Check Engine Light

[ioneyes]

Hi All...I posted on the discussion page but only got one reply so I am post here.

I have a 2003 215 Explorer with a 2002 Johnson J175PX 2 stroke outboard. Once again I am getting a "Check Engine" light error (30-45 second long beep) occurring at low idle only. Runs great when throttled up. I know this means fuel restriction. I have a new racor. I also cleaned out the white cone shaped screen behind the fuel pump. After a little research I see that some people are being told to check their anti syphon valve. What/Where else should I attempt to troubleshoot this problem. I know I need to check all fuel lines for kinks, but what if one of the gas line in my engine (that I cannot see) has a pin hole in it? How would I be able to troubleshoot that?

Update: I knocked the ball bearing out of the anti syphon valve and I am still getting a check engine light and alarm. All of the research I have been doing online, everyone says their check engine light is coming on at high RPM's. Mine is ONLY happening at idle or just in gear. In the water I idle around 750 and in gear at 650. The engine runs a little snotty the light comes on and the engine dies out. If I get it going the check engine light goes away. The boat runs great WOT.

Do you think my idle is too low? I was told that my idle for this engine should be around 1000rpm...seems a bit high to me. My book states 750. I've read that it could also be the vacuum switch and/or the pulse limiter fitting for the VRO pump. Does this sound correct?

Thanks in advance for any suggetions...Greg

[Capt. Bill]

Had a similar problem years ago, turned out to be the oil injector on the engine.  It would flood the engine with oil and would smoke heavily than stall. Once you cranked up the RPMs the engine ran great.  

You could also check your fuel lines, they may have a partial collapse and starve the engine for fuel and low RPM.  The fuel pressure at High RPM may be enough to force it's way through.  

Lastly in could be the unit itself.  Mine went a few years back and said the engine was hot (which it wasn't).  It would put the motor in safe mode and cut the RPMs to 2000. Had to have the unit changed out.

[ioneyes]

Thx Cptn Bill....This only seems to happen when I'm in the water.  I runs fine with the muffs on (No check eng light)...soon as I put it in the water I get it.  When I get it past the 5mph limit and open her up she runs like a champ with no light.  Even when I'm getting the light it runs fine...it's only when I'm pulling up to a dock (1000RPM) that she start to bitch...run a bit rough then eventually stall (if I don't rev her a bit)..AND, it's sporadic!  Frustrating...

[Capt. Bill]

Sporatic, usually means electrical. I'd lean toward the brain, (unit in the dash). I don't know if that can be tested or not, maybe someone here does. I do know is about $150 for a new one so I wouldn't unless I was sure.

[ioneyes]

What is this "Brain" you speak of and what does it look like or where exactly would it be in my dash.  If I go into my cuddy and open the access hatch I see all of the dash components, wiring and ground strip.  Would it be right around those?

[Capt. Bill]

The brain is the unit in the dash that flashes the lights and alarms. It receives the alarms from the various sensors on the engine. If that shorts it can trigger phantom alarms.  Easy to change 2 bolts and a plug.  Little on expensive side to just R & R.