Tech Help Needed

[LowerUnit]

I have a repair shop in Phoenix and have been contacted by an Epic owner with mechanical problems. I believe it is the only Epic in the state of Arizona and he purchased it in Washington. He has tried to get some assistance from the original dealer but this has proved somewhat unsuccessful due to the distance seperation and telephone troubleshooting. It seems he has exhausted his abilities and nobody here is willing to assist in getting him back on the water.  I have a good background with marine products, but no experience with the Toyota Epic or Lexus motor. Is there somebody interested in trying to help in my efforts to get this guy back on the water?

Does the standard automotive OBD II diagnostic tool read the Epic computer or is there special marine tools necessary?

Where can system/service information be found (i.e., service manual, etc...)?

Anybody here willing to be contacted or assist in troubleshooting/diagnostics?

Any and all input will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Scott

[LowerUnit]

After browsing this site a little better, I found some of the troubleshooting and diagnostic pages. Guess I should've looked a little better in the first place.

Also, I noticed something about renting a diagnostic scan tool. Maybe that answers another one of my questions. Am I to understand that the scan tool is specific to marine product application? If this is the case, is this tool still available for useage?

Scott

[tryme]

i would post the problems you are having.  you will be surprised the knowledge of the people on this forum.  one of the best i have ever been a part of!!!

[skiboarder]

Whats wrong with it I am sure all of us can help

[boneil]

I'll help if I've had similar symptoms / problems.  Pls. include the model of Toyota... S22, SX etc.

[Rambling Wreck]

Change the plugs

[PSullivan3]

Ditto above

[PSullivan3]

Clean MAF Sensor

[boneil]

Ditto Above

[lesman01]

This site is so great we're giving answers to questions that have not even been asked yet.

oh, and make sure the lanyard clip in fully engaging the emergency button or it will not crank.

[toyotafreak]

For engine-specific stuff, there is a real honest-to-festivus shop manual available. It's awesome; I wish there was one for the whole boat.

It's probably not insanely different that the LS400 engine manual.

[LowerUnit]

As I understand it (haven't actually worked with it myself yet), the motor cranks but will not start & run. Another tidbit I was told was that if starting fluid is sprayed it will attempt to run.

While this may sound like a fuel pump, I get the impression there may be something more to the problem. I will post more about what is going on as I get some more details.

I do appreciate all the enthusiasm and helpful responses. I'm pretty certain things look positive to find a way to get this boat back on the water. Thanks!

Scott

[boneil]

Do us all a favor and don't even think about starting fluid when you do get to look at the boat.  It's not an alcohol funny car engine and what did it ever do you / that to the owner that they had to try that!   Confident it would be a waste of time hooking up a computer to answer the problem if the engine isn't running (my opinion here).

Other than that... sounds like your off to a good start. 

Lot's of info if you search on fuel pump.  Also check the manual or search on fuel rails or priming.  I'm not an expert... but wanted to try and add some value while telling myself this engine won't be further abused!!!

[PSullivan3]

How long was the boat sitting? try priming the rails.

[masonlk]

With the search tab you can find most if not all of your answers. You might also want to look up all of Capt Rick's replies to questions and problems. For example; he explained before in a post how to test the fuel pumps. I'd tell you now in this post but until I need it I don't retain it and even then I'd have to print out the instructions to follow them step by step.

Quite a few of use have started our own binders with all the info available here printed out and filed in protective plastic covers. Priceless when you shred an impeller 150 miles from home or get frustrated when something simple goes haywire and you think you've checked everything.