Starting issues with my Mercruiser 4.3 MPI 220hp with Alpha 1 outdrive

firedude

Cadet
Joined
Jan 21, 2009
Messages
6
I have a 2013 Mercruiser 4.3 MPI 220hp that has a starting issue: We can ski-tube and run around the lake for hours, turning it on and off while changing out skiers it performs flawlessly - but when we stop to get in the water for a hour or so and then begin to do more skiing the engine, at times WILL NOT START, stranding us on the water for hours - then for no reason it will suddenly fire right up and run flawless again. This happened 4 times on our last trip on the water, I dropped it off at the dealer, but I fear they will not find any issues. Anyone have this occur to their engine - what was the problem / fix ? Thanks
Thanks for the replies: Admiral- during one incident it did cough and sputter once like it wanted to start but ultimately it would not - the other times it just refused to start. Although this is a 2013, it is a new boat with under 10 hrs on the engine, I did not think the boat would have issue this early, thankfully it is still under warranty! Can a vapor lock be found without it actually occurring? Once we get the boat back and out on the water I'll let you know the outcome. I will certainly try your suggestions, Thanks, Firedude
 
Last edited:

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,990
I have a 2013 Mercruiser 4.3 MPI 220hp that has a starting issue: We can ski-tube and run around the lake for hours, turning it on and off while changing out skiers it performs flawlessly - but when we stop to get in the water for a hour or so and then begin to do more skiing the engine, at times WILL NOT START, stranding us on the water for hours - then for no reason it will suddenly fire right up and run flawless again. This happened 4 times on our last trip on the water, I dropped it off at the dealer, but I fear they will not find any issues. Anyone have this occur to their engine - what was the problem / fix ? Thanks

When the motor won't start does it cough every now and then? Maybe almost fire up but still Die?

If this is the case you probably seeing vapor lock. The way to try to reduce these issues are; when getting ready to stop for a while, make sure to idle for a while to cool the motor down. Turn the blower on to help get more of the heat out of the engine bay. You can also open the engine hatch to reduce the heat.

If you can find non-ethanol gas use it. Only other way involves a redesign and adding a fuel return line
 
Top