Hard starting HPDI

[champ210]

Anyone else have a hard starting HPDI? Do you all hand prime it before you turn the key? Do you always have to push the key in after it starts to keep it running? Mine had a little episode this past weekend when it set in the water all night at the docks. Went out side turned the key it starts for about 3 sec then quits. I start it again while pushing in on the key starts for a couple seconds then quits. Then I try to start it again and and it doesn't fire. Just turns over like it's not getting fuel, but the ball is hard. Next I try to crank it while holding the peddal to the floor and it finally fires and I throw it in reverse real quick because it Idles so much better in gear because of the cylinder shut down feature which I hate. I had to go through this scenario 2 mornings that weekend and it wasn't that cold out. Never had the problem before. Once I got it home I put it in the garage and went over to turn the key and it fired right up and Idled fine. Anyone have any opinions?

[wildkat7]

What do you mean by "pushing the key in"?

[spider1]

That use to be a chock but now on the HPDI's it is nothing.

[champ210]

Really ? I always thought it was a choke off some sort. It seems like when I push it in it Idles up a little. I just figured it was some sort of choke. So your saying it does nothing then good I'll quit using it. I always wondered why it had one thinking that the computer should be able to handle all functions like that. Thats what electronics are for. Any opinions on why it was hard to start?

[Reata210]

No pushing the key on an HPDI. When you say hand priming, if you mean the primer ball, yes I use that on every cold start. I will also use it occasionally if the boat has sat for more than an hour or so while on the lake to help the pumps a bit. Not needed but makes me feel good.

Mine always fires right up in any temp. Hard start can be many things, including but not limited to; plugs, filters, CDI malfunction, or any other computer controlled ignition function. I would change out all easy maintenance items and if still hard starting when cold have a tech get some readings from the ECU.

[champ210]

When I first bought it I had some problems with starting and the tech said the linkage or butterflys were out of adjustment. Hadn't had a problem since then. Over the winter I installed a fuel and water seperator and a LW flywheel. I don't know if this has anything to do with it but I had ran the boat a week before this little trip with no problems at all. Probably should add that once it finally started in the morning had absolutely no trouble the rest of the day. Stopped and started maybe 15 times each day.

[briansgi]

TPS (throttle position sensor) voltage could be off. When I first used my 2008 HPDI series II it would crank and crank and crank, bulb was firm too. This was after it fired right up and I went to the first fishing hole and fished for 1 hour. Tried cranking it up but it would not start. I finally had to give it gas with the hotfoot and it finally started and ran like hell. Finally got it up on plane and went back to the trailer. Took it back to the dealer since it was brand new and they said the TPS voltage was off and I've never had another problem.

[champ210]

I'll give it a couple more trips and see what happens. Went home and double checked my spark gaps and they were in check. Then i primed the ball and hit the key. Started right up. Who knows. Maybe she doesn't like sittinhg outside all night.

[spider1]

When the motor is cold try not putting the motor deep in the water. Just deep enough to get water to the water pump. This should help.
Something about cold start and to much back pressure.