Were we experiencing vapor lock?

On Sunday, we went for a ride on a very hot day on our '99 Formula that has a MerCruiser MFI engine. We stopped to swim for a while (over an hour) and then when I went to start the boat, it would not stay running. I would get the two beeps and try to start it and it would start for a moment and die. I tried a couple times to turn the key on, let it beep twice, turn it off and repeat to try to get fuel to be pumped through but it still would not stay running.

We then opened the engine compartment and tried to start it. It started and then ran fine. I was able to run the boat at full throttle with no issue so I don't think there's a filter or pump problem.

I'm chalking it up to vapor locking. What do others think?

Yes, most likely VL

It's possible the injectors are leaking down and the engine is flooding.

JustJason said:

It's possible the injectors are leaking down and the engine is flooding.

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Wow,...... Long time, no see,..... How ya been,..??..??

Bondo said:

Wow,...... Long time, no see,..... How ya been,..??..??

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Lol, busy. I've been doing insurance claims work as an expert for the last 5 years. Between Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton, plus everything else in between, I haven't had time for anything. How have you been?

JustJason said:

Lol, busy. I've been doing insurance claims work as an expert for the last 5 years. Between Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton, plus everything else in between, I haven't had time for anything. How have you been?

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I'm doing well,..... Moved back to Maine 5 years go,.....
Am now retired, 'n just putter on my boats, Jeep, 'n pickup,....
Glad to hear yer keeping busy,.....

Thanks. I don't think it's the injectors because this is only the second time we've had this happen after having the boat for 5 seasons.

Bondo said:

I'm doing well,..... Moved back to Maine 5 years go,.....
Am now retired, 'n just putter on my boats, Jeep, 'n pickup,....
Glad to hear yer keeping busy,.....

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Thanks! I miss New England. Florida has been good to me, but I don't necessarily love it here. I wish I could live in the middle of the woods in New Hampshire, but that wouldn't do much for my career. I'm happy to hear that you are doing well!

JustJason said:

Thanks! I miss New England. Florida has been good to me, but I don't necessarily love it here. I wish I could live in the middle of the woods in New Hampshire, but that wouldn't do much for my career. I'm happy to hear that you are doing well!

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Ayuh,.... I'm living on an old childhood friend's 1,000 ac lot, 15 miles from town,..... nearest neighbor is a few hundred yards before turning off the paved road to get here,....
I joke that I live in a gated community, 'n I'm the only one here,....
Headin' down to my shop now, which is 3 miles away, also owned by my Bud, where all my tools, 'n equipment is,.....

Best of luck to ya in yer future,....