Hello everyone. Would like some help trying to self solve my problem. When this boat was new in Febuary of this year the first day I had it off the trailer, we put the boat in the water and it idled for about 2 minutes and died and would not start back up, we never left the no wake zone that day. I was kinda led to believe it was a freak thing. So Saturday I was tied up with about 10 boats on Greers Ferry Lake and the same thing happened, granted this is only the second time the boat has done this. I checked everything, kill switch, all fuses, and all reset switches on the engine I even unpluged the battery for a few minutes. It was very embarrassing being towed by a boat that cost about 30 thousand less than mine as all you can imagine. Any help would be greatly appriciated.  I wouldnt be so upset about this if this was the only issue ive had with this boat, but it has been one of many.  Im truly hoping it will be the last of my problems and I can feel safe that the boat will be reliable enough to tow to another rally next year. Thanks in advance for any help you guys give me.

 

Just a few details about the boat that might help

08 220ls   5.0 mpi mercruise    alpha one drive 

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Todd Welter
2008 220ls 5.0 MPI
Greers Ferry Lake
"Serenity Now"

Todd,

Sorry to hear of your problem.......but it's kind of hard to diagnose without being there. Any engine alarms at any time??? When the problem initially happened, what was done to resolve the problem??? Does the engine try to fire or does the engine crank over but just won't fire??? Have you tried pushing the throttle only button on the throttle control, throttle up a little and try starting the engine??? Do you have spark to the spark plugs??? It's just a matter of isolating the problem down to what's missing. Fuel, air or spark.

I'd look the entire engine wiring harness over real close and make sure all connections are fully connected/seated. If nothing is found there, take it to the shop. I'm thinking vapor lock, electrical connection causing no spark or no fuel pressure, or possibly a bad IAC.

No need in being embarrassed or angry, it's just one of those boating adventures that you will laugh about one day.

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Phil Belcher
2003 266CCR
496 MAG, Bravo 3

Thanks Phil. The boat would act like it had started to start but immediatly die. It kinda sounded like it was starving for gas. Tried pumping the throttle while I was turning the key. The crazy thing is I got the boat to the dealer yesterday crawled in and it started right up. As crazy as this sounds I really wish it hadnt started. Thinking it would be easier for the tech to fix if it was still showing the symtoms. Thanks again.

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Todd Welter
2008 220ls 5.0 MPI
Greers Ferry Lake
"Serenity Now"

One place to look would be the ignition switch itself.  When you turn the key to the start position it provide power to the needed items to run, along with power to the starter solenoid to turn over the engine.  When you switch from the start position to the run position, it provides power to the needed places again.  I am thinking it starts, but as soon as you release the switch to the run position it dies.  Could be some loose wires on the switch.  Also look at the lanyard switch as well.  Way to quickly isolate it is to hold it in the start position after it starts and if it stays running your problem is in the switch or lanyard switch.

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Steve Kroesen
Apollo Beach, FL
Kroes Nest

Thanks Steve. Didnt try holding the key all the way over. Doing that would make the starter grind would it? I did take the lanyard all the way out and made sure the kill switch position was in run. Thanks again.

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Todd Welter
2008 220ls 5.0 MPI
Greers Ferry Lake
"Serenity Now"

Yes, the starter will continue to run but should disengage from the flywheel...and it is only for testing and a short bit of time longer than you would to start the boat just to see if it stays running.  You are right though on your comments earlier, you would like it to stay broke so you can get it properly diagnosed...now it will likely have to wait to break again so you can get it resolved.

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Steve Kroesen
Apollo Beach, FL
Kroes Nest

Im not a boat mechanic by any means and dont claim to be but since the boat was at idle when it died wouldnt that rule out ignition.

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Todd Welter
2008 220ls 5.0 MPI
Greers Ferry Lake
"Serenity Now"

No, a faulty ignition switch could cause the engine to shut down.  Something in the shifter too, the idle position sensor for example or a touchy kill switch.  If there are no alarms, it'll be more difficult to diagnose but your dealer should be able to pinpoint it. 

Does it fire right back up?  Does it crank and not fire?  Do you do anything before trying to start it-move the throttle or anything? 

 Just trying to see what is going on so we can help you pinpoint it. 

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Did or does the engine idle smooth? If not that could point to a problematic IAC sensor, which would cause starting/idling problems.

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Phil Belcher
2003 266CCR
496 MAG, Bravo 3

The boat was idling fine then all the sudden it started cuting out and then died. Did not start back up until of course I got it to the dealer. I have had throttle position sensor trouble all summer but I think that finally got that problem fixed. The boat used to die like clock work from foward to neutral, forward to reverse.

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Todd Welter
2008 220ls 5.0 MPI
Greers Ferry Lake
"Serenity Now"

Todd,

"Throttle position sensor" or neutral safety switch? The throttle position sensor is mounted on the engine near the air intake. The neutral safety switch is in the throttle control. Dieing when shifting from forward-neutral or reverse sounds like the neutral safety switch adjustment to me and not the TPS. e-mail me (just click on my name above the avatar) and I can direct you toward a little more info. Regardless, intermittent problems cause frustration but since it is most likely a warranty situation, I'd let the dealer address the problem.

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Phil Belcher
2003 266CCR
496 MAG, Bravo 3

Would just like to thank everyone again for the help. Hopefully the dealer will have some good news to report tommorow. They are closed on Mondays so I was unable to speak to them today. Ill be sure to post what they find that way if someone has similar problem in the future they can have a place to start.

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Todd Welter
2008 220ls 5.0 MPI
Greers Ferry Lake
"Serenity Now"

I would not worry about it!  I would take it straight to the dealer and let them figure it out.  Plenty of warranty left.

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sounds like it might be the oil pressure sending switch. I had this problem on my boat. if the switch is faulty (or if oil pressure is actually low) it tells the fuel pump to shut off.

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Eddy And Kim
2000 210 ccr 5.0 Bravo 3
Tecumseh Michigan
GO BLUE!!!!

I had a similer problem on my boat when it was new.  My boat would crank but not fire.  Then it would run fine for a while and repeat the problem.  I spoke with a mechanic that suggested I check the fuel tank pickup tube.  He said that he has found all kinds of stuff in the fuel tanks of new boats.  I removed the pickup tube but the screen that covers then end came off in the process.  I ran the rest of the season without the screen with no problems.  That winter Crownline sent me a new pickup tube and I haven't had a problem since.

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2001 202 BR