2003 Mercury 175 EFI
Serial # 0T566138
Motor runs great, when cold it fires right up and idles beautifully. Run the boat down the river, stop to fish awhile go to start motor and it takes upwards of 5-6 times of turning the key while pushing in on the key choke before it will sluggishly come to life. Once it's started it runs great again, stop to fish and repeat the multiple key turns to start.
I have read everything I can on warm start issues, I level motor and pump primer bulb (99.9% of the time it's firm). I have not performed a fuel pressure test as I have no idea how to do that. The motor was recently gone through, fuel system cleaned, injectors sent off for balancing and cleaning, new plugs. This has cost me quite a few bucks, as I type this I think it was warm starting just fine after the service and it has progressively gotten worse to date. I would like to solve this issue myself if I can so I can at least learn about the fuel system on an EFI.
Here are some possible issues I read about:
1. Clogged final filter on VST hose
2. Fuel Pump needs rebuilt with fuel pump kit (don't have part number)
3. Inline fuel water separator causing fuel restriction?? Apparently Mercury does not recommend an additional filter
4. Corroded wire connections (I havent seen any so far)
Any advice/direction/help/stern reprimands would be appreciated