posted 09-01-2010 02:52 AM ET (US)        

I have a 1999 225hp Optimax. The problem I am having is this. When the engine isn't started for a week or more and I try to start it it will crank over and try to start and then sputters and dies. It will do this 2=3 times and then it will start. Also I have found that if I push the key to choke it that helps to get it going a little quicker. Once it starts I have no problems for the rest of the day and it runs perfect other then that first start. Any suggestions on what the problem could be.

I have no alarms going off. My manual does not cover this problem in the troubleshooting section. I know the fuel system on this engine is quite extensive and was hoping for some info on this. I don't want to just start changing components as that can get expensive quickly. This problem started about 6 months ago, before that the engine would start up on the first try.

Thanks,

posted 09-01-2010 03:36 AM ET (US)            

That certainly sounds like a problem with the fuel delivery system.

I wonder if it could be something as simple as a defective primer bulb on the fuel line?

The primer bulb gets dry and cracks with long term exposure to sunlight.
(Something that you have in abundance in Hawaii !)

Your 22' Guardian has a heavy duty fuel line leading from the tank pick-up to the water separating fuel filter.
From their you have a short fuel line, with primer bulb, to the engine.

You might try replacing that length of fuel line with a Universal 3/8" fuel line that has a primer bulb installed on it (West Marine part # 8979015 for $19.99).
If that is the source of your headaches it will be a cheap fix!

All the very best to you and your family.

posted 09-01-2010 07:38 AM ET (US)            

Try starting it (with the key pressed in) and then once it starts, keep the key pressed in for a few seconds. Then let go, and it it starts to stall, press the key in again for a few seconds. Keep doing this until it runs smoothly.

Note: This is the procedure I would use when starting an OMC outboard with the primer circuit - hopefully an Optimax works the same way.

posted 09-01-2010 06:36 PM ET (US)            

They are all good suggestions, unfortunately I have tried and checked all of them already. I am wondering if it could be the fuel tracker valve or one of the three fuel pumps on this engine going bad. Engine is decarbed regularly and I have inspected the injectors and all seem to be in good shape. As I stated before once the engine is running it runs great and subsequent starts after that are all very easy. Open to all input!!!

Thanks,

posted 09-02-2010 07:37 AM ET (US)            

I have twin 1999 225 Optimax on my 1999 280 Conquest. When I walk away from my Whaler, both engines are trimmed clear of the water.(I keep her in brackish water on the Hudson river)

When I return, whether it's a day or a week later, I have to squeeze both primer balls until they become relatively hard. If I fail to prime the engines I experience the same thing you are describing. (Engines will be difficult to start and if they do finally fire up, they are prone to stalling.)

This summer we took two seperate 9 day trips with the Conquest into fresh water.(Lake Champlain and The Erie Canal)As an experiment I intentionally left my engines down. I never once had to prime them to get them to fire up cold. Just cranked them over and they were off and running.

posted 02-04-2012 07:59 PM ET (US)            

I decided to start with the Tracker valve diaphragm being it was the cheapest part of the three potential problems I thought it could be. When I took apart the Tracker valve the diaphragm had a .5 inch tear in it. It cost a $100.00 to order it and the o-ring that sits under the cover with it.

I received them yesterday and installed them. On the first crank of the engine it fired right up and was idling perfect. This is the best the engine has run at idle in about two years. I am very happy to have been able to fix it myself and the money saved was even better. To any Optimax owners out there if you are having hard starting or rough idle problems this is a good place to start looking for problems on your engine. The other areas I would have looked at next were going to be the Fuel regulator valve then the air regulator valve. The diaphragms for those are a bit more expensive, $350.00 a piece and can be ordered through Thepelicanservices.com I will probably replace those in the future one at a time as they seem to be alright right now. Many people say those valve are not serviceable but my manual has a procedure for replacing them that seems very easy and straight forward. Hope this helps someone in the future.

Aloha,

posted 02-06-2012 04:07 AM ET (US)            

Just curious was it a cut or abrasion in the spark plug wire. Did you see the sparks coming out of the wire its self. I ask because I had a wire that had a hole in it but did not seem to be a problem. I replaced it but had no improvement at all. I also had a few other apparent visible problems but after working things through turned out to be the tracker valve. It can be frustrating how many things can lead towards the same issue and be something totally different. Having the factory manual has been the best purchase I have made for the boat as far as I'm concerned.

Aloha,