think it works. :wow: I am pretty sure my pump does not run all the time.

Are your fuel lines running to close to anything hot like the risers or the lower block?

The Throttle body if you have TBI is tight to the intake manifold. Check the hold down nuts.

All of your fuel filters/water separators have been changed annually?

Have you taken a fuel sample to see if there is any water in it?
 
Ahhh I see TT posted the IAC Idle Air Controller while I was typing. Left that one for you. :grin: Lots of post on IAC issues on the board.
 
This may seem odd, but I just remembered that I had the same symptoms on my '97 5.7 LX EFI. It turned out to be a corroded distributor cap. If you don't have one, then never mind.
 
could you check you boat, engine description please. If you have a 220 sundeck, you don't have a 4.3. If you have a 4.3 then you don't have a 220 sundeck. I'm assuming this boat has the original engine when I say this.
 
Not sure if it has IAS what exactlly is that? ive read a few other threads and sites about a coolfuel problem but i dont think i have that on this boat. I agree it does seem alot like vapor lock, the water temp on the smartcraft guage never seems to go a high temp. will try it Thurs and see if i can replicate the conditions and give as much details as i can. Thank you guys for all the replys thus far.
 
You Are absolutely right Woody..its a 200 sundeck.My mistake. Sorry this thing has got me ready to kick a kitten. Or it could be those 4 beers that im getting a head start on.
 
This is still a bit of a headscratcher to me. One more question. You said it happens when the fuel is low in the tank. Does it ever happen when you are above the 1/4 tank level that you mention?

If the common denominator is isolating it strictly to the level of fuel in the tank, then there is probably an issue somewhere in the fuel system. The other thing that bothers me is you mention the fuel pump keeps "cycling". When you first turn the key on, you should hear the pump run until it builds up pressure and then it will shut off. After you start the engine it will run again but it should be a constant hum.When do you hear the "cycling"? Is it right after the engine stalls? If so then there is likely a fuel pump pickup issue. One last question which may sound kind of dumb, but are you sure you have a 1/4 tank of fuel actually in the tank or are you going strictly off your gauge? If you know the fuel is in the tank that's one thing but it could be the gauge is wrong and the tank is near empty so you are sucking air and the pump is cycling as a result.
 
I like the empty tank suggestion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
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