Expert: Everett Peacock - 8/9/2009

Question
QUESTION:  i have a boat with a 2006 merc optimax. since new the boat has baffled me and now three authorized merc dealers and mechanics. i go to the lake, prime bulb, start engine it runs fine as far as i want to go. as long as i don't turn it off and fish. when i restart and (usually) get on plane the engine dies. i then have to reprime bulb an i can take off again and go as far as i want. shut it off and it happens again. help please. all fuel line and dip tube have been replaced twice primer bulb 3 times and now mechanical fuel pump. after changing pump the boat ran good for two days and started all over again.

ANSWER: try to run it on a portable fuel tank,,problem may be in the tank...

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QUESTION: already did, same problem occurred on separate tank, line and bulb.

ANSWER: has the tracker valve been checked???

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QUESTION: not sure what that is or if it has been checked, never heard mention of it before. the engine will not die at idle it must be ran and then stopped(engine off) and then started and ran again, sometimes twice more before it will die. has been hooked to computer three times now, it shows nothing wrong.just picked it back up from shop today, they said they ran it for 2 hours and could not get it to fail. going to lake tomorrow.will see....

Answer
tracker valve regulates a 10 psi difference between fuel and air rails...just saying I would check it...hope he did repair it, it is a good engine sounds like a leak somewhere......good luck.......boatman   docksidemarine122aol.com   boatmansbargains.com