Any ideas about this engine problem?

Spartan86 · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2015 6:56 am **Posts:** 10

2006 Four Winns Horizon 200, Volvo Penta 4.3, fuel injected.

On launch day, ran well for about 5 minutes, then started losing power, sputtering, making popping noises, then finally cut out. Had to get towed in.

Mechanic serviced it at the dock, diagnosing possible fuel filter problems. Replaced the fuel filter. Same problem continued to occur.

Mechanic then noticed a crack in the distributor cap and replaced that and all plugs. Same problem has continued to occur.

Mechanic is now thinking there is some other problem with the fuel system, including possibly bad gas. I'm not optimistic about that, as I have a full tank of fresh gas; engine was also professionally winterized and de-winterized. He is going to test it today on an alternative gas tank, with fuel additive. I'm hopeful but cynical.

Has anybody had this problem, and any thoughts on what it might be?

Thanks, all.

Bummed on Lake St. Clair

Capt. Hoss · **Posted:** Wed May 18, 2016 7:28 am

Sounds like it could be an exhaust problem, does it still have the flappers?

Spartan86 · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2015 6:56 am **Posts:** 10

No flappers

GottWhat · **Posted:** Wed May 18, 2016 8:21 am

What year?

Other owners here have had issues with fuel pumps. I am sure someone will chime in with details on that...

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed May 18, 2016 9:13 am

Has IAC valve been checked ?

VP fuel pumps are a known issue. Costly fix as well.

Spartan86 · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2015 6:56 am **Posts:** 10

2006.

Thanks for the comments.

captkevin · **Posted:** Wed May 18, 2016 9:26 am

Is your motor fuel injected or carburetor ?

Spartan86 · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2015 6:56 am **Posts:** 10

fuel injected

LVChris · **Posted:** Wed May 18, 2016 10:58 am

Mine was a fuel pump...sounds like the same issue...but mechanic checked the anti-siphon valve first.

http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=10192

good luck, and let us know what the outcome is.

LouC · **Posted:** Wed May 18, 2016 3:13 pm

Its always good to rule out the ignition system first, but they did find a crack in the dist. cap, how are the spark plug wires? When was the last time the spark plugs were looked at? You can tell a lot about performance problems from spark plugs appearance.
For the fuel system, I'd also check the fuel system pressure and the anti siphon valve. If the pump and fuel pressure is good and the anti siphon is not sticking, I'd take off the fuel filter and pour fuel in it (carefully) into a clear glass jar and let it sit. Look for debris and a layer of water on the bottom. If the ignition sys checks out, and the fuel system (pump, anti siphon, vent, etc) is OK, then you need to do more troubleshooting with the EFI system itself. Is this a port injection system or a throttle body system? Throttle body is simpler as there are only 2 injectors. One might be clogged, or have a poor spray pattern. Lastly, vaccum leaks can cause similar problems (gasket under throttle body, or intake gaskets themselves). IAC valve also should be checked, but I don't think that would cause quite the same issues.
I'd look at the plugs first actually:
porcelin insulator in the engine appearance...if bleached white....on all....lean fuel mix....weak pump, stuck anti siphon, vent clogged, injectors poor spray pattern...vaccum leak....
if the insulator is black....weak ignition/spark....injectors sticking open (rich fuel mix)...

230 Mike · **Posted:** Wed May 18, 2016 11:15 pm

How many hours?

Spartan86 · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2015 6:56 am **Posts:** 10

200 hours

Spartan86 · **Joined:** Tue Apr 28, 2015 6:56 am **Posts:** 10

Situation has now been resolved. Mechanic disconnected the fuel lines and found air pockets in the lines. He bled the lines, reconnected them, and it solved the problem. Boat is running great now.

Thanks for all the comments.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Fri May 20, 2016 8:28 am

Spartan86 wrote:

Situation has now been resolved. Mechanic disconnected the fuel lines and found air pockets in the lines. He bled the lines, reconnected them, and it solved the problem. Boat is running great now.

Thanks for all the comments.

Awesome and thanks for following up!

Rick2752 · **Posted:** Sun May 22, 2016 11:10 am

I would replace the fuel lines while you are working on it. They are pretty cheap you can do it yourself and good piece of mind. Sometimes the ethanol will eat at the rubber from the inside out it will also cause the inside to weaken and suck itself closed.

www.iFourWinns.com

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