2015 R31-CB Starting Issues

[JeffreyAC77]

We recently have had problems starting our boat. I have pumped the primer on top of the fuel filter to remedy this. Once started, the boat runs fine. Recently when cranking over before starting it sounded like metal on metal before catching and running fine. Where should my trouble shooting start?

thanks,

 

[Brian John]

Could be the starter worn gears not engaging smoothly.

 

[Rednuke1]

We recently have had problems starting our boat. I have pumped the primer on top of the fuel filter to remedy this. Once started, the boat runs fine. Recently when cranking over before starting it sounded like metal on metal before catching and running fine. Where should my trouble shooting start?

thanks,

Injectors fuel bypass test. Too much fuel bypassing the injector lowers the pressure in the fuel line. The pressure sensor constantly monitors this, and the ECM will not allow the engine to start if below a certain pressure on the rail. Pushing the fuel primer bulb while cranking may assist with starting for awhile, but if it is indeed worn or damaged injector(s), the problem will just get worse.

Hopefully, it’s something simpler than this, (sensors, etc). A session on the Vodia should tell the tech right away which direction to look.

 

[AGLyme]

Fuel filter filled with junk (microbial) from the bottom of the fuel tank ? Were you out in rough seas recently ?
There are videos on YouTube describing this situation and the remedy is “fuel polishing” and tank cleaning.
Inspect your fuel filter as a first step.

 

[Rednuke1]

We recently have had problems starting our boat. I have pumped the primer on top of the fuel filter to remedy this. Once started, the boat runs fine. Recently when cranking over before starting it sounded like metal on metal before catching and running fine. Where should my trouble shooting start?

thanks,

Did you figure out your starting issue yet?

 

[JeffreyAC77]

I have not. I replaced both the primary and secondary fuel filters and inspected the fuel (looked fine). I primed this morning and the engine started right up but,it seems that if I prime the secondary filter, then the engine starts rough for a few seconds and then runs fine. Also seems to be a bit of gray smoke initially, which eventually calms down. What did you mean by "a session on the Vodia?"

 

[Rednuke1]

I have not. I replaced both the primary and secondary fuel filters and inspected the fuel (looked fine). I primed this morning and the engine started right up but,it seems that if I prime the secondary filter, then the engine starts rough for a few seconds and then runs fine. Also seems to be a bit of gray smoke initially, which eventually calms down. What did you mean by "a session on the Vodia?"

Vodia is the trade name for the Volvo Penta software that the VP techs use to work on, service, troubleshoot, and do engine analysis.

A VP tech will plug his laptop into your engine and be able to see past history, stored and active codes, etc. in the case of engine codes, it will also direct him to specific areas to troubleshoot, etc. Kinda takes the guesswork out of tracing down engine issues.

I forgot to ask earlier if you are getting any engine alarms/codes displayed while starting, or after the engine has started? It should be an audible alarm, and a code should be displayed on your VP engine display at your helm area. It will be in very small print at the bottom of the alarm/code screen. It should start out with something like:
“Mid 128 Psid 50 Fmi 0”

 

[JeffreyAC77]

Vodia is the trade name for the Volvo Penta software that the VP techs use to work on, service, troubleshoot, and do engine analysis.

A VP tech will plug his laptop into your engine and be able to see past history, stored and active codes, etc. in the case of engine codes, it will also direct him to specific areas to troubleshoot, etc. Kinda takes the guesswork out of tracing down engine issues.

I forgot to ask earlier if you are getting any engine alarms/codes displayed while starting, or after the engine has started? It should be an audible alarm, and a code should be displayed on your VP engine display at your helm area. It will be in very small print at the bottom of the alarm/code screen. It should start out with something like:
“Mid 128 Psid 50 Fmi 0”

Thanks for the explanation. I have not noticed a code, but I haven't been looking either. Would the code stay visible or go away at some point. Engine started up perfectly this past weekend when leaving the dock, but then needed to prime the fuel pump to start later in the day.

 

[JeffreyAC77]

Well - the final answer was GAS in my fuel tank! Had it drained and cleaned and issue is gone and engine running normally once again. Most recent fill up was in Kingston before the problem but they didn't confirm any issues at their fuel dock. Only the captain fuels this boat and we did not have gas pumped into the fuel tank so this remains a mystery.