Port motor out!

[ingham01952]

2004 Vista 288 with dual 305GXI-E
3869255
4012123147


Looking for some advice on an issue with my port motor today. Both tanks were fueled equally at a reputable station, and the starboard motor ran perfectly all day, so this is isolated to the port side.

Here’s the sequence: after running perfectly for 3 season and for today about an hour at full speed and wake speed, the port motor started to sputter—not just cutting out, but fighting to stay alive like it was starving for fuel—before finally shutting down. When I tried to restart right away, it wouldn’t turn over at all, almost like it was out of gas. After waiting about 10 minutes, it fired right up and ran flawlessly for another 3–5 minutes before dying again. The next time, it took over an hour before it would restart, but once it did, it again ran flawlessly for 3–5 minutes before shutting down in same manner.

Now, after sitting for two hours, it won’t start at all. Gauge for oil pressure, and temp were all perfectly normal the whole time. No smells, no leaks, nothing unusual in the bilge etc. further diagnosis with actual tools in the daytime tomorrow. Just looking for some quick ideas for tonight.





Does this sound like a fuel delivery issue (pump/relay/etc.) maybe triggered by heat, or something else entirely?

 

[HiWard]

Here's what I would do (disclaimer; I'm not an expert):
Can you hear the fuel pump priming when turning the key on (no start)? If yes, try pulling gas from a can (or the starboard engine fuel hose). If no, check the fuel pump relays. If the relays are good, try installing the pump from the starboard engine. This will help determine if it's a fuel delivery issue and whether it's the/after the pumps or before.

Also, pull the fuel pressure regulator and look for crud in the filter.

 

[Scott Danforth]

, the port motor started to sputter—not just cutting out, but fighting to stay alive like it was starving for fuel—before finally shutting down. When I tried to restart right away, it wouldn’t turn over at all,

it would not turn over, or it would not fire. Two completely different issues.

since you typed it would not turn over.....check the oil for water. sounds like water ingestion from failing exhaust manifolds.

 

[ingham01952]

it would not turn over, or it would not fire. Two completely different issues.

since you typed it would not turn over.....check the oil for water. sounds like water ingestion from failing exhaust manifolds.

It turns. It won’t actually start.

it would not turn over, or it would not fire. Two completely different issues.

since you typed it would not turn over.....check the oil for water. sounds like water ingestion from failing exhaust manifolds.

update it is now 12 hours from the last time it ran and will not start at all. Starboard motor starts and runs perfectly fine. One thing I did notice is that when the fuel pump primes because it does prime it is significantly louder than the starboard engine that does work. It’s giving me the impression that it’s loud because it’s not actually pulling fuel. My next step is going to be to switch the fuel management system over to the starboard tank and see if that does anything. Also, there is no water in oil. Nice clean translucent color.

 

[Scott Danforth]

measure the fuel pressure. you may have a pump going out. (common issue)

 

[ingham01952]

measure the fuel pressure. you may have a pump going out. (common issue)

At this time, I have switched over all relays and fuses to the other engine to confirm that they are not bad. Everything is working I feel I have done everything somebody can do with the fuel management system and fuse box and relay, etc. and at this time, I have to assume bad wiring or part malfunction

 

[alldodge]

measure the fuel pressure. you may have a pump going out. (common issue)

Do what Scott mentioned. Can get a loaner tool from auto parts place. Should be 50 to 60 psi

 

[Scott Danforth]

I have to assume bad wiring or part malfunction

troubleshoot..... do not assume anything. start with fuel pressure

 

[ingham01952]

Update on my Volvo Penta 5.0 GXi-E issue (2004 Four Winns Vista 288):
After checking all the fuses and relays, I moved on to a fuel pressure test. I started with the starboard motor to establish a baseline, and the readings matched VP specs — about 10 PSI on the low-pressure side and 60 PSI on the high-pressure side.

I then tested the non-working port motor and got the same pressure readings. The engine turns over fine but will not fire, which suggests the issue is not fuel delivery. At this point, I’m leaning toward an ignition problem. My next step is to check the distributor, cap/rotor, coil, and related ignition components.