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Levitator 6.0 NA dies will cruising at 4,200 RPM

N

North Idaho

Member
Any assistance is appreciated - opening weekend for ducks was yesterday. Boat was running fine, was cruising for about 30 minutes between 4,000 - 4,300 RPM AND all of a sudden it just dies. Cranked for a few seconds and nothing. Removed the gas cap, took off the low pressure fuel line etc. boat fires up and idles fine. Get it back up on plane and it does the same thing when cruising, but this time it did it within 5 minutes. Ended up just running low rpm ( 2,000) all the way back to the launch with no issues. All temps were rock solid, oil pressure was 50-60 psi. by No means am I a mechanic, but it’s appearing that maybe the high pressures fuel pump isn’t supplying the right amount of pressure or perhaps one of the filters is clogged or ????

engine has 150 hours on it. i would assume a normal mechanic isn’t going to be able to tap into the diag port and see if any codes popped.

any suggestions?

thanks,

sean
 
I had a Levitator MS.8.0. It was brand new. Wouldn't run correctly. Kept throwing engine code after running a little while (sometimes just minutes, other times 1/2 hour or so). Would go into "limp mode" or not run at all. After having it checked several times, finally discovered it was a bad ECM. Replaced that and codes stopped.
If you don't have a nearby or dependable mechanic with the right equipment, they sell a handheld diagnostic machine/module to run the codes yourself, but it's pricey.
 
Hello,
Been trouble shooting PCM Levitator for several years! Will never own another one of their motors!
EastBay
 
North Idaho said:
opening weekend for ducks was yesterday. Boat was running fine,
Click to expand...


North Idaho said:
Removed the gas cap, took off the low pressure fuel line etc. boat fires up and idles fine. Get it back up on plane and it does the same thing when cruising, but this time it did it within 5 minutes.
Click to expand...

Sounds like the boat may have sat for a while. Make sure your tank vent is not clogged. Down here in the South the dirt dobbers will clog one up in a weekend, not sure what bugs ya'll got? Does that thing have a fuel tank evaporative emissions canister with a valve and sensor on it?
 
Dave, I have a MS 8.0 and have had decent luck with it. Not to say I haven't had some issues but they were covered under warranty, but now that has run out. Can you post some info on the hand held diagnostic tool?
 
GB:

I haven't gotten one yet, but the scanner I referred to is called a TechMate Pro, Marine Engine Diagnostic Scanner. The system has two components - a scanner and an adapter. I believe kit item #94729 has both the scanner and the adapter #94029, which is the one for the Levitator engines. It runs about $640 - direct purchase

You can see them at www.rinda.com/techmatepro/

If you go to that site, and then click on the view kits/purchase tab, it brings you to another screen, where you can select the engine manufacturer (Levitator is made by Pleasurecraft), and engine application (airboat). That brings you to a screen for item #94029, which is the Levitator adapter. Click the "Yes, this is correct" tab, and that takes you to a screen with various kits that contain the #94029 adapter. Some have other adapters too, but if you only want the #94029 adapter, then choose kit #94729. But for more money, you can get additional adapters (if you have a need for them for other engines).

Hope this helps.

If you do get one, post a review to let us know how well it performs.
 
Thanks for all the feedback. I took it to the local boat shop that has the software to read any codes that might have popped. The shop stated that crank position sensor was the code - so, they’re replacing that sensor and I will report back next week after we test it.
 
Well oddly enough, I jinxed myself! Went out hunting this morning and ran it for about 30 minutes, slowed down to an idle for about 2 minutes and it just died….tried starting it and nothing. Sat for another 15 minutes and it fired up and ran fine for another 20 minutes. I’m done with this thing, it has 140 hours on it and now I’m looking for suggestions on what engine I should get. 18 foot air ranger (heavy), what’s the best engine for this set up? swamphunter - I will look up the part number and share!
 
Ok, ran into a similar issue on a supercharged LT4, the corvette cooling system for the supercharger has to be stand alone and not tied in with the engine cooling system or it will derate or shut down, not sure how the levetator is set up.
 
A clarification for those reading this that are unaware:

The Rhinda Technologies, TechmatePro, and Diacom Software independently referenced by JustDave and EastBay above, are all actually the same critter(s). If I remember correctly (and may not), they have the same abilities and perform the same functions, with the TechmatePro being the hand held scanner, and the Diacom software being lap top based, both using the same engine specific connector(s).
Each form factor having its pros and cons depending how/where you intend to be using it.

Also if you're unaware, it is interesting to note that if you are also running a later model MerCruiser as I have in my gulf boat, these are also what you need to access the otherwise inaccessible info you may want to get at. Only reqires a different engine connector. It is obviously easier to justify the expense, if you have more than one engine you can use them on. I believe there are different kits that can be initially acquired that contain multiple connectors if you fit that profile.
 
I wonder if you could just strip all the EFI and ECM off and replace with a stand alone Holley EFI and HyperSpark ignition ?

Maybe look into that as a option
 
This thread is about a normally aspirated 6.0, no supercharger to cool. Per Waterthunder, the most likely culprits are MAP, MAT/IAT and crankshaft position sensors. I forget the order of likelihood. Also got cam sensor. Plus the Levitator is emissions certified so O2 is a good suspect. Also replace fuel filter(s).

My MO would be to order all and replace em all and fingers crossed you solved it. Easier and quicker than troubleshooting.
 
SWAMPHUNTER45 said:
I wonder if you could just strip all the EFI and ECM off and replace with a stand alone Holley EFI and HyperSpark ignition ?

Maybe look into that as a option
Click to expand...
Holley terminator, Hp or dominator kit should hook right up, spark and fuel. Hp and Dominator are potted/sealed units Coast Guard approved. Terminator is not.
 
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Slidin Gator said:
This thread is about a normally aspirated 6.0, no supercharger to cool. Per Waterthunder, the most likely culprits are MAP, MAT/IAT and crankshaft position sensors. I forget the order of likelihood. Also got cam sensor. Plus the Levitator is emissions certified so O2 is a good suspect. Also replace fuel filter(s).

My MO would be to order all and replace em all and fingers crossed you solved it. Easier and quicker than troubleshooting.
Click to expand...
I spoke with Sallie Floyd with American Airboats. She stated she had a very similar issue with another customer; they replaced the crankshaft sensor and sent the customer on their way...did the same thing a few days later. They ultimately found that a wire that comes out of the area of the crankshaft sensor runs along the motor mounts inside a plastic sleeve, they put a pigtail and some new wiring and solved the problem - They think the wiring was chaffed inside the plastic sleeve. I'm the furthest thing from a mechanic, so please read this with that understanding LOL!
 
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