starting problems 200hp E-TEC

2005 200hp E-tec serial# 05110857
Engine not starting. The last 3 or 4 times out engine has failed to start. Motor turns over but sounds like it's not getting gas. Engine runs and starts fine after multiple starts then decides not to start. I noticed if I raise motor and wait 10 to 15 minutes it will start again. Took to mechanic and he was unable to duplicate problem on water so after checking several systems and finding nothing wrong he told me to use it till it quits and won't start. Then he can find what's wrong. Problem with that is now I find motor unreliable and don't want to get stranded on lake. Hate that feeling wondering if motor will start. By the way no warning lights come on when trying to start. Any body experience this problem or have any ideas. Motor runs great just decides it doesn't want to start.

Remove the exhaust pressure sensor tube and clean out any carbon buildup, plus remove the other end of the hose from the EMM and make sure it is clear, there is a small restrictor orifice in the hose close to the EMM.

Remove and check the plugs for a gap above .030, they should be QC10WEP plugs gapped to .028 and indexed per the manual.

See if the longer deflector pins were installed when the update kits came out several years back, they offer longer plug life for motors before serial # 513XXXX

Check the software and post the revision number, it may need updating.

Hook up a voltmeter on the starter post and the frame and read the voltage while the motor cranks over. If it is below 10 volts, then you need a stronger battery, heavier cables, clean connections, hex nuts on the battery terminals or all of the above.

Give this list to your mechanic, I assume he is trained in and familiar with the E-TEC and works for an authorized dealer.

Will do and thanks for the post.

Had these infuriating intermittent symptoms on my DFI motor - turned out to be a bad starter solenoid. Don't know whether the etec is wired similarly so this may not be relevant (one of the gurus will hopefully affirm or correct) but the smoking gun was finding no voltage on the "I" post of the solenoid while the motor was cranking over good.

Will ask my mech. to check. Thanks for your input