2002 Epic SX Starts runs 1-2 seconds and then dies?

[ghamontree]

Has anyone ever heard of this or have suggestions on how to fix this?

[ATS_Aaron]

OK, I have zero Epic mechanical experience, but I run a Toyota specialty shop. On a Toyota or Lexus the fuel pump relay is called the "circuit opening relay" it's a dual coil relay that gets two signals, one from the start switch on teh key that turns the fuel pump on and one that is energized by the ecu that tells the relay to stay engaged because the engine is running. Sounds like the ECU isn't telling the circuit opening relay that the engine is running.

1. locate the fuel pump relay.
2. feel it whole someone turns the key to the start position, you should feel it click.
3. after the engine starts you may feel it "un-click" as the relay turns off.

Looks like this may be a better guide than me....

http://www.epicmarine.com/docs/Fuel_System_Guide.pdf

All of this assumes your engine is dying because of a lack of fuel or fuel pressure.

Aaron

[ghamontree]

Thanks!  Any chance the airflow meter or bad fuel could cause this?

[ATS_Aaron]

Yes. Bad air flow meters, or air leaks between the air flow meter and the throttle body can cause the same issue.

Aaron

[breakawaydaze]

Check your cut off lanyard / switch.  May or may not be the problem.  But an easy fix.

[Ktown]

I second Breakawaydaze suggestion.  I had this problem and my lanyard was firmly in place.  I decided to unhook it and re-attach it.  After that, I had no problems.  If you haven't tried it, it's definitely worth trying.

Good luck.

[ghamontree]

No it is not the lanyard.  Thanks!

[breakawaydaze]

Double check the nuetral safety switch in the throttle.  Before starting push throttle full forward then reverse then back to nuetral.  Try again.  if that does not work try putting pressure on throttle forward without lifting the nuetral release then try preesing towards reverse without lifting nuetral ring while attempting to start. Sometimes this nuetral switch gets out of adjustment. Was your boat winterized by someone else/Sometimes they shut off fuel valve to engine, double check that.  A loose battery cable could be the culprit.  next easiest is the water / fuel seperator, check that it is not clogged. 

[ghamontree]

Thanks I will try this, I just spoke to an Epic technician who advised me to check the fuel pump hose filters to see if they are clogged.

[wakejunky]

Unplug the MAF (mass air flow) sensor. Try to start it. If it runs - replace MAF sensor. It will only run at idle when disconnected.

[cyclone]

First thing, replace fuel filter and dump into mason jar to check for water. It's an MF11 (west marine) REPLACE IT. THen, see the sticky post I just created so I don't have to search anymore:)

Lakeratz at the very end mentions the screens, I'll teardown the spare pumps I have and take pics of the screens and how to access and clean them.

Pete

[ghamontree]

Mass airflow meter resolved the starting and dies issue, the other issue where it did not have 100% power was due to two bad spark plugs caused by old fuel.  I had used stabilizer in the fuel but the tank of fuel was almost a year old.   I drained the fuel, installed new spark plugs and she runs like new.  Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions.