2003 Air Nautique 210 Hard Start Issues

[DontPanic210Team]

Hey Folks, I've had on and off issues having to hard start my Air Nautique 210. The boat has around 1000 hours on. The boat runs great other than having to use a hard start randomly. Literally last time I ran it before it was winterized. Im in Colorado so had to go through decon, started on the first start, went through decon, dropped the boat in and couldnt even start it with a hard start, let it sit and then after a could hard starts had it running. Let it sit, then had to use a hard to start to get it running again. I have replaced the distributor in good measure which hasn't seemed to make any change. I have checked the safety cord, again doesn't seem to affect this. I am guess this is something electrical with the throttle. I grew up on older carburated Sea Rays which often was something I had to do. I am heading to Havasu and have some time to do some trial and error. I am gearing up with parts to see if I cant fix this problem, as I've been told this is not normal. Can any one give me some pointers. So far after reading some feeds here is what I am thinking for starting points:

- Plugs
- Wires
- Battery Cables (already have two new batteries, and so do cables but its on the watch list
- Fuses seem to be fine- but its on the watch list
- Is there a throttle positioning sensor?
- Solenoid/Starter? Again seems to be fine
- Fuel pump? but seems to be fine and runs fine once its started
- Saw a bulletin on a potential relay issue on these PCM engines


Any help or advice would be greatly appreciate!

[Gbracer]

Are you efi or carburator?
It could be fuel filter plugged and ramdomly letting boat to run or not run,
I would change fuel filters regardless, if carb dont forget there is one right at the tube fitting that goes in to the carb (screen )
water in the fuel is also a good one.
when you heading to Havasu im going there March 22 for 2 1/2 weeks,

[DontPanic210Team]

Thanks so much, I will be there the 22nd-28th as well. Would love to meet up- just sent you a message. Its EFI and for sure will pick up some fuel filters. Bought the boat two years ago and gave my bro the Sea ray that one was carbuerated. SIlly me for not changing the fuel filters when I got it.

[NautiqueJeff]

Which engine is in the boat? Should be either the Excalibur 330 HP or the ZR6 375 HP.

Fuel filters would be my first guess too. The FCC should be on the front of the engine, and if the filter has never been changed, be ready to fight it to get the FCC open. Bring a couple of GOOD strap wrenches. PCM put those things on TIGHT from the factory! Hopefully by now someone has already been in there and changed it though, so hopefully it won't be too tight.

Here's the filter you'll need:

https://www.nautiqueparts.com/produc...part-rp080026/

Use discount code PND for 10% off.

If that doesn't fix it, you might want to check the fuel pressure when it is exhibiting the problem. You'll need a gauge that you can hook up to the valve on the fuel line. If it is low, you may need a new fuel pump (which is in the FCC as well).

[Beach-TJ]

Does it only happen when it sits for a bit? I'm thinking possible fuel pressure leak-down. This is where the pressure on the fuel rail leaks down when the boat isn't running, often takes hours or days to be a problem. The easy test is to turn the boat on for 10 sec, without starting but fully on for 10 sec then off, 2 or 3 times then try and start it. If it always starts easy like this it's a fuel pressure leak- down issue.

[zigs]

Fuel pressure regulator would be my guess. I would change that and the FCC filters.

[Jamo]

Fuel pressure regulator would be my guess. I would change that and the FCC filters.

What is the fuel pressure regulator? Is that on the rails?