Help! 1999 Super Air died! First time on the water... :( 430hp Python

[Artandid]

I just bought this boat from Century Marine in Mesa, AZ and it died 10 minutes into my first run...

http://centurymarine.com/1999-super-...ique-210-used/

It's a 1999 Super Air with the Python 8.2L 430hp motor.

I live in Southern Utah and drove down to Mesa (8 hours) to pick it up this morning. I stopped at Lake Powell on my way home just to take it for a quick sunset drive... just me and my girlfriend. It started a little rough, and would stall if you punched it before it was sufficiently warmed up, but then in seemed to run great for the first 10 minutes. Then, it started to sputter and die for no reason... it did that 3 times; after the 3rd time it wouldn't start again at all. We were stranded in the middle of Wahweap Bay in the dark for 3 hours until we could flag someone down to tow us into the marina. Needless to say, I'm heartbroken... and really frustrated with Century Marine, who assured me that their technicians went through everything and gave it a clean bill of health. Well, the ballast system didn't fill or empty either... so what does all of this say about the technicians at Century Marine?).

Can anyone give me any ideas as to why my boat won't start? The starter is cranking the engine, but it doesn't show any signs of wanting to start at all. The dealership said they just replaced the ignition module and the ECM module... but who knows?! It's either no spark or no fuel... but I don't even know where to start. Please help!

Thanks!

~Brian

[Bimmerboyz]

I almost bought that boat. Send wakeslayer a PM. He has the exact same boat. I would tow it to a marine shop in ST George or Powell, have them diagnose it and call century and tell them they need to resolve the issues ASAP.

You should always take a used boat on the water before buying it.

[Boardboy]

Won't start!

There are lots of threads on this type of problem. Killswitch lanyard, neutral safety switch, starter solenoid etc

[steve-o]

Unrelated, but are there ballast gauges?

[Artandid]

Thanks for the replies. I have tested the safety switch and the neutral switch, and both are working. What would you say is next in line?

Yes, I do have ballast guages, both on each tank and two on the instrument panel (dashboard).

[Miljack]

I have the same engine in my boat. I have had the problem you are describing when I got water in the fuel. Drain the Fuel Control canister which is mounted on rear (actually front of your engine, but it's turned around in a Vdrive). There is a small brass fitting on the bottom for which you can drain the fuel. How much fuel was in it when you picked it up from Century?
If that doesn't clear it up, you'll need to move to more complicated trouble shooting, ask Century why they had to replace the "module and ECM."
You will need to determine if it's ignition or fuel related.

Post back what you find, and we'll try to figure it out...

Great boat, you'll get it going...

[ers906]

I had a similar problem with my boat (not a python), and it did turn out to be water in the fuel. However, before I drained all of the fuel, I would check to see if there was a fuse under the engine cowling. My excalibur has a 60 amp push fuse which tends to pop if water gets into the bilge (I run a lot of weight to surf, and despite my best efforts, I have not been able to teach other drivers not to decelerate too quickly when the surfer falls, ie, the wave tends to hit the transom and enter the engine compartment). If you cannot locate the fuse, or if it has not been tripped, I would recommend jacking the tongue of the trailer as high as you can to shift the gas towards the back of the tank. Water is heavier than fuel, and the fuel pickup is in the very back lower portion of the tank. THis will increase the odds that you will get the majority of the water out by cycling the FCC. (Remember to disconnect the electrical in between cycles!) When I had this happen to me I actually had to drain the canister several times to get all of the water out. They also make a product which helps evaporate water in fuel (but I would only add that after I got the majority of the water out manually).

I have actually dealt with century marine here in Phoenix, and it seems people either love them or hate them. THey did a great job on my buddies Nautique, but then did a job on the gf's supra (she bought it before we met).

Good luck with everything

[Artandid]

Thanks for the tips guys. Here's the latest...

I found the 50amp red trip button, but it wasn't popped out... so it's not that.

I found the little schrader valve (like a bicycle tire valve) above the fuel pump and pushed the little pin, and I got a little squirt of gas, so I know there's no water or air in the line. Also, while I'm trying to start it, there are fuel fumes coming out the exhaust in the back of the boat... so I think I'm OK in the fuel area. I just don't have spark.

I bought a spark checker, and checked for spark at the distributor (one of the cylinder wires) and there was no spark. Then, I checked for spark at the coil, and no spark. So, I bought and installed a new coil this morning... and still no spark.

The dealership told me that they had just replaced the ignition module and also the electronic control module (ECM). However, they said that this boat has had problems in those areas in the past. So, I'm wondering if there is an even deeper underlying problem that is shorting out the ignition module or the ECM.

What are your thoughts? Thanks!

[ers906]

That sounds beyond my grease monkey skills

[Ceruzziracing]

This may sound silly/simple but check all the connectors to the ECM, ignition, etc. Start with the items the dealer replaced, maybe disconnect and reconnect so that you know they are connected properly. I've never pulled a marine ECU, but if it's similar to an automotive, there are a dozen or more pins that engage in the connector. I'd disconnect the battery just in case (as you noted, you're able to smell gas fumes) prior to playing with the connectors. You'd be amazed how easily it is to have an incomplete connection drive you crazy trying to find it (ask me how I know ). Might not be a bad idea to put a little dielectric grease on those connectors while you have them apart, cheap insurance against moisture.

[NautiqueJeff]

Please make sure you installed a MARINE coil, not an AUTOMOTIVE coil.

[ers906]

Have you figured out the problem (and solution) yet? I feel for you

[WakeSlayer]

Brian,

As stated, try the FWS first. I have never once had an issue with mine, but some people do.

How did you test the kill switch? I would jump it temporarily to completely eliminate it from the equation.

You said you can smell unburned fuel. Can you hear the fuel pump buzz (prime) for a couple seconds after turning the key to on? There are two pumps, low pressure and high pressure. Were the pumps replaced? If so, there are two relays near your breaker, perhaps replace those. Napa will have them, I just don't remember the PN. They are like $12-15.

I would get on Century's ***, because clearly they had no one qualified to be working on that engine. They owe you a running boat.

I totally understand being frustrated, but you definitely stole that boat pricewise, and you will get it figured out. Call PCM yourself. Find a local PCM shop and get them working on it with a tech that is familiar with that engine. It will work out in the end, and you will have a seriously kick *** boarding boat to play with.


These go to ELEVEN !!

[wakeboardin2k4]

I was looking at this boat thinking man im gonna drive from NJ to AZ to buy that boat for that price.

What people have said is correct. You will get this all sorted out and you will have a sick boat for the money you put into it.

PS: Strip of those super air nautique logos and go naked. It looks way better nude!

[WakeSlayer]

PS: Strip of those super air nautique logos and go naked. It looks way better nude!

Come on, now. I am a big fan of those graphics.


I was thinking that you should ask Century to see the receipt for the ECM and the ignition module. I think they are being less than truthful with you. If they refuse, ask PCM if they sold one to them. I am not that knowledgeable on that stuff for the 502 cause mine has never crapped on me, nor have my few buddies who have them. However, I would guess they are pretty specific and not something they can just "get" for that motor from anyone.