My 454 won't start,...

[Jimg2]

I'm having trouble starting my 1999 454, takes about 6to 7 times be it starts and I hear my fuel pump every time I try to start it

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Welcome Aboard,..... Is yer 454 Carbed,..?? Efi,..?? Mpi,..??

 

[Jimg2]

Mpi fuel injection

 

[Fun Times]

Have you kept up with general maintenance such as fuel filter, tune-up, (Spark plugs, cap, rotor, etc).?
Boat new to you or did this start happening recently?
Boat run normal once started such as top RPM reached?
Does it do this at every start-up hot or cold while? (On the water every time or just first trip after trailering the boat to launch ramp, etc.)
Could have a leaking fuel pressure regulator, leaking fuel injectors, aging fuel line between tank and fuel filter, fuel filter not remaining full of fuel, weak fuel pressure from pump, sticky fuel tank anti-siphon valve to just to name a few.

Testing both the boats and engines fuel system may be needed to try and see where the problem seems lie.

Next time before cranking the engine to start, try turning the key on for about 5 seconds, turn key back off for 2 seconds, turn key back on for 5 seconds then crank engine to see if it starts right up for you.

 

[Jimg2]

I do that about 8 to 9 times and then it starts

 

[alldodge]

We all would really like to help you, but we really need some more info. Thanks for saying you do the key turn 8 or 9 times.

Can you tell us some more about how long you had the boat, maintenance you have done to it, the stuff Fun Times has asked. It really will help us where to start

 

[Jimg2]

I do yearly maintenance, oil filter, gas filter and spark plugs and every year change lower foot lube had the boat about 10 years

 

[Fun Times]

So this starting issue just presented itself recently or for 10 years now?

Hot or Cold?

Are you going to work on the boat yourself or have it done by someone?

 

[Jimg2]

That depends on what and where the problem is, but I do have a friend that will help me just started a few weeks ago and it the same hot and cold

 

[alldodge]

Kind of like pulling teeth trying to get info.

I'm guessing but being a 99 it probably has cool fuel, engine serial number would clarify parts.

Did this just start or has it been going on for a long time?

Does it do it HOT or COLD or all the time?

Once it starts are there any other running issues?

 

[Jimg2]

It does have a cooler on the fuel pump, and when it's running it runs great but when I shut it off I have to go through the same thing. Turn it on 8 to 9 times sorry I don't have the serial number on hand but I will get it tomorrow,so hot or cold don't still the same

 

[Fun Times]

Your first step you'll want to try is connecting up an EFI fuel pressure gauge tester to the schrader valve fitting located on the fuel rail to see if the fuel system is holding pressure. Fuel pressure gauge testers can be found at local auto parts stores. Hardest part is finding the correct fitting adaptor that fits your engine model as they have a few designs depending on your "exact" engine model you have.

Also, pull off the fuel filter now that it's been sitting to see if the filter if completely full or empty.

 

[Jimg2]

Fuel filter is full engine number is ol335433 and I'm going to the auto store for the gauge

 

[alldodge]

I'm seeing two different fuel rail designs but the fitting is the same. Your looking for a cap which is screwed over the top of a brass shrader valve (like a bicycle tire). The two designs are shown below.



The issue the is puzzling for me is after it starts it runs fine. Don't see a weak pump having a motor run fine. If pressure checks or I would lean toward a bad connection. So check pressure and it should pump up and hold for a bit, it should not drop right off

 

[Jimg2]

Thank you I will check the connection, and have a pressure test done