12 replies to this topic

[Allens292]

I have a 2002 Islandia with the 240 EFI Mercury.  I have been having a problem where after about 15-20 minutes on the water from a cold start and going 30-40 mph/5,000 rpm, the engine will then suddenly shut off.  I have suspected an electrical problem but it does not shut off if I wiggle the key or lanyard and if I do pull the lanyard out or turn the key it will shut off instantly but start right back up.  When I have the mystery stop it takes 2 cranks usually to start it again and a few seconds for the engine then to reach idle speed.  Then it works fine again until it shuts off again.  Each time they then get shorter and shorter until it can not exceed 2,000 rpm without shutting off.  The shut-offs are instant though and do not sputter.

I have had 2 mechanics look at it and they can not seem to pinpoint the problem.  Has anyone had this same problem.  Canb anyone offer any thoughts?

[cAn'T sWim]

Allens292, on Jul 17 2005, 06:02 PM, said:

I have a 2002 Islandia with the 240 EFI Mercury.  I have been having a problem where after about 15-20 minutes on the water from a cold start and going 30-40 mph/5,000 rpm, the engine will then suddenly shut off.  I have suspected an electrical problem but it does not shut off if I wiggle the key or lanyard and if I do pull the lanyard out or turn the key it will shut off instantly but start right back up.  When I have the mystery stop it takes 2 cranks usually to start it again and a few seconds for the engine then to reach idle speed.  Then it works fine again until it shuts off again.  Each time they then get shorter and shorter until it can not exceed 2,000 rpm without shutting off.  The shut-offs are instant though and do not sputter.

I have had 2 mechanics look at it and they can not seem to pinpoint the problem.  Has anyone had this same problem.  Canb anyone offer any thoughts?

I have a very similar problem.  Mine seems to happen primarily when I am under load and taking off ie..pulling a skier up or just WOT from a dead stop.  It shuts off but starts back up immediately.  I have not even bothered asking a mechanic to take a look because I knew they would not find right away.  I just keep going over my electrical connections and will eventually find it there or its a fuel problem.

[rayliner]

cAn'T sWim, on Jul 18 2005, 12:17 PM, said:

Allens292, on Jul 17 2005, 06:02 PM, said:

I have a 2002 Islandia with the 240 EFI Mercury.  I have been having a problem where after about 15-20 minutes on the water from a cold start and going 30-40 mph/5,000 rpm, the engine will then suddenly shut off.  I have suspected an electrical problem but it does not shut off if I wiggle the key or lanyard and if I do pull the lanyard out or turn the key it will shut off instantly but start right back up.  When I have the mystery stop it takes 2 cranks usually to start it again and a few seconds for the engine then to reach idle speed.  Then it works fine again until it shuts off again.  Each time they then get shorter and shorter until it can not exceed 2,000 rpm without shutting off.  The shut-offs are instant though and do not sputter.

I have had 2 mechanics look at it and they can not seem to pinpoint the problem.  Has anyone had this same problem.  Canb anyone offer any thoughts?

I have a very similar problem.  Mine seems to happen primarily when I am under load and taking off ie..pulling a skier up or just WOT from a dead stop.  It shuts off but starts back up immediately.  I have not even bothered asking a mechanic to take a look because I knew they would not find right away.  I just keep going over my electrical connections and will eventually find it there or its a fuel problem.

Our ChallengerX cut out on us, and never came back.  There was no power to the ignition switch at all - evidenced by the fact that the gas gauge was not working when we turned the key on, among other things. All other elctircal worked - lights, horn, blower; none of these go through the ignition.  We towed it 250 miles home, and when the dealer got it, they said it started right up.  THis sounds like a problem with the entire line of boats... If anyone is able to locate the exact problem, please let us all know.

[nookie201]

Allens292, on Jul 17 2005, 06:02 PM, said:

I have a 2002 Islandia with the 240 EFI Mercury.  I have been having a problem where after about 15-20 minutes on the water from a cold start and going 30-40 mph/5,000 rpm, the engine will then suddenly shut off.  I have suspected an electrical problem but it does not shut off if I wiggle the key or lanyard and if I do pull the lanyard out or turn the key it will shut off instantly but start right back up.  When I have the mystery stop it takes 2 cranks usually to start it again and a few seconds for the engine then to reach idle speed.  Then it works fine again until it shuts off again.  Each time they then get shorter and shorter until it can not exceed 2,000 rpm without shutting off.  The shut-offs are instant though and do not sputter.

I have had 2 mechanics look at it and they can not seem to pinpoint the problem.  Has anyone had this same problem.  Canb anyone offer any thoughts?

Hi,


Did you check the air hoses or air intake. (Check for air-hoses that collapse under power )

-G

[jakelong]

I know this is an old thread, but did anyone find the specifc problem? This is happening on my Utopia 205 with the 240 EFI. I have changed gas filters and spark plugs, but I still have the issue.

Thanks,
Jake

[Kevin Leclair]

Jake,

I don't believe there was ever an exact resolution to this issue since there are some variations per individual boats.  Do you have a local dealer that has looked at this problem on your boat yet?

[jakelong]

Kevin Leclair, on Nov 20 2009, 05:56 AM, said:

Jake,

I don't believe there was ever an exact resolution to this issue since there are some variations per individual boats. Do you have a local dealer that has looked at this problem on your boat yet?

I have not had a dealer look at this specific problem. After researching this intermittent problem, I doubt I would take it to the shop until I get a chance to check all electrical connections. Sound like there are quite a few "guesses" - ignition switch, lanyard, low volume fuel pump, crank position sensor, corroded connectors. I may not get to troubleshoot for a while, but I'll report back if I find my problem.

Thanks,
Jake

[Kevin Leclair]

Sounds good Jake, thanks for keeping us posted.

[Ryan Mack]

Allens292, on 17 July 2005 - 06:02 PM, said:

I have a 2002 Islandia with the 240 EFI Mercury.  I have been having a problem where after about 15-20 minutes on the water from a cold start and going 30-40 mph/5,000 rpm, the engine will then suddenly shut off.  I have suspected an electrical problem but it does not shut off if I wiggle the key or lanyard and if I do pull the lanyard out or turn the key it will shut off instantly but start right back up.  When I have the mystery stop it takes 2 cranks usually to start it again and a few seconds for the engine then to reach idle speed.  Then it works fine again until it shuts off again.  Each time they then get shorter and shorter until it can not exceed 2,000 rpm without shutting off.  The shut-offs are instant though and do not sputter.

I have had 2 mechanics look at it and they can not seem to pinpoint the problem.  Has anyone had this same problem.  Canb anyone offer any thoughts?

Im having a similar problem now, did you ever figure out the issue?

[Ryan Mack]

jakelong, on 19 November 2009 - 08:35 PM, said:

I know this is an old thread, but did anyone find the specifc problem? This is happening on my Utopia 205 with the 240 EFI. I have changed gas filters and spark plugs, but I still have the issue.

Thanks,
Jake

Jake, its happening to my 2002 challenger 1800 240 as well, did you solve the problem??

[STEPHEN X-20]

Mine did this last summer.  It would shut off at full speed like someone pulled the lanyard, but then start right back up just fine.  I changed the plugs and the fuel filter and it still had the same issue.  After reading the engine specs Kevin sent me, I noticed there is a second small inline fuel filter.  I changed it and have not had this issue since.

Hope this helps,

Stephen X-20

[STEPHEN X-20]

I also ran a tank of gas through with Sea-Foam additive, which might have also helped solve the issue.  I have also been using this product with every fill-up to help battle the moisture in the Ethanol.  See below from the SeaFoam website:

Cleaning Carburetor Bowl and Jets To clean carburetor bowl and jets, add 2 oz. Sea Foam to each gallon of gas oil mix.  Sea Foam slowly re-liquefies old fuel and oil varnish residue deposits to clear passages and restore normal functionality.

Controlling Moisture in Gasoline -Including Ethanol Blended Fuels

To control moisture buildup in2 cycle fuel, add 2 oz. Sea Foam to each gallon of gasoline.  Sea Foam will prevent phase separation of the moisture that accumulates in mixed fuel.

[Seadoodude]

STEPHEN X-20, on 07 July 2010 - 10:33 PM, said:

Mine did this last summer.  It would shut off at full speed like someone pulled the lanyard, but then start right back up just fine.  I changed the plugs and the fuel filter and it still had the same issue.  After reading the engine specs Kevin sent me, I noticed there is a second small inline fuel filter.  I changed it and have not had this issue since.

Hope this helps,

Stephen X-20

Exact same problem I have been having on my 2000 M2 240EFI, intermittent shutoff, but starts right back up.  Seems to be very common as I have seen this on several forums.  I have done all the filters, spark plugs, exhaust hoses, fuel treatment, etc.  It does not do it enough to be a major concern, but enough to be annoying. Sure would be nice to figure it out.  I'll have to keep searching for other ideas.

Going out tomorrow, so I may try the Seafoam treatment that you mentioned.  I also need to look into the CPS, but I seem to recall that my model, year 2000 does not have one.  

Any other ideas or a list of possible things that cause this engine to randomly shut off appreciated.