Dr Strangelove
06-29-2006, 12:20 AM
I have a 99 175 SJ that up at Merwin this weekend cavitated after a passenger pickup; I turned off the engine and did the reverse flush thing, but no go. I turned off the engine and kickered back to the dock to try and clear the grate. I found the grate and entire jet tube free of material. Then the SJ would not turn over. It had gas and electricity, but with each key turn I would get a click of the solenoid engagement but no more than a half turn of the impellor when I eyeballed it with buddy turning key. I tried a fresh battery, no luck, and finished off fishing with the kicker and electric. I set up an appt for engine repair, and on a hunch, after talking to a buddy about vapor lock in the heat, pulled the boat out today and I got one click, then the next turn, the motor lit immediately, sounding weak, like not a rich enough mixture. I let it idle 10 min on water flush and everything seems fine now. Does this sound like vapor lock to you, or should I get the starter or stator checked out? The motor has 149hrs. If you suspect vapor lock, what is the best way to avoid it?