Quiet ride home!!!

[wickeral]

She's not Happy! We went out for a ride two weeks ago and got Sea Towed! Engine would start and die. My friends here on the Forum suggested an Idle Air Solonoid for my 97, 7.4 Mercruiser. Sounded logical seeing as the throttle body injection often has this part go bad. I installed the new one and started her up using the Muffs. Ran fine. My daughter and I launched the boat and did a trial run which was successful. Took the Mrs. out and after a short run and a long drift the boat started and died a couple of times. Finally it caught and ran fine all the way home. Now my wife will not believe the boat is reliable. What else could be the culprit? Thanks, Al W.

 

[H2ONUT]

Have you changed your fuel filters?

 

[Dave S]

Al

If you have eliminated the possibility of clogged fuel filters, then it could be anything at this point. Unfortunately computer controlled engines limit the types of do-it-yourself work you can do unless you have a scanner.

Dave

 

[wickeral]

Yes! These Digital/Electronic engines do require the use of sophisticated test equipment. For an old Sea Dog like me this is a problem both Financially and Logisticaly. I did service the Fuel system with a new Fuel Filter prior to this season so I'm ruling the Filter out. If I could find a mechanic of known ability it would be worth the $85 an hour for the diagnosis and repair. The proper Scanner is almost $800! So, I'm going to go threw the entire ECM electrical component list one piece at a time. My manual explains the entire system and it's Testing procedures one step at a time. Even if I change out most of the Sensors I'll be ahead of the game in that my system will be new for the most part. Time will tell if I'm doing the correct thing. Any advice? Al W.

 

[Hampton]

Does this thing have a distributor/rotor? If so, pop the cap and have a look. I'd replace the cap and rotor (with marine grade - avail at Auto Zone), wires, and maybe plugs. Good luck!

 

[JVM225]

I'm not an expert mechanic but I would check to see that you are getting proper spark first. If the spark is good then it is a fuel problem.
My starboard motor wouldn't start after a ten day stay at Tobay Beach in early July.
I knew I was getting fuel because I could smell it after several attempts to start the motor. I let it settle down and checked for spark; there was none.
I limped back to my slip in Lindenhurst at 5 MPH on one motor, changed the coil a few days later, and all has been good since then.

 

[H2ONUT]

I would not rule out a fuel filter... for the few bucks it costs, would be where I would start first.