I sent you a PM copenhagen419

I had the same problems with mine and I switched to a carb and could not be happier. I am actually able to enjoy my boat.I get better mileage now because my efi was in such bad shape. Cut your losses and enjoy your boat. No issues with with cold starts here either. Year and a half with no issues.

well thanks for the help with my decision guys but i think im going to have two 454 mag mpi injection systems for sale

If Mercury can squeeze 1300HP out of a big block (with a warranty) you should have NO problem getting your EFI'd 454 to run well, I have had both EFI and carbed boats, drag cars, sleds, etc. I personally would never own another carbed boat again

As for being able to "fix" a carbed motor with hand tools, well, if its maintained correctly you should never HAVE to fix a solid state EFI motor.

Good luck with whatever you decide, just my thoughts

Michael

Mercury got 1300 HP out of a BBC with the help of Mr. Whipple and there have been many issues with that motor...they sure as Hell didnt do it running straight up. Electronics and water do not play well together. You can go to any boat forum and start looking and there will be multiple posts of people with some sort of issue running a MPI/EFI...far more than people having issues with carbs. If you have a carb motor and you need to put a kit in the carb...no big deal...$50.00 and an hour and you are done. If you have a MPI/EFI motor and you have an issue...hang onto your butt...its gonna cost you big time. Maybe someday Mercury WILL get it all straightened out, but until then, I want to boat...in the boat on the water and not sit in my driveway and look at my boat sitting on the trailer wondering if I should drop another wad of money in it to fix it...again. If a MPI system works...great...more power to you, but when things start happening...the definition of a boat raises its head. B.O.A.T. = Break Out Another Thousand...nope...not me...I will wave as I ease on by.

I wasnt aware of any electronic issues with the 1300's? I know of a few guys with HP1075's and have YET to meet one who decided to change to a carbed set up

You cant BUY a Carbed car or truck, and haven't been able to for 20 plus years, pretty soon sleds, ATV's, bikes and boats will ALL be using EFI,

What do you for a tow vehicle? Have you considered putting a carb on it? Or maybe convert your wifes minivan to a carb to make it more "reliable" or "cheaper to fix"

I dont think anyone paying 100K for a motor that is EFI will be changing it to a carb anytime soon, but one can build a motor that is just as reliable as the 1075 or the 1300 with carbs for a lot less money. The 1300's that I have been told about go into the guardian mode for no reason or no reason found...true or not...I did not see it...just told about it. Mercury has sunk tons of money into their EFI program, but Mercury does not have the money to invest into it as do GM, Ford or Chrysler. Basically I see them on the second from the last tit. If your EFI system works with no issues...I am all for leaving it alone and run your motor as is. But I have seen too many go South after the first little problem...seems like it is one issue after another. The people that have gone to carbs after having countless problems with the EFI are finally getting to enjoy their boat on an everyday basis and are very happy.

As for my vehicle...I tow with an Avalanche. YUP..it is EFI, but is has never given me any problems...so I will leave it alone. But if it ever does...out comes the motor and in goes one with a carb on it and Al GORE can bite me for my carbon footprint. The vettes...one has a carb and one is EFI...again the EFI has never given a hint of an issue. Sorry, the wife does not have a mini van. She wanted an Altama so thats what I got her. Seems like the Japaneese has surpassed Mercury also...again...no issues with the Altama. Almost forgot...I also have a 08 GoldWing, but it too is Japaneese and EFI...works great and no issues. If my scooter startrs giving me trouble, I can order the parts and make it a Valkery GoldWing. Got a few friends with Harleys and even Harley has their act together over Mercrury...no issues.

As for not being able to buy a car or truck with a carb in the past 20 years...sure you can. Car lots are full of them. It might not be new, but it will be new to whoever buys one. If I get another boat with EFI/MPI and I decide that I dont like it...off it comes...again AL GORE...bite me. If your EFI/MPI is working and not giving you any problems...I agree...by all means...leave it alone and enjoy your whatever ride. But in the same breath, if it starts giving you problems, it is going to be endless and all one has to do is start asking people about theire problems with EFI. When they respond, it usually starts out with the mighty "F" word.

Sometimes things just get old and break, it does not always have to do with proper maintenance. When things do break it is really hard to find someone competent enough to fix all of those wonderful efi issues. Yes it can be fixed, but it takes lots of time lots of money and lots of frustration. I personally would rather not waste time or money chasing down those issues. As for resale value a boat with a carb is worth a lot more than a boat that does not run.

Dont sell your efi right away. I would hang on to it, that way you have something to go back to should you decide that the carbs are not working out for you.

Does he need a new wiring harness when the change is made?