Help me identify this hose - 2002 200 efi

[RJ986]

I recently purchased a 2002 200 efi that has had some starting issues. This motor always starts cold, however after it has failed to start occasionally once its warm. While attempting to replace the spark plugs and fuel filter, I found this hose and its bracket loose. It was loose enough to shake and remove the bolts by hand. Anyone know what is underneath it? It appears to be a water hose with some sort of thermostat under it. I'm thinking if water was being dumped down the plugs that it could be my source of starting issues.

Also, if its a flooding issue what is the easiest way to unflood a motor while on the water?

-Roger

 

[Draco24]

Its the telltale hose, it should lead down to a plastic fitting on the lower cowl where the telltale spurts out.
If its flooded, the easiest way is to trim it right up and pull the plugs and crank it to clear the cylinders, dry the plugs an refit.

 

[galamb]

Yes, under that is the starboard head thermostat. That hose should go over to another similar cover on the port head where the port thermostat is, then the hose goes down to the base of the power head and water flowing through it eventually goes down the exhaust housing.

If the motor is flooding there is a good chance you have a bad sensor - temp or map would be a guess - need to get it "hooked up" to a DDT and see what's happening - could also be a fuel pressure problem.

To clear a flood Merc suggests you set the motor to maximum fast idle (if equipped) and continue trying to start until the flood clears, then immediately back off the rpms.

Ultimately though, if you have an EFI that is flooding there IS a problem that should be corrected before it turns into something worse than simply flooding.

 

[RJ986]

Thanks guys,

I'm not certain if its flooding. Last fall, I bought the motor and I would fish a few spots. However, it would fail to start and remain in that condition until I got it back home and hooked up to the garden hose. I had bought it used from bass pro. I had them look at it and they said the oil tank had a crack in it and water had pooled under the oil. They replaced the tank at no cost along with a new fuel line. It ran fine for a few more trips before setting for three months during winter. I have had it out several times without indecent until a week ago where it would not start after coming back off the lake to put it back on the trailer. I now have a manual and decided to change the water pump/fuel filter/spark plugs. I'm really hoping my problem was the loose thermostat (It was loose enough to have a 1/8th to 1/4 inch gap). I'm a first time boat owner trying to get this boat reliable.