Recently I posted about 2 problems - hard to start when cold and very low idle speed with occasional stalling at idle. Today I went out and made sure to start as Don said (couple of pumps all the way down and start at about 1/3 throttle). To my amazement it started first turn of the key - way to go (again) Don!!
Here is what happened next:
My daughter and I proceeded to ride for about 5 minutes - wanted to stay close to the launch as we were waiting for my wife to arrive. We idled through a couple of coves for 15+ minutes, stalled a couple of times as it has been. Coming out of the cove, I gave it about 1/2 throttle to get on plain. It spit, sputtered, shuddered and died. After a few minutes I was able to get it to fire up for about 6-8 seconds and died again. I thought I fouled out my plugs or something idling so long. I thought maybe if I could get it started I would run it hard for a few minutes and it would be ok. I got it started and gunned it - ran about 3/4 throttle for about 1/2 mile turned and came back. I eased the throttle back thinking all was ok and it stalled as I was slowing down. Over the next while, I was never able to get it started again. I remembered I had some starting fluid. I gave it a squirt and it started for about 10 seconds, then stalled again...never to start again. Fortunately there was a very nice couple that towed me in behind their pontoon. THANK YOU DAVID AND SUE - WHERE EVER YOU ARE!!!!
My thoughts: 1st thought was bad gas since I topped off the tank just before getting to the lake. 2nd thought was fuel pump. 3rd thought is the fuel filter / separator (on my boat there is only one Sierra 18-7845).
After reflecting on this the last 2 hours or so it is hard to think its bad gas. It was from a Shell station near the lake in a high traffic area that tons of people use. Fuel pump has never been changed in 12 years and 600 engine hours that I have owned the boat. It looks original as paint matches engine. That would make it +/-22 years old if it is.
I believe the fuel filter was changed (I did it) spring of 2010 but it might have been 2009. I know I am going to catch flack for that as ethanol sucks and requires frequent changes of filters...
FWIW I have used Sta Bil ethanol treatment religiously since early last year.
Big question - what are the thoughts you experts have?? Thanks in advance!!
Here is what happened next:
My daughter and I proceeded to ride for about 5 minutes - wanted to stay close to the launch as we were waiting for my wife to arrive. We idled through a couple of coves for 15+ minutes, stalled a couple of times as it has been. Coming out of the cove, I gave it about 1/2 throttle to get on plain. It spit, sputtered, shuddered and died. After a few minutes I was able to get it to fire up for about 6-8 seconds and died again. I thought I fouled out my plugs or something idling so long. I thought maybe if I could get it started I would run it hard for a few minutes and it would be ok. I got it started and gunned it - ran about 3/4 throttle for about 1/2 mile turned and came back. I eased the throttle back thinking all was ok and it stalled as I was slowing down. Over the next while, I was never able to get it started again. I remembered I had some starting fluid. I gave it a squirt and it started for about 10 seconds, then stalled again...never to start again. Fortunately there was a very nice couple that towed me in behind their pontoon. THANK YOU DAVID AND SUE - WHERE EVER YOU ARE!!!!
My thoughts: 1st thought was bad gas since I topped off the tank just before getting to the lake. 2nd thought was fuel pump. 3rd thought is the fuel filter / separator (on my boat there is only one Sierra 18-7845).
After reflecting on this the last 2 hours or so it is hard to think its bad gas. It was from a Shell station near the lake in a high traffic area that tons of people use. Fuel pump has never been changed in 12 years and 600 engine hours that I have owned the boat. It looks original as paint matches engine. That would make it +/-22 years old if it is.
FWIW I have used Sta Bil ethanol treatment religiously since early last year.
Big question - what are the thoughts you experts have?? Thanks in advance!!