So, was out for a spin yesterday, boat ran great, then found a spot to anchor off for 1.5hrs. TX temp was 95. Anchor up, idling out, past the markers, throttle down, and about 3000 rpm I hear a pop or click, and both engines nearly die. I pulled back throttle and shut them off. Tried to restart, wouldn't. Would crank, sputter, die. Both engines identical issue. Wonder if vapor lock, over and hour later, same. Got towed in. 85 gallons of fuel on board from March with Chevron Marine stabilizer in.

This morning I put in 12 gallons fresh fuel, back to ramp, once primed and started,, both engines idling fine. Smartcraft showing NO codes. Electric fuel pump working when key turned, etc hear it run. All looks and seems normal. Fuel psi at idle is 40psi and 43psi.

Fuel/water separator was changed Aug 2018, 35hrs ago to today. Will change those agin before next time out. Fuel Filter element is due in 9 more hours when I hit 200hrs. Mechanical Fuel pump fluid changed often, last done Sept 2020, 16 engine hrs ago.

Seems since both engines acted the same, had to be a common source, ie incoming fuel.

Other thoughts???

next time when anchoring leave the hatch up a couple feet, I think you had heat soak V lock

I know you said you had fuel stabilizer in but...sounds an awful lot like phase separation in ethanol blended fuel...? I mean for BOTH engines to experience essentially the same failure at the same time?

Your engines would love you if you changed the water separator and filters annually - cuts down on a lot of issues and filters/services should be based on # of hours or "x" months in the same year.

Agree VL

Thank you all. Merc Racing said same about annual water fuel separator change. Also, when I pull the current ones off, pour into a jar and see how much of each separates out....

Will keep you guys posted...

Replace fuel water separators at the start of EVERY season.

Once I pull the fuel/water separators off, if I find too much water to be the case, what have others done (besides drain the enter tank somehow), to help remedy? I have about 90 gallons from March in there, and 10 gallons from yesterday, for a total of 100 gallons in the tank today.

Thx

You can buy a cheap/small Holley fuel pump from any typical auto parts store. Disconnect the fuel line from the tank heading toward the motor/FW separator, and you can pump the fuel out of the boat into cans, your cars, or a 55 gallon drum. It's not fast, but it works well.

If 85 gallons of fuel from March of this year with stabilizer is giving you issues (separation, too much water, or whatever) I'd be totally surprised.
I'm doubtful there's any issues with the fuel.