Were we experiencing vapor lock?

[BillWilliams]

On Sunday, we went for a ride on a very hot day on our '99 Formula that has a MerCruiser MFI engine. We stopped to swim for a while (over an hour) and then when I went to start the boat, it would not stay running. I would get the two beeps and try to start it and it would start for a moment and die. I tried a couple times to turn the key on, let it beep twice, turn it off and repeat to try to get fuel to be pumped through but it still would not stay running.

We then opened the engine compartment and tried to start it. It started and then ran fine. I was able to run the boat at full throttle with no issue so I don't think there's a filter or pump problem.

I'm chalking it up to vapor locking. What do others think?

 

[alldodge]

Yes, most likely VL

 

[JustJason]

It's possible the injectors are leaking down and the engine is flooding.

 

[Bondo]

It's possible the injectors are leaking down and the engine is flooding.

Wow,...... Long time, no see,..... How ya been,..??..??

 

[JustJason]

Wow,...... Long time, no see,..... How ya been,..??..??

Lol, busy. I've been doing insurance claims work as an expert for the last 5 years. Between Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton, plus everything else in between, I haven't had time for anything. How have you been?

 

[Bondo]

Lol, busy. I've been doing insurance claims work as an expert for the last 5 years. Between Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton, plus everything else in between, I haven't had time for anything. How have you been?

I'm doing well,..... Moved back to Maine 5 years go,.....
Am now retired, 'n just putter on my boats, Jeep, 'n pickup,....
Glad to hear yer keeping busy,.....