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Issues With Older EFIs at High Altitude?


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So I just completed my 2nd Lake Powell trip (first in 2013), and had a question:

During my first trip, my engine acted up and was difficult to start on multiple occasions. It sounded starved for fuel, trying to turn over. I chalked it up to water in the vent line from surfing, and it never happened again once I returned to lower elevations. But then, on this 2nd trip, it took awhile (5-7 seconds) to turn the engine over more than half the time. It's literally never had this problem at any place other than Powell; it snaps on like a champ every single time everywhere else.

So it has to be something to do with elevation, right? But I thought only carb engines have issues with high altitude? Any thoughts? It's not a big deal since it ultimately does turns over, but having it struggle while you're deep down a canyon, 20 miles from your houseboat, can be a little disconcerting.

Edited by aggie08
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Like someone else said...MAP sensor...,Which really can't be tested. I would also look at the coolant temp. sensor which can easily be tested.

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The program in a boat ECM is very simple & makes very few adjustments like a car ECM does. Altitude isn't even considered.

Any chance it was only when the engine was hot? Maybe a vapor lock issue?

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It was primarily when the engine was cold, or had sat for as short as half an hour. I agree that the altitude shouldn't affect things, but two years and 500+ plus starts elsewhere, not even a single issue or hesitation; two trips to Powell, 25 of the 50 starts have been "iffy". It has to factor in somewhere.

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According to my Indmar fuel injection service manual a "barometric pressure reading" is read from the map sensor at ignition on and is used to compensate for altitude differences.

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Funny. I look at Powell as a "low elevation" lake. :)

We go there 5-6 times per year. Does your problem start when you first get there, or is it by chance after you fill up with fuel from the marina? The reason I ask is that the marinas (at least Bullfrog and Halls) have a TERRIBLE reputation of having a high ethanal content, and water in the fuel.

Every time I fill up there, I add Marine Stabil. Never have had trouble with my Malibu (only two trip so far) or my previous sterndrive (more trips than I can count), but have had difficulty with the houseboat, and have plenty of friends that have similar trouble.

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