2000 Evinrude 70HP 4S - Won't start unless carb cleaner sprayed into air intake

[trendsetter240]

I am fixing up this 2000 Evinrude PL4SS 70HP (Suzuki DF70) and have this issue.

The engine will not start unless I spray carb cleaner into the air intake. When I do this it fires right up and will run at idle fine. I let it run for 15 minutes, tried revving it up a few times and that's all good to.

Then I shut it off and start it again right away, no problem. If I wait more than a few minutes it will not start again. Spray some more carb cleaner into the air intake and fires right up.

1. I replaced the low pressure fuel filter
2. Tested the low pressure fuel pump and it pumps fuel well.
3. Checked High pressure fuel pump for voltage: 13v when key turned to on then 12v after a second or two. I don't hear it pump/prime during that first few seconds as I would expect.
4. Remove cap screw on fuel rail; High pressure is there.
5. Disconnected and drained high pressure fuel filter. (It is getting gas)
6. Left cap off fuel rail and turned key to on; no pressure.


Any ideas here? Would the engine still idle/run if the high pressure fuel pump was failing? Also, how could I get high pressure in the fuel rail if the pump was failed?

What am I missing..thanks for your help.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: 2000 Evinrude 70HP 4S - Won't start unless carb cleaner sprayed into air intake

Update:

I tested compression and it is 180PSI give or take a few pounds on each cylinder.

I put in all new spark plugs and fresh gas, the condition is the same.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: 2000 Evinrude 70HP 4S - Won't start unless carb cleaner sprayed into air intake

Well, it's the high pressure fuel pump. I removed the fuel rail screw again and there is now no pressure. The pressure there last time must've been residual from when the pump was working.