99 Air Nauti Engine Problem?

[Sooner]

Similar Problem

I am pretty sure mine is having a similiar or same problem. The last two weekends at high RPM's on the way back to dock the boat just died like i pulled the kill switch. The same thing happened twice two years ago and both times it was the kill switch that needed replaced. Last year it happened once and it was the 60A breaker that had tripped on the back of the motor.Pushed in the red button and was on my way. This year it seems to be different, in the past it had not really attempted to start like it wasn't getting gas at all, but both times lately when I try to start it back up it s it wants to run and will idle and sputter for a bit and then die. After a while, I have been able to get it back running by putting it in neutral and giving it gas while I crank the engine. It searches, spits, and sputters and has seem to work itself out then idle like normal and run like nothing happened. The first time it backfired loudly then idled normal. I am so confused, I was pretty sure that the fuel pump is coming on when i engage the kill switch but after reading the thread I could just be hearing the perfect pass. I HATE NOT HAVING A RELIABLE BOAT! Let me know what you guys think.

THanks

[horkn]

Brophy, are you in Grafton?

I am right next to Grafton in the town of Cedarburg.

LMK if you need a hand, I can help.

I have not had to replace these relays as I have a carbed nautique, but I can figure it out.

And if you need a third, LMK. I'm up for a boarding run whenever.

[AB]

Sooner, sounds exactly like my symptoms.
Save yourself some time and money and do the relay.
The pumps have a grrrr sound to them when priming.
Listen on another boat if you don't know what to listen for.

[Sooner]

i should have also menitioned that my engine is 2005 330 PCM 216TE. Does that change things? I just noticed that there was a recall/service bulletin rearding the low pressure fuel pump.

[NautiBrophy]

yea

Horkn my parents live in Grafton. Cedarburg was my rival high school. I think we have it figured out my dad replaced the low fuel pump and he ran it 3 or 4 different times w/ no problems. I appreciate the offer though. As far as riders I will be in town this weekend but I don't know if I will be able to ride since the water levels are so high at my lake. I will keep you posted but the cabin is an hour north of Cedarburg fyi. And then I will be taking the boat back to IA granted it doesn't fail on me again.

Sooner if you want to test your fuel pressure you can rent a tester from autozone if there is one around you. I;m pretty sure it was autozone... one of the main auto part distributors. Check it before it before you start it up and then right after you fail. It's pretty easy to check and no cost to you (get your money back from autozone). I'm not Mr. Fix It and I was able to do it and there are directions just have to know where your fuel line can be tested (I forget the technical term for the place you hook it up to)

[mhaaland]

I had a starting issue last year and thought it was the fuel pump and it turned out to be my 50 amp fuse and fuse holder up by the battery in the bow. Man i was disappointed, i racked my brain for a week and purchased a $130 low pressure fuel pump that i didn't need just to make sure i could boat for the weekend. If anyone does end up needing a low pressure fuel pump I've got one at a great price!

[johnnys wakeboard clinic]

When I was having that problem,not restarting after it was hot , I took apart the top of the fuel pump and there is a fine screen inside, it was dirty. I have had a recent problem with my 50 amp fuse getting really hot and smelling like the battery was over heating ,sulfer smell. after much testing it seems it wouldnt carry amps even though it ohmed ok. thinking of doing away with it. or changing it to a different type fuse and holder

[rickmustang]

Where exactly is that screen?

My fuel pump seems to be completely sealed. On mine the pump runs, but loses pressure at the schrader valve on the fuel filter body. So either a breaker or relay is kicking out, or the screen is becoming plugged up. Rick

[Traveller]

This is an interesting thread. I bought my 98 Nautique 6 years ago and have had the problems you all are discussing in this thread since the day I bought the boat. My problem is not as severe as you all described most of the time it just runs very rough without any power. If I let sit within a few minutes it will typically begin to work again and act like nothing ever happened. Every so often it will sputter and try to recover but will die. When this happens you have to let it sit for 13 minutes. Yes, 13 minutes I know this because I have now figured out to time it so I know when to try again. As you all have mentioned it appears the problem is more severe when the weather is warmer. I have been chasing this problem for 6 years. Got tired of wasting money changing parts. I have changed the two fuel relays, low pressure pump, high pressure pump, and fuel filter numerous times and it still does it.

I read on here where folks changed low pressure pump and that fixed it but in my case it did not. I need to check the screen because this sounds more like a potential solution than anything I have heard yet. My problem in many cases is very predictable. Often happens after the boat has sat for an hour or so after pulling skiers. Just curious if any of you have found anything else out since last summer. I'm dying to get this nagging problem resolved.

Thanks for any help.

Traveller.