8.2 Mercruiser Mag strange error at specific RPM, code 61

[juicepie]

I have a 2012 Mercruiser 8.2L Mag V8. Recently the boat began to go into fault mode (reduced power) when running at 2600-2900 rpm (which happens to be surf RPMs on my boat!!). I can put it in neutral and then it instantly is back to normal power mode until it happens again. If I go less than those RPMs or more than those RPMs it does not happen. For example, I can go WOT and it has no issue. The code is 61 on the Vessel View tool and SmartCraft dash.

Some research suggests that code is due to high fuel pressure and I have read a little that suggests it has to do with injector #2.

I put a pressure gauge on boat and does not seem to be an issue. I get 38-40 psi and I have watched the gauge during the entire throttle up to 2,900 RPM and when the error triggers I see no change in PSI.
I also pulled injectors 2, 4, 6, and 8. Cleaned and tested them. Seemed to be in good working order. I put them back in a different order (I switched #2 with #6). After this process, the same issue persists.

So now I am scratching my head. Strange that it only happens at this RPM band. I also do not know of any "fuel pressure sensor" on this motor to replace. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[alldodge]

Welcome
Maybe the in-gear switch on shift plate
After your running, disconnect the switch

 

[juicepie]

Welcome
Maybe the in-gear switch on shift plate
After your running, disconnect the switch

I would imagine this would take the boat out of gear. The boat goes into protect mode, where the engine RPMs drop, but it is still in gear.

 

[alldodge]

I would imagine this would take the boat out of gear. The boat goes into protect mode, where the engine RPMs drop, but it is still in gear.

No, the in-gear switch is to keep the RPM's below 2900 if it's in neutral

 

[juicepie]

No, the in-gear switch is to keep the RPM's below 2900 if it's in neutral

Ok... good to know. I will look at that. Any idea if a fault in that switch would through a code in the SmartCraft system? I am getting a fault code and warning.

 

[alldodge]

Ok... good to know. I will look at that. Any idea if a fault in that switch would through a code in the SmartCraft system? I am getting a fault code and warning.

I would need the service manual to know for sure so I would just be guessing

 

[stairguy]

Ok... good to know. I will look at that. Any idea if a fault in that switch would through a code in the SmartCraft system? I am getting a fault code and warning.

What ended up being the problem?
I have the same situation on a 2011 350 mag mpi

 

[juicepie]

What ended up being the problem?
I have the same situation on a 2011 350 mag mpi

We are still chasing it! So they pulled and serviced all injectors. Didn't fix it. Next they thought it was due to temp of transmission and they noted it was a little milky. Flushed, replaced, and problem still persits.

As a comment on the suggestion of shift plate, my boat does not have a shift plate. It is an electronic shift control to the v-drive transmission. So it is back at the shop!

 

[stairguy]

We are still chasing it! So they pulled and serviced all injectors. Didn't fix it. Next they thought it was due to temp of transmission and they noted it was a little milky. Flushed, replaced, and problem still persits.

As a comment on the suggestion of shift plate, my boat does not have a shift plate. It is an electronic shift control to the v-drive transmission. So it is back at the shop!

I have a sterndrive, I also serviced the injectors, I check fuel pressure and it's also perfect, last year changed fuel pumps and regulator. I don't have a fuel pressure sensor or return line. It makes no sense, I'm thinking of having the smartcraft and computer checked..
Let me know your progress

 

[stairguy]

We are still chasing it! So they pulled and serviced all injectors. Didn't fix it. Next they thought it was due to temp of transmission and they noted it was a little milky. Flushed, replaced, and problem still persits.

As a comment on the suggestion of shift plate, my boat does not have a shift plate. It is an electronic shift control to the v-drive transmission. So it is back at the shop!

So, I found out that these are ghost codes and should be ignored. I was told to see how the alarm goes off such as constant beep or 1 or 2 beeps. That's the key.
I used my rinda and saw that there is no codes but there are freeze frames, the freeze frames showed me that at 3500 rpm my water pressure was only 4.3.
That's my problem.
Brand new impeller, it is the sensor that's bad.
Mercury tech told me that the computers are mass produced and may or may not have certain sensors like fuel pressure. There are other ghost codes that we should ignore if they are not appropriate. He said go by the words not the code number on smartcraft.
I hope this helps.

 

[juicepie]

So, I found out that these are ghost codes and should be ignored. I was told to see how the alarm goes off such as constant beep or 1 or 2 beeps. That's the key.
I used my rinda and saw that there is no codes but there are freeze frames, the freeze frames showed me that at 3500 rpm my water pressure was only 4.3.
That's my problem.
Brand new impeller, it is the sensor that's bad.
Mercury tech told me that the computers are mass produced and may or may not have certain sensors like fuel pressure. There are other ghost codes that we should ignore if they are not appropriate. He said go by the words not the code number on smartcraft.
I hope this helps.

Thanks for the update. I will pass on to my shop because it is still there!