Help Required From the Epic Gods

[toyotafreak]

After a couple years without running (except for occasionally on the hose), we've noticed this year for the first time that on occasiont he engine will be hard to start. We're so spoiled that having to try more than once to get ignition is a heart wrencher. It seemed to happen like three times after being beached in the channel with >100F temps outside and sitting for a few hours. Ten it happened a couple times after floating a bit, still hot, but at least once not more than 100F. Thinking I may have to get smart on the fuel pump checkout process. Idle is still really good once running.

[lilfoo2225]

similar issue here too. ive noticed this year its taking a lil longer before she fires. before it was barely turning the key and vrooom! now its a few seconds longer. fuel pumps and plugs are only 3 years old with maybe 40 hours on them. also had a few stall issues which is completely new.

[ktdust]

It's baaaack. This is so frustrating.

Just had the timing belt replaced after 10 years, changed the oil, trans fluid, oil filter and fuel water separator. Cleaned the MAF and spark arrestor. Replaced the fuel pump last year.

First time out on the lake this year and it started right up. Pulled away from the dock fine when I tried to throttle it bogged down, sputtered and died. It would start up run for 10 seconds, die and repeat. No problem starting this time, just can't keep it running. No CEL came on. Oil pressure was low when it died, but it's always low at idle.

I'd say it was the timing of the timing belt, but had similar problems before it was changed so I think this is the same problem. Boat was cool so I doubt it was vapour lock.

Drained the gas, put in 94 Chevron and checked fuel screens which were clean.

Only thing I can possibly think of is that the fuel system is the problem. I did read another post with a similar problem where Capt Rick asked if the serpetine belt was replaced recently as the Mass Air Intake (I'm assuming this is the MAF sensor) could be faulty and not just dirty. I know I have two pulleys that aren't in great shape and are throwing dust off the belt.

Thinking about replacing the pulleys and MAF, but would appreciate help. Should I rent the scan tool? Would it help diagnose the problem? Can't waste another summer with the boat sitting in the driveway.

Thanks in advance.

[ktdust]

Not used to being greeted with silence from the forum.

Regardless. I've tried everything suggested and nothing is helping, but I do appreciate the suggestions. Seafoam did not work. Replaced the plugs, replaced the MAF, checked all electrical connections, no water in the gas, TLS is working fine and can hit WOT, TPS does not appear to be the issue. Cleaned the throttle body. Tried spraying throttle body cleaner in the intake when trying to get it to go as suggested by WakeJunky.

Unless I have an epiphany tonight it looks like I'll be renting the scan tool.

[ktdust]

Trailer tested the boat last night and found a few things I didn't notice before. Volts dropped to 10, and when the boat died the digital display said 'Hardware Error Item 126'.

[wakejunky]

interesting? it sounds like you have a voltage supply issue. Ive never seen that warning before but regardless id be looking for
dirty battery cable connections, dirty connections at the battery switch (Ive had that one before) , possible loose ground on the engine, could be battery cable ground or even EFI ground. if everyting is clean and tight i would hook up a battery charger to the battery and basically do a voltage drop test. start at the battery measure voltage at the terminal, note that is your starting voltage. check the battery switch if its the same keep going down the line , check the fuse block . i would focus on the engine and starting system don't mess with the gauge power at this time. ( its always off) separate systems anyway. you may pull a coil out and stick an old plug on it and hold it against a ground, have some one crank it to see if the coils are firing

good luck

[ktdust]

I think you're on the right track wakejunky.

I did try the voltage drop test last fall...your suggestion, but it seemed fine. Also tried the fuel relay? as suggested by lilfoo, but that was fine too.

I was talking to Capt Rick today and he told me to recheck the fuel pumps. When I did the lower wasn't working, but it didn't make sense to me as it's almost brand new and was working on Sunday. Hit it with a hammer, but still didn't work.

Went on the road this afternoon and had some time to think about it...seemed like a short due to how intermittent it was. When I got back I tried each fuel pump on one of the electrical connectors and both pumps worked. Tried the pumps on the other electrical connector and neither worked so it looks like I have a short in the electrical harness.

Can't wait to check it out and see if that's the only culprit.

I'll let you know.

Thanks for all the help everyone!

[ktdust]

And the winner is....a short in the electrical connection to the fuel pump.

Thanks to Capt Rick, Wakejunky, Lilfoo225 and everyone else for helping me solve the problem.