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Any thoughts on this strnge problem?
I have a 1995 245 Sundowner which sometimes I cannot get it to start. After ankoring/sitting for awhile I have a really difficult time getting the engine to start. If it doesn't start and stay running the first attempt then it will not run. It spits and sputters but won't idle and stay running. Then we have to sit for another ten minutes or so and try it again. If it starts we are fine, if not then sit again. It always starts no problem when at the ramp during launch. Seems like only after it's been run awhile that the problem happens. After the problem sequence where it won't start, once it finally does start it will have a hard time to get going. Some more sputtering and small backfiring. Then once I get to top end it will miss a number of times at full throttle. Took it to dealer, they replaced plugs and fuel filter. Problem still exisits. They took it out for water test and they say it is fine. They did not expereince any probelms.

Ever had the carb overhauled?

Which engine?

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

It's hard to tell without knowing which engine you have, but here's something to look into that baffled me for months on my '98 278 Vista's starboard engine. I had similar symptoms - always started at the beginning of the day, but after anchoring for a few hours, it would start, but sometimes die while idling out of the cove or it would die while getting on plane. It would start back up but it got to the point where it was always starving for gas. I replaced the fuel pump with no success.

It turned out the check-valve on the fuel tank had a little varnish build-up around the ball (by that I mean a sliver-sized ring around the ball where it seated) inside the valve, which would make it stick and therefore not let enough gas through. I cleaned it and it has been fine for two seasons now. If yours has this check valve, it's the fitting that the rubber fuel line clamps to on the gas tank.

It may not be your problem, but it's pretty easy to check.

Joe

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USCG 50 Ton Master Inland/OUPV Endorsement+Towing

1998 278 Vista - Twin 4.3 GLs, Kohler 4KW Gen, AC/Heat.
1999 Yamaha Waverunner SUV
2003 Yamaha Waverunner SUV w/MR-1 HO conversion

Thanks guys. The engine is the Volvo 5.8L EFI

Something I would try is go to an auto parts store and get some SEA FOAM this stuff cleans a fuel system it also is a stabelizer and can be used as a crankcase cleaner google it this stuff is awsome really cleans valves and combustion chamber.

Gregg

Being an EFI motor, see if you can get a mechanic to interrogate the ECU (engine management computer) - this may tell you where the problem is.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Liquefied, did you find out what what's causing your hard-start issue? It's funny, no sooner than I stated that I haven't had the check-valves varnish up in 2 seasons, the one for the port engine stuck this weekend. First after anchoring for an hour or so heading back to the marina to meet some friends, and again later on while heading to the ramp to put on the trailer - in a cross-wind. Fortunately it started back up just before my wife got the trailer backed in. Both times it started fine to begin with and then starved for gas while underway.

What I found was that the valve was stuck open, which was not rocket science as I just blew back through the hose into the tank and there was little resistance. I suspect it was sticking shut first - then when the varnish deposit dislodged, it stuck open. When I removed the valve, I didn't find physical evidence of the varnish as I probably blew it out when testing, but I could sure smell it so i know it was there.

Anyway, I'd double-check to make sure you don't have one of these valves in your fuel system and clean it. I'll also second Gregg's recommendation on the Sea Foam regardless of what your trouble ends up being. I've seen it help many boat engines and gensets on my friends' houseboats that weren't very well cared for before they bought them. I've added it to mine now as well.

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USCG 50 Ton Master Inland/OUPV Endorsement+Towing

1998 278 Vista - Twin 4.3 GLs, Kohler 4KW Gen, AC/Heat.
1999 Yamaha Waverunner SUV
2003 Yamaha Waverunner SUV w/MR-1 HO conversion

I've not yet had time to try your suggestion about the valve. I've been away at the beach for the last 2 weeks. I will get after it this week and hopefully water test it this weekend. I did put some seafoam in it about 1 month ago and it still acted up afterwards. I did notice a definite performance improvement after adding the seafoam. Thanks again, I will keep you all posted.

I found a small peice of aluminum foil stuck in the check valve. It looked like the foil stuff that is used to seal under the cap on a bottle of gas treatment. Even before removing the foil the ball moved okay in the valve but I suppose it could have only stuck occasionally if and when the foil moved around. We're heading out on the water today. I'll report later.