2008 Mercury Optimax, won't start

naclh2oDave · 10-09-2008, 12:36 PM

The boat has sat for about 8 weeks without running. Had a half full tank of fuel. Topped it off this morning and went to the ramp. It gives the initial ignition strong but then peters out. I have the full warranty but I assume its a fuel/ethanol issue. And would like to save the trip to a mechanic. If I do have to go to a mechanic who is the best? Any suggestions would be great, thanks.

Wharf Rat · 10-09-2008, 01:06 PM

Probably stupid question, but did you pump the ball?

TWINKIE6816 · 10-09-2008, 01:07 PM

Probably another stupid question but, is the battery charged?

sealark · 10-09-2008, 02:14 PM

Sounds somewhat like you might have gotten some water in the tank after you ran it 8 weeks ago and it started and ran for a few and then the water got to the engine.

DOUBLE "D" & LV · 10-09-2008, 07:26 PM

If you would, give me a call and I will ask a series of Q's to better determine what may be happening. If it needs to be looked at for warranty after we talk, go see Kenny at Emerald Coast Marine. Hope I will be able to narrow it down. Call me when you can be at the boat.

naclh2oDave · 10-10-2008, 10:17 AM

Thanks for the replys guys. Not a stupid question but yes pumped both balls, one at the tank and one after the water/fuel seperater. The battery had a full charge and I spent 30 minutes at the ramp trying to start it. May not have been so strong after that. I got impatient after my initial post and started calling around. It was suggested that I go see Kim at Harbor view, So I took it there hoping it is warranty related. I'm waiting, impatiantly, to hear from them. The water is glass right now and I was looking forward to being on the water this morning. Maybe this afternoon.

10-09-2008, 12:36 PM	#1
naclh2oDave Senior Member Grouper Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze Posts: 941	2008 Mercury Optimax, won't start The boat has sat for about 8 weeks without running. Had a half full tank of fuel. Topped it off this morning and went to the ramp. It gives the initial ignition strong but then peters out. I have the full warranty but I assume its a fuel/ethanol issue. And would like to save the trip to a mechanic. If I do have to go to a mechanic who is the best? Any suggestions would be great, thanks. __________________

10-09-2008, 01:06 PM	#2
Wharf Rat Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL Posts: 2,076	RE: 2008 Mercury Optimax, won't start Probably stupid question, but did you pump the ball?

10-09-2008, 01:07 PM	#3
TWINKIE6816 Senior Member Snapper Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: MILTON Posts: 524	RE: 2008 Mercury Optimax, won't start Probably another stupid question but, is the battery charged?

10-09-2008, 02:14 PM	#4
sealark Senior Member Sailfish Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pensacola, Sherman Cove Marina Posts: 1,983	RE: 2008 Mercury Optimax, won't start Sounds somewhat like you might have gotten some water in the tank after you ran it 8 weeks ago and it started and ran for a few and then the water got to the engine.

10-09-2008, 07:26 PM	#5
DOUBLE "D" & LV Senior Member Grouper Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: pensacola Posts: 863	RE: 2008 Mercury Optimax, won't start If you would, give me a call and I will ask a series of Q's to better determine what may be happening. If it needs to be looked at for warranty after we talk, go see Kenny at Emerald Coast Marine. Hope I will be able to narrow it down. Call me when you can be at the boat.

10-10-2008, 10:17 AM	#6
naclh2oDave Senior Member Grouper Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze Posts: 941	RE: 2008 Mercury Optimax, won't start Thanks for the replys guys. Not a stupid question but yes pumped both balls, one at the tank and one after the water/fuel seperater. The battery had a full charge and I spent 30 minutes at the ramp trying to start it. May not have been so strong after that. I got impatient after my initial post and started calling around. It was suggested that I go see Kim at Harbor view, So I took it there hoping it is warranty related. I'm waiting, impatiantly, to hear from them. The water is glass right now and I was looking forward to being on the water this morning. Maybe this afternoon. __________________

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