VP 5.0GXI-GF Needs Idle Air Control?

[ingham01952]

BOAT- 2007 Larson Cabrio 240
ENGINE- Volvo Penta 5.0GXI-GF and has 555 ECM and HSV distributor

Today my engine cut out very gracefully. I was putting along at about 10mph, and the engine just cut out. Before that, I was operating at faster speeds without issue. I am able to turn it over, but it struggles at the lowest rpm possible to keep it going until it sputters out again. It is not in guardian mode. This is so low of an rpm that it won't even go into gear or respond to the throttle. It just cuts out when you try to give it gas. There's also a strong smell of varnish when you turn it over. Not quite a gas smell, but a very pungent smell of varnish... as weird as that sounds, it's the best way I can describe it. While waiting for the towboat, after about an hour, I was able to turn it over, and it operated normally for about 2 minutes and sputtered back out. Again, this is not guardian mode. This is unusable. Please see the video. Also, please excuse the dirty bilge. It's a work in progress.

 

[briangcc]

Is there a high pitched screech/noise at idle? If so, its your fuel pump going kaput. Brace for replacement cost - mine was 1k on same engine...that was years ago. There isn't a rebuild kit, the marina checked.

 

[ingham01952]

No loud screech or noise. Just starts at extremely low idle and then cuts out

 

[QBhoy]

That sounds very very much like the typical result or behaviour, caused by a fuel restriction. Your pick up and/or filer is likely getting blocked. Perhaps the non return valve too or alternatively.
What happens is just as you’ve described. When there is very low demand and suction for fuel, at idle speed or similar…she’ll manage to just about try to run…as soon as there is a demand or strong suction for fuel with the throttle opened…the crap is sucked to the pickup, blocking the ability to draw sufficient fuel. When the engine stops…the crap is dropped into the tank again. Allowing a restart not long after…only to happen again and again thereafter. That’s where a betting man’s money would be.
Failing that…the mention of the gxi model…also means that an owner should also be aware of their common party trick…the terrible distributor flat cap they have. Just worth a mention on the side perhaps.
But yeah. Your issue is almost certainly along the lines of the scenario I’ve initially mentioned above. The IAC failing doesn’t typically behave as you’ve described, in my experience…and most often sounds an alarm when it does.
Finally…the under dog outsider betting man…might check that you’re producing sufficient charge from the alternator…just in case your ignition is failing to sustain itself from battery power alone. All the best.

 

[ingham01952]

That sounds very very much like the typical result or behaviour, caused by a fuel restriction. Your pick up and/or filer is likely getting blocked. Perhaps the non return valve too or alternatively.
What happens is just as you’ve described. When there is very low demand and suction for fuel, at idle speed or similar…she’ll manage to just about try to run…as soon as there is a demand or strong suction for fuel with the throttle opened…the crap is sucked to the pickup, blocking the ability to draw sufficient fuel. When the engine stops…the crap is dropped into the tank again. Allowing a restart not long after…only to happen again and again thereafter. That’s where a betting man’s money would be.
Failing that…the mention of the gxi model…also means that an owner should also be aware of their common party trick…the terrible distributor flat cap they have. Just worth a mention on the side perhaps.
But yeah. Your issue is almost certainly along the lines of the scenario I’ve initially mentioned above. The IAC failing doesn’t typically behave as you’ve described, in my experience…and most often sounds an alarm when it does.
Finally…the under dog outsider betting man…might check that you’re producing sufficient charge from the alternator…just in case your ignition is failing to sustain itself from battery power alone. All the best.

Awesome reply. You were right…
Fuel is kicking out sentiment causing a restriction.
We are going to continue to cycle and Replace filter and see how that goes!

 

[QBhoy]

Awesome reply. You were right…
Fuel is kicking out sentiment causing a restriction.
We are going to continue to cycle and Replace filter and see how that goes!

Good stuff. If you want to make sure you’ve sorted her out and without worry of repetition…you’ll likely best sucking out the contents of the tank, ideally.

 

[ingham01952]

Good stuff. If you want to make sure you’ve sorted her out and without worry of repetition…you’ll likely best sucking out the contents of the tank, ideally.

What’s crazy is that I’ve used the boat a lot this summer without issue. 3 full tanks of gas no fuel issues.

 

[QBhoy]

What’s crazy is that I’ve used the boat a lot this summer without issue. 3 full tanks of gas no fuel issues.

Can believe it for sure….can just happen out the blue for sure. Especially after being in some choppy water…also famous for doing it, is a heavy dose of fuel treatment too. That can break up and release chunks of crappy stuff that’s been sitting in there on the tank walls or bottom…that’s been otherwise dormant and harmless previously to any treatment. Usually means a few former changes afterwards at best…or a full clean and flush. Best of luck.

 

[ingham01952]

Turns out the issue was the fuel pump. Thank you for anyone that provided insight.