Hard to start when warm 330da w/7.4l FI

[JamieH]

Need advice on an apparent fuel delivery issue. Ran our 1998 330da with 7.4l fuel injection for two hour cruise, boat started and ran flawlessly. Had the generator running as it was a very hot day. Dropped the hook for lunch, but when tried to start the engines an hour later, neither would start. Sounded and felt like neither engine was getting any fuel, generator continued to run so knew it was obviously getting fuel. After 15 minutes of trying, finally got both to start. If they were carberated engines, I would suspect vapor lock, since it was a very hot day. Are EFI engines subject to a vapor lock condition? Strange that both engines were hard starting since they don't share tanks, filters etc? Also noticed that the port engine consumed considerably more fuel than the starboard, even though the starboard tank feeds the generator which was running continuously. Could this be related to the hard start issue? A quick search mentioned the fuel pressure regulator as a potential issue? Owned the boat for 7 years, very well maintained, recent spring tuneup, never any problems. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[JediJD]

There are a couple of other threads discussing MPI/EFI and vapor lock. I wouldn't have thought it was a problem, but apparently enough people have experienced it that there is a TSB from Mercruiser about it. I'll try to find the thread. Bottom line (assuming all other components are solid) they suggest that it is a fuel formulation issue first, and then look to moving fuel lines away from heat sources. Personally, I'd like to run a manual fuel pressure gauge off the Shrader valves and see exactly what's going on before starting to replace things. The uneven fuel usage is an odd clue though.

Edit...here's a link to the 380 group where the issue was being discussed. http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/12200-Official-380-Thread/page43

 

[JamieH]

Thanks for the reply. Looked everywhere for the service bulletin, any chance you would know where I could get hold of a copy?

Jamie

 

[JediJD]

http://www.*******.com/merc/Bullet/99/99_07.pdf If the link is blocked, go to b.o.a.t.f.i.x dot com

 

[JamieH]

Thanks! Didn't think EFI engines were subject to vapor lock, but I can see how the engine room can get dog gone hot. Will try the idle down, blower on routine next weekend,
and keep my fingers crossed.

 

[ardeprint]

Any resolution to this problem?