HELP! I need advise on why my boat will not run after storage.

[tightwad]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum and needing some advice from long time boat owners/mechanics.

I have a 2001 Triton TR-22 with a 250 Pro XB Mercury motor. This boat has been running great since I bought it brand new, but the boat has been in storage (in my basement) for about 3 years due to health issues with a family member and not having time to run the boat, but I did do the proper maintenance before I store the boat for the winter as recommended by the owners manual.

We took the boat out the other day to get it ready for the summer, and we run into a problem but not a 100% certain why. The boat will start and run, but it will not go over idle speed, could that be cause by bad fuel pump because it sure acts like the fuel is not getting into the motor. I tried pumping the fuel bulb but that didn't help. I hope I didn't do anything to damage the motor. I don't want to buy a new fuel pump until I'm certain since the price for a new pump is around $4K. I really don't want to take it to a Pro shop yet since we don't have very many good, honest shops around here. Any help, advise or suggestion will be greatly appreciated, TIA.

[tr196]

Welcome to the board!

You didn't mention if the fuel was changed out of the tank prior to running. If not that may be part of the problem. When fuel sits that long it degrades.

You might consider posting this over on the Mercury page. You may get more hits over there. Good luck.

[tightwad]

Thanks Tom for the heads up. I always use the premium grade fuel on this boat and always put fuel stabilizer in the tank prior to storage. I will definitely post my questions in the Mecury board to see if anyone have any other idea.

[Rudeman]

Fuel stabilizer lasts only about 6 months tops, then you willl need to add more. Try hooking up to a source of fresh fuel like a portable tank and see if it helps.

[ROADRUNNER]

If the fresh fuel doesn't help. It might need new spark plugs or it could be clogged jets/reeds in your motor. I had both thngs happen to me over the years. It wouldn't go over high idle speed. One time it was the high speed jets and the other was the plugs.

[oakhillhoss]

SEA FOAM

[lkhartwl]

First off if it was a fuel pump you would not be getting any gas at all. also if a new pump costs 4000 dollars I would look at the dealer who is trying to take you for a ride. heck you can get a motor for that price or at least a blown one and use the parts off it. since you live in MO maybe take it to nashville to music city marine as they do speed and pro and were a gambler dealer so they should know those engines. If it were here in sc /ga/va I have others to go to but not out there. sorry but seafoam, new gas and a dealer check is in order. good luck

[NY-Wild Bill]

Change your gas filter.

With the newer methanol-enhanced gasoline, many are getting their fuel fliters clogged if the gas is allowed to sit for any length of time.

[tiny]

Had the same thing happen to me. I found a pinhole in the fuel line. It was letting air in and would not go very much above idle. This is a real possibility due to the length of storage.

tiny