starting problem MPI motor

[hudman]

I have a 2006 mercruiser 383 MPI motor, brovo 2, basically problem free until recently. While out on river , motor refused to start. would turn over, but not crank. Determined that the fuel pump was not coming on. after getting back to the dock, the next day.turned all the power off, and back on, it seemed to "reset" itself. this happened the second time a few weeks later, would not reset. ordered a new relay , was suspossed to be here friday , but didnt come in, will be here monday. Dealer suggested I check the large 12 pin connector to the engine for looseness.Checked this morning, along with both relays on the top of motor and fuel pump connection. after unplugging and replugging all of these, engine fired right up. My question is this. do relays go bad immediately, or to they get weak and then quit? or could this be a case of moisture in a connector, such as the one to the fuel pump? I am a little hesitant to get back on the river until i get this one figured out.
thanks, Steve

 

[newport dave]

Re: starting problem MPI motor

I have seen several fuel pump relays failures on the late model Mercruiser engines. One way you may be able to nail it down to the relay is, next time the fuel pump does not come on, lightly tap on it to see if it unsticks.

Dave

 

[Don S]

Re: starting problem MPI motor

I have seen relays become intermittant many times. And tapping, or just unplugging and replugging them back in will make them work for a bit. When you had the relays out, how did the pins look? Corroded?????
If you are concerned about it, either carry a spare relay, or replace it.

 

[hudman]

Re: starting problem MPI motor

The pins didnt look corroded, motor is only about a year old. I ve got a new relay ordered, it should be here monday. was backordered from mercruiser. thanks for the quick response, makes me feel better about the situation
Steve