Hello all. Only posting as a new topic bc after searching for a bit couldnt find anything in the list of engine problems that seemed to relate. If there’s a posting, feel free to point me there. Always appreciate the help from the forum.

Port engine on my vp 8.1 Gil-c gas engines has always been a bit slow to catch. Turns over fine. Sometimes I can get it to start by pushing the throttles (transmission disengaged) full forward or reverse and letting it sit for a bit. Lately it won’t start unless I break the fuel filter loose and dump it - or at least that’s the trick I’m currently using. So I was thinking maybe a batch of bad gas or gas with some water in it. Happens hot or cold so I don’t think it’s a vapor lock thing. I also recently changed the oil and fuel filters and after the change it fired right up.

Took the boat out yesterday and same thing - no start. Dumped the fuel filter and it started up. Ran for about 5 hours continuous at everything from idle to 3600 rpm and no issues. When I got back to the slip and tied up, after having the engines off for about 5-10 minutes I tried starting them up again right away just as a test. Not only did the port engine not start but I didn’t get the 2 beeps when I turned the key. I didn’t try the fuel filter trick but did pull the gas cap of the tank to see if I had any pressure issues - nothing. I do recall early on when this problem first started I pulled the cap and got a lot of suction.

Once in a blue moon I’ll have similar starting issues starboard but can usually get it to go with the throttle cycle. The only time it didn’t start, I found the fuel filter loose - but this was after a change and once tightened started right away.

Any suggestions on where to start looking for the issue would be most welcome. Clearly seems to be fuel supply related. Know the fuel pumps on these engines have an ‘inside paint’ issue but would think that would keep the engine from running at all.