Engine Won't Start....Sometimes....


D

DesertBoater37PC

New member
I have an 03 37PC with the 496 Mags. Recently, I have started having an intermittent problem with the starboard engine. I will crank it in the marina, drive out and around the lake, then stop and drop anchor for awhile. When I go to re-start sometimes it will not start and I get an alarm showing a problem with the fuel pump. Sometimes it cranks right up. Last weekend I hot the reset button on the engine and it started.....

You folks are a great source of info so any ideas on why this may be happening?
 
Do you use E-10 Gasoline i.e., 10% Ethanol.

If so, the Ethanol plays havoc with the fuel pick-up tubes whereby the plastic pick-up tube loosens at the top of the fitting letting air into the line. This happens very inadvertently and as such is not easy to diagnose.

The easiest way to confirm this is happening is to make up a shore section of gasline and put it between the main gasline and the fuel filter at the engine. I did so by:

A. Using a 6" section of gas line connected to the fuel filter;
B. Connected to a barb fitting;
C. Connected to a 12" section of "clear" polyhose;
D. Connected to a barb fitting;
E. Connected to a 6" section of gas line;
F. Connected to the main gas line

When the problems occurs you will see nothing i.e., air going through the gas line similar to "burps".

If you obtain these results simply contact Formula Technical Assistance Group (TAG) with our Make/Model/Hull Number and they will tell you which Fuel Tank you have. In my case the tanks were clearly marked and I contacted the manufacturer if Florida and purchased the 3 pick-up tubes e.g., 1 for each engine + 1 for the generator for approx $175 + shipping. Once installed, I have not had the problem.....

Good Luck!
 
Thanks for the suggestion! I will try that asap.....It is weird because sometimes the engine cranks right up and sometimes it will turn over but acts like it is just not getting enough fuel.
 
Are you sure the alarm you are getting isn't for the IAC valve? It is a very common problem and easy to replace.
 
I think I am sure.....the alarm goes off and says "Fuel Pump Ckt" and displays boxes labeled Port and Starboard Fuel Pumps....the port one has a green check mark and the starboard one displays the warning bell.......Sometimes it cranks right up and both boxes have green check marks in them.
 
The other thing to check is the "ground". Make sure that it is tight at the Fuel Tank as well as at the other end. A friend with a SeaBag had this problem and it cost him over 2K in diagnostics/troubleshooting/fuel pump replacement to ultimately find out it was a loose connection.
 
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