Boat wont start after running for a while

[Sammy D]

I need some help from anyone out there. I have a 1990 malibu sunsetter and when I put in the water it starts up right away with no problems. The problem I am having is after a couple of runs I can turn the boat off and when I am ready to start it, the boat will not start at all. I mean I dont get nothing for about 15 to 30 minutes and then after time it starts up. When it doesnt start it dont turn over or nothing, when I turn the key the gauges will move but the engine will not start. please help.

[Mwho]

Sounds like Vapor Lock from Ethanol in the Fuel - read up about it. My 06 XTI is doing the same. I will post others if I find it again.

[nuttyskier2002]

Sounds like Vapor Lock from Ethanol in the Fuel - read up about it. My 06 XTI is doing the same. I will post others if I find it again.

I think he's saying his starter is not turning over either. Vapor lock will not affect the starter motor.

Sammy, the next time this happens place a cool wet towel over your starter motor,... then give it a try. If nothing,... jiggle the shifter lever back and forth,... next try tapping on the starter solenoid. Something is heating up and not allowing current to your starter. Hope this helps. //Brian

[skier92]

And check the wires to the starter and the ground wires to make sure there is no corrosion (remove to inspect) and that fasteners are tight.

[MalibuTime]

Sounds like Vapor Lock from Ethanol in the Fuel - read up about it. My 06 XTI is doing the same. I will post others if I find it again.

I think he's saying his starter is not turning over either. Vapor lock will not affect the starter motor.

Sammy, the next time this happens place a cool wet towel over your starter motor,... then give it a try. If nothing,... jiggle the shifter lever back and forth,... next try tapping on the starter solenoid. Something is heating up and not allowing current to your starter. Hope this helps. //Brian

Careful, keep your hands off it if anyone is turning the key, lots of juice going to your starter, last thing you want to do is bridge the + and - with a wet towel while you are holding it . If your solenoid is stuck, it can still be getting some current but not engaging, but I think your would maybe hear the starter going but not engaging. Been a while since I had starter problems.

[Sammy D]

Sounds like Vapor Lock from Ethanol in the Fuel - read up about it. My 06 XTI is doing the same. I will post others if I find it again.

I think he's saying his starter is not turning over either. Vapor lock will not affect the starter motor.

Sammy, the next time this happens place a cool wet towel over your starter motor,... then give it a try. If nothing,... jiggle the shifter lever back and forth,... next try tapping on the starter solenoid. Something is heating up and not allowing current to your starter. Hope this helps. //Brian

Thanks for your help will try these things this weekend

[GMaurice]

Did you ever get a fix for this?

I am having the same issue with my 2001 Response.

Boat fires up beautifully when cold and runs without issue.

After skiing for a bit and shutting it down, it won't start until I raise the engine cover and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.

After that time (and it's almost like clockwork), it fires right up.

In between, it won't even try to turn over, nothing. Everytime I try to check if the solenoid is getting voltage with MM, it starts right up.

It's one of those problems that's very hard to diagnose. I've had all the cabling apart, sanded down contacts ..nothing.

It's very predictable and you can almost count on when it will and won't work. It has yet to leave us stranded.

Any help or things to look for would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Geoff

[WakingMeHappy]

Sound like vapor lock.

[GMaurice]

The boat won't turn over, or even crank when it's in this condition - no noise other than fuel pump.

Could that still be VL? I thought it would crank but not start?

[GMaurice]

Just wondering how likely this could be a sticky starter solenoid?

How believable is it that it works fine when cold, but "seizes" when hot?

After running the boat for 5-10 minutes at moderate speeds, it won't turn over or crank, or make any noise (no solenoid noise).

The only thing I can think is that it's on the frtiz and doesn't like the heat.

Thoughts? Reasonable?

[WakingMeHappy]

If the brushes on the starter are corroded you can free them up by smacking the starter with a hammer.

Edited May 6, 2013 by WakingMeHappy