Starting Problem with 40 hp 4 stroke EFI

[perchjerker52]

I have an '06 mercury 40 hp 4 stroke EFI that will not start. This motor has very low hours. The last time I used it it cranked right up and ran like a champ. It has always started without any trouble. I attempted to crank it today and it immediately fired but only ran about half a second and died. When I tried to crank it again the battery was not strong enough to turn the motor over. I replaced the battery and attempted to crank the motor again. Same thing. It fired once or twice and died. I pumped the primer bulb until the bulb was good and firm. Same thing. The motor wants to start but just won't. Turning the starter over for a few seconds does not produce anything. Since the boat has been sitting for several months I suspect the gas is bad and something must be stopped up. It acts like it is not getting fuel. Since this is an EFI engine I don't know where to start. It is not like a carbureator where you take it apart and clean out the jets. HELP!

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: Starting Problem with 40 hp 4 stroke EFI

I would take a fuel sample out of the Vapor Seperator Tank. If the gas is stale and smells varnished you might want to drain it and fill the fuel filter with qickkleen or ringfree and prime the bulb with a fresh portable tank of gas and let it sit over night with fresh gas in it. It is not necessarly a fix but may free up the fuel pump.

 

[perchjerker52]

Re: Starting Problem with 40 hp 4 stroke EFI

Thanks Jeff, that sounds like a good place to start. All I have to do is figure out where the Vapor Separator is. I am sure the gas is stale and will smell varnished. I am pretty mechanically inclined and can probably figure this out. Can you recommend any sites where PDF service manuals are posted? BTW, my son is a 1st class Petty Officer in the Coast Guard, in Miami, FL. Thanks for your service to our country.

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: Starting Problem with 40 hp 4 stroke EFI

Here is a picture of the VST it is "K". I was in the Coast Guard for 6 years and have excellent VA benefits now, smartest decision I ever made. I was stationed on the Outer Banks NC at Oregon Inlet. Try draining the VST and see what comes out try to catch as much as you can so you can determine what debris thier is, if you do get it running again without taking it in, make sure you run your Fuel Stabilizer all the time and get in the habit of draining the VST every time, a little headache now is better than a migraine later.