20v motor dies

[dod1655]

I have a 2008 20v with a Marine Power Engine and need advice. Whenever we run the boat for about 30 minutes and then sit and swim for 30 minutes, the boat starts up fine, runs about 100 yards and thens sputters and dies. It will start but then immediately die. If we sit for another 30 minutes, it starts right up and runs fine. As long as it is running, the engine runs smoothly but once it sits for a while, it coughs and sputters and dies and has to rest before it will start.

I'm in NW Arkansas and altho there is a new Tige' dealer here, apparently they are only certified to work on Tige' BOATS, not the motors, if the motors are Marine Power. My boat is still under warranty but with Grand Lake having a bad rep and Ski and Sport not certified to do the warranty, does anyone in this area know of a Tige' dealer that is reputable within driving distance? We love our boat but without any dealer support in this area, I'm afraid I may have to trade.

Thank you in advance for any help or advice.

[ajholt7]

Mine does the same thing. It seams to be vapor lock. If you pop the hatch and let it cool down it should be fine. I pop the hatch for a few minutes and run the blower for a while when sitting, before restarting. If it dies pop the hatch and turn the key on. You will probably hear the fuel pump running and when it gets fuel it will stop. Then go ahead and start the boat and your good to go.

[dod1655]

Mine does the same thing. It seams to be vapor lock. If you pop the hatch and let it cool down it should be fine. I pop the hatch for a few minutes and run the blower for a while when sitting, before restarting. If it dies pop the hatch and turn the key on. You will probably hear the fuel pump running and when it gets fuel it will stop. Then go ahead and start the boat and your good to go.

Is vapor lock a common problem with the 20v? This is the first summer that this has happened and now it happens every single time we stop to swim. We always run the blower for a few minutes before cranking up. It starts up fine and runs for about a hundred yards then dies. Is that because there is still fuel in the fuel line and the vapor occurs closer to the fuel tank?

Thank you for your response!

[ajholt7]

Mine has done it several times. The heat caused the fuel in the line to turn to vapor making it hard for the fuel pump to get primed. Once it gets passed the pocket of vapor it should be fine because the cooler fuel from the tank will then be running through the fuel cooler.

[lightning59]

First off, I feel bad for you Tige' owners that have to go thru this "process" to restart a warm engine. Is there any good explanation from an engine manufacturer rep on this forum that could explain to me why this has to be a problem and just dealt with. Shutting off and restarting a marine engine, especially a towboat, is non stop(no pun intended) Is there not a fix for the boats that still have this problem?
I managed a large marina with a fleet of Mercruiser powered Crownlines and never had this problem. Our rental customers would have skinned me alive if they had to wait and let cool, open the cover, etc, etc,. What gives?

[soonerlaw04]

Mine did it the first summer we had it. After a couple tanks of gas and fuel stabilizer it runs great and we haven't had the problem since then. Our dealer is H20 watersports in stillwater ok and we have been very happy with them. I dont know how far of a drive that is from you though.

[zad0030]

Vapor lock is common among all boats. Easiest thing to do is wrap a cool rag around the fuel pump for a few minutes

[lightning59]

http://www.maxrules.com/fixgas.html
this may help....

[dod1655]

http://www.maxrules.com/fixgas.html
this may help....

This article brings a thought to mind. The fuel tank was over half full all winter. Stabilizer was added when it was winterized. Could vapor lock be brought on by old fuel? I still have about a quarter tank left.

Thank you for all of your replies!

[chpthril]

This article brings a thought to mind. The fuel tank was over half full all winter. Stabilizer was added when it was winterized. Could vapor lock be brought on by old fuel? I still have about a quarter tank left.

Thank you for all of your replies!

Where do you live?

what month did you put that batch of fuel in?

what were the temps doing that time of year?

how many hours have you run this year, doesnt seem like many as you are still on the old tank of fuel.

2 things im leaning towards: winter blend or spoiled fuel or a combo of both. Either will cause driveability issues, one of which is vapor-lock.

2 things about that artical bother me, 1) he contridicted himself on octane, and 2) he left the impression that octane determins the quality of fuel, which is incorrect.

[dod1655]

Where do you live?

what month did you put that batch of fuel in?

what were the temps doing that time of year?

how many hours have you run this year, doesnt seem like many as you are still on the old tank of fuel.

2 things im leaning towards: winter blend or spoiled fuel or a combo of both. Either will cause driveability issues, one of which is vapor-lock.

2 things about that artical bother me, 1) he contridicted himself on octane, and 2) he left the impression that octane determins the quality of fuel, which is incorrect.

I live in Northwest Arkansas and boat on Beaver Lake.

I probably filled up the tank the last time before winterization around the first week of September last fall.

September is usually High 70s, low to mid 80s during the day with temps in the 60s at night. The boat is stored in our workshop.

We probably put about 6 hours on the motor this summer. We have been afraid we might get stranded so we have stayed close to the marina. We took the boat out the first time a couple of weeks ago. The tank was topped off on the way to the lake.

I keep thinking that bad fuel would make the motor run rough all the time instead of just when it gets hot and then sits...

[wannab0133]

NWA

I had a Tige in NWA and used Grand Lake several times for warranty work and regular service. I did not have a problem with them at all. They did good work on my boat. I would suggest you call them and make sure you are calling for a warranty issue and make sure they know to bill Tige for the service. You shouldnt have to do that with a dealer, but once you have that issue ironed out they will go on Grand Lake with you and try to re-create the problem and get it fixed. I know they are a struggling dealer, but they do know how to work on those motors. Also, you can call Marine Power and there is a Marine Power shop in NWA. At least there was a year or so ago. Sorry, I can't remember who it was.

[whitlock87]

I had the same problem last year.
I checked ever thing three or four times. Changed all the plugs/ filters and nothing.
It turned out to be the wire going the primary fuel pump. (The MP engine has two fuel pumps)
The primary pump supplies the bowl, and the secondary pump is a high pressure pump for the injector rail. There is one wire that is just pushed on (no nut or screw) on the bottom the fuel filter / pump assembly. (Very hard to see, unless you are lying down in the locker) Pull the wire off and check to make sure the thermal is not corroded. (I had to slightly crimp mine) press back in place.

I have not had any issue since I did this.
DW

[tigeky]

Can u take a picture of the pump and wire and post it?

[tigeky]

I am having the same problem. Was thinking about replacing my starter because I had know idea what the problem was. Or could still be the starter. I usually drag the kid around the lake for the 1st hour or two then hit the swimming hole. The motor turns over an almost starts. Is this a vapor lock problem or a starter problem? Sounds like a vapor lock.