Optimax 200 in 2001 Utopia 185 - starting issue likes its flooded

[PDBender]

I have a 2001 Utopia 185 w200 Optimax ... I just replaced the sparkplugs and took it for a test run on the water and it ran excellent.
I put it in neutral to float in the water and it stalled and wouldn't start. It felt like is was flooded. I had a can of starting fluid and spayed a bit in the air intake and it fired up long enough for me to engage the throttle to give it gas and it took off quite nicely.

NOTE: this boat has been in the family since new and it ALWAYS started instantly and idled in the water with no issues.

NOTE: I did replace the Fuel Filter along with the spark plugs BUT did not replace the Fuel/Water Separator (just didn't have one BUT just ordered one).

Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

 

[Tim75]

I have a 2001 Utopia 185 w200 Optimax ... I just replaced the sparkplugs and took it for a test run on the water and it ran excellent.
I put it in neutral to float in the water and it stalled and wouldn't start. It felt like is was flooded. I had a can of starting fluid and spayed a bit in the air intake and it fired up long enough for me to engage the throttle to give it gas and it took off quite nicely.

NOTE: this boat has been in the family since new and it ALWAYS started instantly and idled in the water with no issues.

NOTE: I did replace the Fuel Filter along with the spark plugs BUT did not replace the Fuel/Water Separator (just didn't have one BUT just ordered one).

Any thoughts, ideas or suggestions?

Check fuel pressure and air pressure.

 

[PDBender]

Thank you but ... can you direct me to online resource to know how to do this?
I assume I need a special tool.

 

[PDBender]

Tim75 ... Thank you!... you sent me down a good path ... I found the ports on the motor.

 

[PDBender]

So here is what I resolved:
Engine fires up every time BUT is a rough idle. About 40% of the time it stalls but then it will start again

Fuel Pressure (while idling rough) jumps between 50-70 mostly 60 ave
Air Pressure (while idling rough) jumps between 40-60 psi mostly 50 ave

I have replaced the fuel filter, water separator filter, replaced spark plugs, and new air filter.

Any thoughts on heading me in a new direction ... would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance!