97 Challener 787 engine runs fine then stops.

[ldmmcgill]

Engine starts and runs fine. May run for an hour or 10 min. Then it will stop like you flipped a switch. Engine will restart and run fine until it stops again.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

Man, sounds like a toughie... Could be a whole slew of things. Next time it dies, check the spark plug boots, make sure they're actually attached to the plug. I've seen 'em work themselves off the plugs before. If it just sits on top of the plug, it will still deliver spark, but if you hit a bump, it might die on you and restart when it settles back down. IDK, just a thought. Is your tank vent working (does your tank look like it's sucked in after some time running). Maybe your start button switch is going bad. Maybe unplug it and test it a bunch of times with an ohm meter. Check all your wiring connections for things like dess post, start button, coil, fuses, etc. I'm tempted to not think it's fuel related because of how suddenly it dies, but I guess it's possible for something to be intermittently obstructing the fuel delivery. Maybe something in the tank/baffle?

 

[ldmmcgill]

I am pretty sure it is electrical. If it were fuel I think it would spit and sputter. When it stops it is instantanious. Checked all the simple stuff. I talked to a tech today and he suggested checking the engine to battery ground. He says it it pretty common problem, usually not the post or key. Will pull all connections from post and engine electrical and clean them. It is a barrel of fun when it is running.

 

[IDoSeaDoo]

Don't I know it, I have the same boat. Therefore, I'm naturally curious as to what problem you're having. Will be following this post.

 

[howie099]

If all the basics wiring checks come good I would look at the DESS post or Key. The post do go out and the key has magnets that help hold it in place if they get weak they come loose. You don't list any other issues so I would check that out.

 

[ldmmcgill]

The boat is solid execpt for the cutouts, engine replaced last year before I purchased the boat. I was told about the problem before I bought it. I didn't have any surprises. I got prices today on the post and key. The tech suggested checking the grounds and connections before we replace the dess post and key. The key is pretty rough. It will be a few days before I can work on it. I work offshore and I'm in the middle of my hitch.
I appreciate all the info, I've been looking at electrical prints for the boat, I'm getting a game plan together to check all the connections.

 

[gjmattos]

I have the same issue with a 2001 LRV, runs great then engine dies and it happens at any speed and then starts right back up and runs great then shuts off again, driving me nuts. Been to the shop twice and can't find anything, I did replace the post and key and still does it. Did you fix yours?

 

[kilgorekb]

Does it die at a certain RPM?