Merc 350 Mag fuel pump quit?

jdbruin91

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Apr 9, 2005
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I tried to get the engine started today, still on trailer but in the water, to back off the trailer. The engine turned over fine, although the ignition seemed touchy to begin with. But no fuel pump noise when key turned and no fuel getting to the engine. One person said to check the "red relay's" on the fuel pump/engine but I'm new here so I checked all the connections I could find to the fuel pump and nothing got better. In fact, later on it wouldn't even turn over. 12 volts showing on the meter, blower works, engine cover lift works, etc. <br /><br />Not the first ignition problem with this boat, only 30 hours in, Rinker 243 Siesta. Nice boat but I'm getting tired of the electrical issues. Any ideas are greatly appreciated. <br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />JD
 

Don S

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Re: Merc 350 Mag fuel pump quit?

If it's that new, get it back to the dealer ASAP for warranty. Are you sure you had it in neutral? That would keep it from cranking, a bad safety lanyard switch could also be the problem.<br />If you have had previous problems with the ignition, what were they and what was the outcome? A recurring problem needs to be cured, not just covered up.<br />Have you talked to your dealer?
 

jdbruin91

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Re: Merc 350 Mag fuel pump quit?

Thanks for the idea. Just checked it and it was the flippin' lanyard. Got switch off accidentally. Fuel pump is now making noise when you turn the key. Duh! But...now we don't even get it to crank over. It had been but not now, which was the original issue from last fall.<br /><br />Prior problem: intermittent and inconsistent starting, with no cranking either. Seemed to me an electrical problem but I couldn't trace and it started/stopped/started great with muffs on at the dealer. Tightened all solinoid connections, replaced the solinoid after it still failed to start (when on water!). <br /><br />The dealer had the boat, ran it around in the water for a few days and of course it never failed for them. When it finally did, they were able to trace it to a loose connection in the ignition switch. Replaced entire assembly and it worked fine the next few times out. I have zero faith in this particular dealer to fix the issue (I still don't have a registration for the trailer, after 8 months, among other things) and unfortunately, if it's the ignition/wiring, then it's not a Merc problem. Argh! I've ordered a repair manual tonight and will now become more intimate with all those things I should have learned in Auto shop so many years ago. <br /><br />And it's still under warrantee, thank goodness. Closest other dealer is 150 miles away though. But if I need Merc warrantee repairs, I've got lots of choices in the area. <br /><br />Thanks again, this will become my new home I think. But I hope not. :) <br /><br />JD
 

Don S

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62,321
Re: Merc 350 Mag fuel pump quit?

Your starting problem could be a neutral safety switch. <br />Next time it happens, move the shifter and wiggle it around in the neutral position. The switch may be out of adjustment and is real touchy.
 

jdbruin91

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Re: Merc 350 Mag fuel pump quit?

That was on the check list last fall but as I said, I'm not real confident with the diagnostic abilities of the dealer mechanics. We wiggled today but without the lanyard switch turned "on", so tough to tell. I'm going to check all of the above and perhaps even dig inside the neutral switch to check connections. Stored outside but covered all winter, although it's been a wet one. Smells like a loose connection somewhere, again. Thanks.<br /><br />JD
 
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