2000 500EFI - Fuel Issues - need expert advice if possible
#21
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9,594
Likes: 45
From: Ft. Worth TX
also pre filter 100 microns before the boost pump ----- if you ordered the correct Merc kit then it will come with the boost pump filter ( metal canister filter) . Also cushion clamp that boost pump filter at the installed location.
#22
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 156
Likes: 17
Thanks BUP, yes the kit appears to come with pump, bracket, filter, filter clamp, electrical connections, plumbing fittings etc.
From what i can tell the bracket for the boost pump itself somehow piggybacks onto the mounting bolts for the fuel/water seperator. I assume the filter can be mounted down low in the bilge on a stringer somewhere.
From what i can tell the bracket for the boost pump itself somehow piggybacks onto the mounting bolts for the fuel/water seperator. I assume the filter can be mounted down low in the bilge on a stringer somewhere.
#23
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 156
Likes: 17
Here is the data I collected on the fuel pumps. Motors only have 200 hrs
Stbd engine
Just key no motor running. 43 with pump running
After 30 seconds 37psi
After 5 minutes 34psi
With motor running at idle. 37-38
At 3000rpm. 34psi
Port engine
ust key no motor running 44.5
with pump running
After 30 seconds 39
After 5 minutes 34
With motor running at idle. 39
At 3000rpm. 37
Does this look ok?
Stbd engine
Just key no motor running. 43 with pump running
After 30 seconds 37psi
After 5 minutes 34psi
With motor running at idle. 37-38
At 3000rpm. 34psi
Port engine
ust key no motor running 44.5
with pump running
After 30 seconds 39
After 5 minutes 34
With motor running at idle. 39
At 3000rpm. 37
Does this look ok?
#25
Registered
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
I would replace the fuel pumps and not install the boost pumps. The 500 EFI fuel for system is usually very problem free. I have solved the exact problem you describe by replacing pumps on three different applications over the years. Not really sure why but all were intermittent hot no start and a new pump fixed it. Boost pump makes sense and is probably useful but not sure it's necessary.
#26
Registered
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 186
Likes: 27
From: ATL
I had the same issue with vapor locking after converting from the VST system to the cool fuel system. Ordered the boost pump kit from Merc, installed it and have never had the issue again. That was 9 years ago. Still running on the same cool fuel pump and boost pump with no issues, fwiw..
#27
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 156
Likes: 17
Thx for the confirmation tgorbett.
Was it a 500EFI that you installed the merc vapor lock kit on? Looking at the instructions they say that the kit is for all Mercruiser V6 and V8 engines. Do you think there will be any issue with installing this on a Mercury Racing 500EFI?
Was it a 500EFI that you installed the merc vapor lock kit on? Looking at the instructions they say that the kit is for all Mercruiser V6 and V8 engines. Do you think there will be any issue with installing this on a Mercury Racing 500EFI?
#30
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 156
Likes: 17
Just as a follow up in case anyone else is having a similar issue and does a search:
I installed the merc booster pump kit in my boat over the winter. In the past for the first couple of runs of the season i would see 1-2 vapor lock conditions.
After booster pump installs, I have not seen any vapor lock conditions. Boat has been running great. Booster pumps appear to have solved the problem.
Thanks all
I installed the merc booster pump kit in my boat over the winter. In the past for the first couple of runs of the season i would see 1-2 vapor lock conditions.
After booster pump installs, I have not seen any vapor lock conditions. Boat has been running great. Booster pumps appear to have solved the problem.
Thanks all


