This boat is relatively new to me (2.5 months), with a 200 Optimax. On 3 different occasions, on the first run of the next trip after topping off the fuel tank, the engine starts and idles normally, but after just a couple of minutes at high power it surges a couple of times then dies completely. After we coast to a stop and I put it back in neutral, it starts normally and idles well. After we take off and get to high power again it runs 10-30 seconds then dies again. Usually we do this 2 or 3 times. When it dies it sounds like fuel starvation - it surges a couple of times before dying. After going through this cycle 3-4 times, I can start off and run a low (just on plane) power to my first spot and fish. For the rest of the day and any subsequent trips it runs normally at all power levels until the next fuel fill-up, and even sometimes after a fuel refill I have no issues.
I run Don's suggested fuel treatment cocktail (Quikcare+Quikleen+Quikstor) so I don't think it's bad fuel or water in the tank.
I am suspicious of a partially blocked fuel vent line. When the tank is full (little air in the tank), maybe it can't vent fast enough and restricts fuel flow. Once there is enough air in the fuel tank, it becomes a non-issue.
Sound plausible? Anything else I should investigate?
Also, does anyone know how the fuel tank vent system operates on this boat? It's much easier to troubleshoot when you know how it should work. I have a single 41 gallon tank.
Thanks!