2000 Super Air with Python engine

[tres0422]

So we had the boat loaded and it was really not accelerating as fast as it has before then we are almost at the dock an it just died while we were running. No sputtering or any weird engine noises. We opened the cover and tapped the start button and didn't hear the hissing of the fuel pump....hmmm. Ok so the question is should I replace both the low and high pressure pumps? Should I replace the whole fuel control cell or just the high pressure pump in it? Your thoughts and experience are needed. Also I couldn't find the PCM manual for this year on the PCM site or here. Does anyone have a copy for the python?
Thanks,
Tres

[nms1991]

RE: 2000 Super Air with Python engine

first check your tether cord then check to see if the low pressure pump spools up or has power going to it when you key it up. but normally the high pressure does not fail.

[tres0422]

Tether???? The power lines to the fuel control cell? I unplugged them and checked them. I didn't check the voltage to the pumps.

I think the low pressure is working because when I press in the schrader valve( the valve where you can measure the fuel pressure) on top of the fuel control cell fuel comes out. So it seems like it is getting to the FCC but I can't hear it pressurizing the fuel rail when I tap start.....Hmmm.

Thanks,
Tres

[N2Orbit]

After you figure out your problem with the fuel pump, give the Python a good old fashioned Tune Up. My Python SAN was getting a little doggie last year so I replaced the coil, sparkplugs, wires, distribitor cap and rotor with parts from MSD. Then I used some really good Fuel injector cleaner.(I forget what kind but the local Nautique dealer recomended it) WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE! My Python 502 didn't run this smooth and strong when I bought it.

[WakeSlayer]

The tether is your safety lanyard. These are frequently the culprit that makes you think you have bigger problems.
Also, is your keypad possibly bad?

[tres0422]

I don't know 100% but I think if it were either of those, the Keypad or the tether, the starter wouldn't even turn????? That is just a guess though.

Does anyone have the 8.2L Python Engine Part Manual?

Does anyone have the part number for the low pressure fuel pump?

Thanks,
Tres

[WakeSlayer]

If the lanyard is off or the switch is bad, it will do everything but run. I have a keyed ignition, but have heard that the keypad will actually start with the lanyard off if you hold the START button down. Once you release it, it will die. If the lanyard is on correctly, try just bypassing the switch altogether. That will tell you if you have a bad switch.
If the low pressure pump goes bad, it can trip the breaker. Did you check that?

N2O, how many hours were on your boat when you did the replacements? Assuming you did it all at once so you cannot say that any one thing made it run better. How did everything look that you replaced? I would bet the injector cleaner did most of the work as the gas we are sold these days is pretty crappy in general.

[tres0422]

N2O and WakeSlayer,
You guys are awesome. Thanks for the help so far and in advance. Tune-up was just done a few months ago.

We tried the tether when we were on the water to no avail. As for holding down the start button we did that too....To no avail.

The pushbutton breaker was tripped. We found that when on the water. I pushed it in and it clicked and has not since then tripped.

The low pressure pump is the same as the normal 5.7's. Is the high pressure pump too?

So the next on the list of things to check are the relays. Just replace and try them right? I am guessing about $12/each. Are they standard automotive relays?

Can I just send power straight to the pumps and see if they run?

After that I can check the siphons on the fuel intakes???? Are they actually inside the tanks? Do I have to drain the tanks prior to yanking them and checking them?

[jjgag60]

relay

I just took one of my old relays down to NAPA and they looked up a new one for me and I had it in one day. Take your old one with you, so they can cross reference the numbers. I think he called it a five pin.

[N2Orbit]

N2O, how many hours were on your boat when you did the replacements? Assuming you did it all at once so you cannot say that any one thing made it run better. How did everything look that you replaced? I would bet the injector cleaner did most of the work as the gas we are sold these days is pretty crappy in general.

WakeSlayer, I had less than 200 hours on the Python. The spark plugs looked good but the Ignition wires needed replaced badly. The MSD wires are what Arizona Speed and Marine recommended. I bought mine from Summit Racing for way less. The cap and rotor showed some wear but were OK, so I replaced them anyways. I replaced the stock ignition coil with a MSD coil for a hotter spark. I also run diluted mix of fuel stabilizer year round now because of the cheap gas. My local marina recommended this with the use of YamaLube Ring Seal.

[tres0422]

I think there is a pressure sensor on the fuel rail. Is this to sense high pressure or low pressure situations? that could be telling the fuel pumps to slow/shut down. Does anyone know some electrical test points to make sure I am getting the right voltages accross the keypad, tether, and pumps?
Thanks,
Tres

[tres0422]

FINAL SOLUTION FROM THE DEALER THUS FAR>

Well anyone that has read this far into the saga needs an ending or some sort of closing. The dealer says it is the ECM ($1k) for a new one. Guess we will see how that works for us.
Thanks,
Tres

[AirTool]

RE: FINAL SOLUTION FROM THE DEALER THUS FAR>

Be sure to keep the old one just in case you find out it is good.