Ed Clark
Active Member
Am trying to diagnose an issue on a 2017 TRIXX in seemingly very good condition with 100 hours on the clock. Stated symptoms are:
Each new outing runs fine for awhile until it doesn't. Problem sequence starts with an unexpected engine "flame-out". Display still powered up. No check engine light or iBR problem or information message. Cantankerous about restarting. May run for a few seconds after each try then die again. Eventually, engine will run without dying but must baby the throttle and can only achieve low engine rpm's. Reported that if let setting for 10-20 minutes will restart and "run fine" for awhile.
I've run the machine "on the muffs" and can, of course, find no issues. I have exercised the iBR and trim systems. All good.
The only thing I can think of that seems to fit the described symptoms is fuel starvation. Something like the fuel tank is vapor locking due to a bad fuel cap, or the fuel pump is petering out after running for awhile. I am well aware that either of these two things would be rare on a fuel injected machine with fuel pump located in the fuel tank. However, it's my working theory right now because it's the only venue that adequately fits the symptoms in my playbook. I should say that the symptoms are, in my experience, exactly like what happens with an outboard if the fuel tank cap is not venting properly.
So, as soon as I have a test driver handy the plan is to run with a loose fuel cap to see if the problem reasserts itself. If it does, then next step, I'm thinking, is to remove the body, tap into the fuel pump-fuel rail line with a tee and install a fuel pump gauge on the handlebars to verify fuel pump pressure when and if the problem reasserts itself.
So, the purpose of this inquiry is to ask if others have encountered similar symptoms on an EFI-equipped machine such as this. If so, what was found? Also, does my plan of attack sound feasible or is there another diagnostic approach that is suggested? I do not have a BUDS diagnostic scanner but even if I did I'm not sure what I would learn from it with this type of symptoms. Perhaps "last minute" would reveal something but I doubt it. Remember, when it quits on the lake the main objective is to baby it to port which wipes out the "last minute" info immediately prior to engine shutdown.
Keep them cards and letters coming, guys. I'm fishing blind here.
Each new outing runs fine for awhile until it doesn't. Problem sequence starts with an unexpected engine "flame-out". Display still powered up. No check engine light or iBR problem or information message. Cantankerous about restarting. May run for a few seconds after each try then die again. Eventually, engine will run without dying but must baby the throttle and can only achieve low engine rpm's. Reported that if let setting for 10-20 minutes will restart and "run fine" for awhile.
I've run the machine "on the muffs" and can, of course, find no issues. I have exercised the iBR and trim systems. All good.
The only thing I can think of that seems to fit the described symptoms is fuel starvation. Something like the fuel tank is vapor locking due to a bad fuel cap, or the fuel pump is petering out after running for awhile. I am well aware that either of these two things would be rare on a fuel injected machine with fuel pump located in the fuel tank. However, it's my working theory right now because it's the only venue that adequately fits the symptoms in my playbook. I should say that the symptoms are, in my experience, exactly like what happens with an outboard if the fuel tank cap is not venting properly.
So, as soon as I have a test driver handy the plan is to run with a loose fuel cap to see if the problem reasserts itself. If it does, then next step, I'm thinking, is to remove the body, tap into the fuel pump-fuel rail line with a tee and install a fuel pump gauge on the handlebars to verify fuel pump pressure when and if the problem reasserts itself.
So, the purpose of this inquiry is to ask if others have encountered similar symptoms on an EFI-equipped machine such as this. If so, what was found? Also, does my plan of attack sound feasible or is there another diagnostic approach that is suggested? I do not have a BUDS diagnostic scanner but even if I did I'm not sure what I would learn from it with this type of symptoms. Perhaps "last minute" would reveal something but I doubt it. Remember, when it quits on the lake the main objective is to baby it to port which wipes out the "last minute" info immediately prior to engine shutdown.
Keep them cards and letters coming, guys. I'm fishing blind here.
