Engine died while at idle. Won't start

[kscrib]

I have a 2006 X30 with the MCX engine (200 hours). It has run great ever since we bought it new. This weekend is the first time it has ever given us a problem. We had been anchor in a cove for about 5 hours on a 95 degree day. We went to leave the cove and were idling out of the no wake zone. Taking advantage of the slow speed I was filling ballast (doubt that is relevant but wanted to be sure). Everything was normal, when all of a sudden the engine stopped. Now it will not start.

The tank is completely full. The engine had only been on a few minutes and was not hot. We let it sit over night and checked in the AM when the temp was cooler and it still will not start. I check the relief valve going to the injectors and have fuel. It sprays out of the valve (like a tire vale), so I assume it has adaquet pressure.

The starter cranks over at full speed (no battery problems). I have pulled a spark plug and checked for spark, which apears yellow (not blue) and not near as often as I would expect. I suspect the ECM died, but don't know how to confirm that before I replace it (quick internet search showed them at $900.00).

Any other ideas? We have friends coming to visit for the 4th of July weekend, and need the boat fixed. Nearest dealer is 150+ miles away one way.

Thanks.

[vision]

I am sure you checked this, but double check the kill switch. On a hot day that black plastic becomes pliable and may not be holding the switch depressed. I would even depress the button with your finger and try starting.

If you truly have normal fuel pressure, then in theory it can not be the kill switch as the fuel pump does not pump, at least on my boats, when the kill switch is removed. But perhaps there was just residual fuel pressure?

If not the kill switch, I am going with fuel pump. I do not know what the pressure is suppose to be at the fuel rail, but some one here will let you know.

Hope you find the answer.

[kscrib]

I check the kill switch as well - to no avail.

The second worst thing about this whole mess is that I had to towed in by a Malibu!

[airdrew99]

kscrib,
Just wanted to let you know that engines don't turn over very fast with the starter turning. I would estimate only about 100-150 RPM at the most (maybe not even that fast). With that being said, each spark plug only fires on every other full revolution of the engine. So if the engine was spinning 120RPM with the starter engaged, a spark plug will only spark once every second (because the engine would be spinning two full revolutions per second).
You might want to bleed off all the fuel pressure, then turn the key on to see if pressure is built up fairly quick. It should only take a 1-2 seconds to get full pressure back to your fuel rail. If you could plumb in a fuel pressure gauge and find out how much pressure you should have, this could possible identify the problem or eliminate the fuel system. I know on some cars with V8's run about 50psi with engine off & key on, then like 65psi with the engine idling (not sure about the numbers but they should be close). If pressure is pretty low, the fuel can't spray/mist out of the injector. I hope this helps a little.

Drew

[kscrib]

Update: Pressure to the fuel bar has not returned. Pretty sure it is a fuel pump/filter issue. I will order parts and confirm once I have it running. Three nights left to work on it before the holiday weekend. Hope the parts come fast! (Any hints on where to order - I am in the Kansas City, MO area).

[coz]

Originally Posted by kscrib

Update: Pressure to the fuel bar has not returned. Pretty sure it is a fuel pump/filter issue. I will order parts and confirm once I have it running. Three nights left to work on it before the holiday weekend. Hope the parts come fast! (Any hints on where to order - I am in the Kansas City, MO area).

Did you try starting in neutral? if so try starting with a little throttle up and see if it fires, if it does fire and dies when brought back to neutral it might be the IAC (idle air control valve)

[kscrib]

I have tried starting out of netural and it does not fire that way either. Believe me, I tried everything I could think of before having to admit to my buddy that owns a Malibu that I needed a tow in! :-)

I found this thread - it appears to be what I need. I like the post on page 12 about the part from Napa, as I have a 2006 X30 as well - so the part number should work.

http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=25783

[coz]

Originally Posted by kscrib

I have tried starting out of netural and it does not fire that way either. Believe me, I tried everything I could think of before having to admit to my buddy that owns a Malibu that I needed a tow in! :-)

I found this thread - it appears to be what I need. I like the post on page 12 about the part from Napa, as I have a 2006 X30 as well - so the part number should work.

http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=25783

If you can get it at NAPA then that will be the quickest & cheapest way to do it, I've personally got parts from NAPA and highly reccomend Skidim too. Good luck and hope you make the friday deadline

[thatsmrmastercraft]

Check first with your local Mastercraft dealer. If they are as good as my dealer (Midwest Mastercraft) they will have you covered on what you need at a fair price.

SKIDIM will ship you parts as fast as you want them to.

http://skidim.com/

[kscrib]

Got the pump today. Any tricks/tips on how to disconnect the fuel line to the engine? I rolled back the red covering and removed the metal clip. I have been hesitant to use any elbow grease to pull the line off. Am I being to chicken, or is there a trick/tool that I need to know?