Trouble starting new Yamaha motor

Post by **Ron Wilson** » September 5th, 2005, 8:07 am

I have a new Yamaha 115 (2-stroke) with about 25 hours of use. I've noticed that it is tough to start when cold. It's never not started, but does take a little effort when cold. I normally choke the cold engine at first....it fires, but doesn't catch. Once I get it to fire, I try cranking without the choke. I'll go back and forth (choke, no-choke) until I get it to fire and catch. Was wondering if this is normal for a Yamaha 2-stroke, and if other Yamaha owners have the same problem.

BTW. I just had the 25-hour service on the motor and was told by the service dept rep that this is common for 2-stroke motors.

Post by **Tom Keels** » September 5th, 2005, 8:13 am

Very normal for all Yamaha 2 strokes. They are very cold natured and hard to start at first. Here is the sequence on what to do to start.

1. Lower motor almost all the way.
2. Pump primer bulb until hard.
3. Advance fast idle to about 1/4 throttle.
4. Push in key (choke) and crank until it spits
5. Repeat step 5 until she stays running.

After that she should crank all day just with a bump of the key. If not you could have your idle set too low or some carb issues (unlikely on a new motor).

Post by **Ron Wilson** » September 5th, 2005, 8:59 am

Thanks Tom.

Post by **tin can** » September 5th, 2005, 9:03 am

Ron, I have the same motor as you, with 100 hours on it. It's very cold natured. Follow Tom's instructions. I'll add that even after mine starts, it will want to shut off. I push the choke in with it running, to keep it running. Once it runs for a minute, it'll smooth out and run all day.

Post by **sharkboy** » September 5th, 2005, 9:27 am

I've got a '94 model 130 2 stroke that's the same way. I've cleaned carbs, changed gaskets, screwed with the choke, etc., but finally just come to accept that its cold natured and that's that. However, it's twin is not cold natured (at least not as bad) and it's about drove me nuts not being able to figure out where the difference is.

September 5th, 2005, 10:29 am

I have a Johnson and its the same way..if its a problem at the ramp, crank it before you leave home and she will fire right up when you get there. Most 2 stokes have their ways you just have to learn yours.. f

Post by **rocket** » September 5th, 2005, 11:26 am

I'm sure you already know this, but make sure you prim the bulb.

Post by **Jumptrout51** » September 5th, 2005, 3:33 pm

My brother and I just experienced the same problem,same motor(more hours). Wayveil Porter at Porters' Marine is a Yamaha certifed tech. He found the problem quickly after others insisted all the other things you listed were fine.It now cranks and runs great again. Can't say you have our problem but Porters can fix it.

dowawoo · Post by **dowawoo** » September 5th, 2005, 5:52 pm

Had like problem with my 90 Johnson, spoke with a mechanic from dealer at the ramp one day and he said I had to learn to bump the choke for a bit to keep it going at cold start, then should be fine, I went one step further, I take the time, hook up a hose at home and run it a couple minutes in the driveway, when I do get the ramp, bam, and off I go, and I might add, I don't block the ramp for another user, launch and gone.
don

Post by **Ron Wilson** » September 6th, 2005, 8:32 pm

Thanks all. Good info/recommendations.

Post by **mjsigns** » September 6th, 2005, 9:21 pm

That's really funny... I've got TC's old motor and I have to do the same steps....

Post by **Chalk** » September 9th, 2005, 6:05 pm

Tom Keels wrote: 1. Lower motor almost all the way.
2. Pump primer bulb until hard.
3. Advance fast idle to about 1/4 throttle.
4. Push in key (choke) and crank until it spits
5. Repeat step 5 until she stays running.

What do you repeat in step 5.....