'98 pre2200iwt: Ignition sound repeats, and boat won't start sometimes

[benmcmahon]

Hello friends,

I own a 98 Tige Pre2200 with Mercruiser Mag MPI EFI. There was always a sound when I turned the key to the ignition "on" position, but not started it. It happened every time. It sounded like some kind of pump. Today on the water, the boat wouldn't start randomly after running fine all day. It turned over just fine, but no ignition. While the key was on that "on" position I heard the sound a few times randomly, whereas I've never heard it before unless initially turning the key to "on" position. Then, after a few minutes of trying, it started. Did not have an issue again.

What was that sound, and why did it happen more than once, if it only is supposed to happen when key is turned?
And would that be related to the boat turning over but not starting? Fuel issue?

Thanks for any info!
Ben

[ajnesbitt]

Do you have perfect pass?

[benmcmahon]

Hi,

I'm located in NH. It's been very hot this week.
We pulled a rider one hour prior, but had been sitting for an hour. Do you know what that sound is when the key is turned to "on" position? It sounds like a buzzing from the engine compartment. That was normal. But when this issue was occuring, the sound happened randomly a few times within 30 seconds. That has never happened before. Is that sound the fuel pump priming or something? If so, I wonder if it's faulty wiring or fuel pump?

Ben