Ok. One problem (overheat) solved, but there is another issue which has appeared several times - once last year, and twice this year. For some reason, I have had several incidences of fuel starvation, where the engine runs very rough, sputters, and even quits. The fuel line bulb will still be firm, but I can hear the louder noise that the fuel pump makes (when the key is first turned back to the "on" position) - indicating that there is no fuel in the system. Once the boat sits for a few minutes, and I turn the key on and off a handful of times, the bulb goes soft, and then I can pump it up and hear the fuel moving towards the engine. Then when I turn the key I can hear the different sound which tells me that the fuel pump has fuel in it - then the engine starts up and runs fine. The first time this happened I assumed that I had sucked some air while operating with low fuel in the tank. However, it has happened two other times now - and last weekend it happened at 1/2 tank, in the middle of a ski run. I'm wondering if others have had this problem and if so what the long term solution might be. It is a 10 or 15 minute waste of time when it happens and it can't be good for the motor. I suppose it could be an issue of water in the gas, too - but it seems like a lack of fuel to me. Thoughts from any of the experts? Thanks everyone! Markbano
Check your fuel tank vent. There is sometimes a small screen in there which can get plugged up and/or bugs can plug your vent. This has happened to me on more than one dyne.
Most likely problem is that your fuel lines are collapsing on the inside. there is an inner liner on the fuel lines and we have had them collapse a few times. best thing to do is replace the fuel lines.
Thanks for all the good tips. The vent seems to be clear, as you can see fuel vapor coming out of it when fueling. The bulb was full and very stiff at first, although the fuel pump was very loud when the key was turned, so you sort of knew there was no fuel in there. After sputtering back to the dock with several restarts along the way, and much shaking and sputtering, I let the boat sit for a bit and eventually the bulb went soft. I then pumped the bulb and could hear fuel moving in the line. Then, when I turned the key to the "on" position, you could hear that there was fuel in the electronic fuel pump (because it is quieter). The boat then started right up and ran fine after that. I may just go ahead and replace the fuel line this winter. It may also be kinked. There are some projects for this winter and this can be one of them. I should also do something with my trim. It works but it doesn't hold if you tilt it up and give it some power from a stop. It used to - but now goes back down under power. It does hold a trim position during regular operation so I guess I really don't need to fix it - I don't tail walk the boat anymore, and that is the only reason you'd need to use a lot of power while there is a lot of trim.
Mark clean the fuel filter (red cap)in your Opti. KC was right Mercury had problems with fuel lines that the inner line seperated from the outer line and collapsed. Also once you have used the primer bulb to charge the fuel line remove it per Mercury's recommendation. The fuel pump pulls so much it can collapse the primer bulb. FYI: If you starve your fuel pump to much it can be hard on it.
Rajboatdude Thanks for the info! It doesn't seem like that red cap unscrews. How do you remove it? Thanks! Markbano
Mark,I use a screwdriver sideways in the slots. I'm sure 'that' is not the recomended tool (lol) but it works.
