Engine dies after 1 minute to 5 minutes

[mtoppins]

This weekend we put our 2002 21v in the water for the first time of the season. The engined fired up as good as ever, ran fine while still on the trailer for several minutes, and then just shut off. I fired it right back up again, and it died a minute or so later. I towed it back to an automotive store, had the batteries checked and they were fine. I bought another battery just to be safe, put the boat back in the water, and the boat ran for 5 or 6 minutes before dying again. It does not sputter, smoke or anything else. It just shuts off. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, the steering is super tight, but I've read enough steering cable threads on here to know what I'm in store for there.

[dogbert]

Bad gas? Did you use fuel stabilizer when you put it away last year? Also, you probably have a Mercruiser, so it may be time to change the distributor cap. I'd also check the fuel filter to make sure it's clean and if you haven't replaced it in a while, replace it.

As for the steering, it sounds like it's time for a new cable. One suggestion to make your next cable last longer, turn the wheel all the way to the left when putting your boat away and make sure you drain all the water out of the boat.

[mtoppins]

The engine is a 350 MPI. 220 hours. New fuel filter when it was winterized in October.I'll probably just take it in since the steering cable needs replacing as well.

[Tige Eye]

You may want to check out the fuel pump. Had a new one installed last year (similar prb you're describing). After that, ran fine!

[mtoppins]

Took the boat in. They installed a new steering cable, alternator and battery selector switch. We put it back in the lake tonight, finally ran for about 90 seconds and then the engine would sputter, shake, and finally die. We let it set several minutes, back up to 40 mph or so, and it would do the same thing about every 90 seconds. Any suggestions?

[dogbert]

sounds like a fuel supply problem

[mtoppins]

How can I check this out without taking it in. I dropped $1000 today when I picked it up.

[dogbert]

have them check the fuel pressure
there should be a valve on the rail

[JGR]

Just had same problem and was the low pressure fuel pump.