Fuel Pump...Warm-Up???

Hello, all. I have an issue with my starboard engine. It won't start unless I've turned and left the key on for about 5 minutes. The engine turns over, but the pump doesn't work. After about 5 minutes, I hear the 3 beeps from the sensor, the pump comes to life and then I'm able to start the engine. The port side works normally/instantly.

I replaced the fuel filter (on both engines), but that didn't matter; again the port side starts and works correctly. It's as if the fuel pump needs to "warm-up" before it can start...

It's a 2000 5.0 Gi. Volvo Penta Any ideas?

I searched for a similar problem and post but couldn't find it.
Thanks and Cheers,
Chaz

Re: Fuel Pump...Warm-Up???

fortunately, you have a parts room right in your bilge!!

swap the pumps and see if the problem moves to the other motor/goes away from the motor in question

if not, your problem is elsewhere

Re: Fuel Pump...Warm-Up???

It's not the pump. Sounds more like a loose, corroded connection somewhere in the electrical system. The beeps are not controled by the pump, The ECM controls all of it. When it gets power, then everything works, no power. No start. The main engine harness and all the electrical connectors on the engine should be checked.
Best thing, is turn the key on, when nothing happens, start wiggling connections and see what causes it to start.

Fuel Pump...Warm-Up???

I'll re-check every electrical connection I can find. I pulled apart every plug (to the fuel pump) to inspect and they all looked clean. I didn't look under the dash/console because I was able to get the engine to turn over quite briskly and easily.

The 5 minute "warm-up" is what has me baffled. But it runs great when it goes, so I agree, it's not the pump. I'll look again at everything with a wire attached. If you think of something else, lemme know. Thanks for the help!
Chaz

Re: Fuel Pump...Warm-Up???

SB Chaz said:

I'll re-check every electrical connection I can find. I pulled apart every plug (to the fuel pump) to inspect and they all looked clean. I didn't look under the dash/console because I was able to get the engine to turn over quite briskly and easily.

The 5 minute "warm-up" is what has me baffled. But it runs great when it goes, so I agree, it's not the pump. I'll look again at everything with a wire attached. If you think of something else, lemme know. Thanks for the help!
Chaz

Click to expand...

SB,
Can you swap ECM's from one engine to another?

I know this may be somewhat of an apples to oranges comparison, but while working at a auto dealership, I found a car that would do a very similar thing.

It was a Mazda 6. The customer was complaining that the vehicle was a "no start" when cold outside. It happened to me too when I was working on the vehicle. It was a cooler morning when I went to start it in the parking lot. Turned on the ignition key, no check engine light, no fuel pump actuation. If you left the key in the on position for 3-5 minutes the check engine light would come on, and the car would start. I checked every last silly thing on that car for a loose connection, short, etc. Finally by the suggestion of tech line, I took the now working PCM out of the car, and threw it in the break room refrigerator for about an hour. After that I pulled the PCM out of the fridge, connected it to the harness, and VIOLA the no start condition. Needless to say I ordered a new PCM for that vehicle.

Fuel Pump...Warm-Up???

When I get back to the boat, I'll check all electrical connections. I'll start with a peek under the console and follow it wherever it takes me. I don't know where the ECM is, but if I can find it, I'll try swapping it out with the port engine.
Thanks for the help. I'll follow up when I get back to the boat...
Chaz