I got Towed home.

W

wickeral

New Member
Jul 15, 2007
108
Riverhead, New York
Boat Info
250 Dancer
Engines
454/B-III
Finally get a chance to take an evening cruise with the MRS. and we had to be towed home. Boat ran fine, (First time out this season), for 45 Min. We stopped to drift and watch a beautiful sunset. Time to go home and she wouldn't keep running. Starts fine and runs clean for 3 or 4 seconds after I let go of the key. So I'm thinking it's fuel related. 1997 Dancer with a 454/300 with Digital Injection. I just installed a new Fuel Filter and stored the boat with a full Tank. What type of Fuel Pump do these boats have. I'll hit the manuals tomorrow but thought maybe someone else had this experience. Thanks, Al W.
 
Think about replacing the idle control valve. I had a similar problem, and that was the answer. But I can sympathize with that "tow of shame".

Even when it's not your fault, you kind of go through it with your head down, don't ya?
 
Oooops! Sorry about that. I tend to answer more than ask but being an older guy these EFI, TPI, etc. make me scratch my head! Got the Manuals out and am going to change out the Idle Control Valve for a start. Apparently they are often the culprite so if it proves not to solve the problem I'll have the old one for a spare. Thanks for checking my profile as it is important. I spend an awful lot of time on the CorvetteForum.com, C-2 section and as you do, I always look at peoples profiles to understand thier intent before I let them pick my brain. Thanks again, Al Wicklund
 
Last edited:
MC1600 said:
Think about replacing the idle control valve. I had a similar problem, and that was the answer. But I can sympathize with that "tow of shame".

Even when it's not your fault, you kind of go through it with your head down, don't ya?
Click to expand...

My Friend you were right on the money. Installed the new OEM Idle Control Valve in about Ten minutes and she started right up. As for the "Tow of Shame". I stent 26 years of a 30 year career with the Nassau County Police Dept. Marine Bureau as an Officer. Towed home lots and lots of folks during the 26 years I was on the water. And, I was quiet as a mouse when Sea Tow arrived. Just let the nice man do his thing. (Very good and professional). At the dock he said that I was very easy to deal with. I informed him of my prior employment and we had a great laugh! Thanks to the other responder to my question also. Al W.
 
ahhhh. . . the Tow of shame.

That is a MAJOR reason for having twins :)

But Seatow is certainly a life saver, isn't it?
 
Yeah. . . . even with twins, I pay the $149 a year.

First, because twins are not 100% reliable. An electrical issue or fuel issue can render both engines inop. Plus, SeaTow would also help me with my other watertoys!

Second, because if I really did have to get a tow and I *didn't* have SeaTow, I would be kicking myself so hard, and the Admiral would berate me so fiercely. . . it's just not worth the risk.
 
look on the bright side - you saved gas.
 
When I have had the IAC fail, I found that I could still start the engine if I used the shift release button (or whatever you call it) and gave it some gas, like you had to do years ago, before EFI. It just would not run at idle.

I took a plastic electric tie and wrapped it around the idle stop on the top of the engine. This raised my idle speed enough to keep the engine running and get me back to the marina. Too bad they don't put an idle adjustment screw on EFI engines.
 
Yeh, I'm saving lots of Gas. The Admiral says the boat is unreliable and hestitates to go out on it. Just a little bit of coaxing and things will return to normal. Al W.
 
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