Yamaha 200 trouble

SgtAlf

SgtAlf

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 5, 2017
Messages
526
Location
Bayville, NJ
Fluid Motion Model
R-23 (Outboard)
Took my R-23 out yesterday. It felt like I was dragging something, didn't have any power and never got over 14 mph even at full throttle. Kinda felt like it was in limp home mode. Came to a stop, shut the motor off, and re started thinking the computer would reset, it didn't. Back at the marina I ran into one of the mechanics and told him about it. He said water in the fuel, or spark plugs. I pulled the fuel filter, no water. The plugs are another matter, the coils are on top and the plugs are way down in there.
Y'all have any suggestions.
 
I'm not going to guess what the problem is, but you need about a 3-5 inch socket extension and a torque wrench to change plugs. Just 1 screw to remove the spark plug cap. Gap your new plugs and install using the torque setting (A lot tighter than I imagined the first time).

What was the RPM at full throttle? Any vibration? Engine seem to be running okay, or sounded funny? Does the prop turn freely when in neutral?

Good luck.
 
A couple of real easy quick ideas to try. 1. pump that ball until it is firm. 2. remove fuel filler cap and listen. If the vent is clogged it will be hard for the engine to pull gas from the tank.
 
It didn't reach full RPM, would max out at 4100 RPM. I have to remove the coils to get to the plugs. I'm leery of working on the motor, even the simple things like changing plugs, as the motor is still under warranty.
I'll try the ball and gas cap idea.
I pulled the gas filter, no water, when I pumped the ball after it felt mushy, not hard.
 
That could be your problem. The primer bulb should be firm. Keep squeezing it until it is. It helps to fill the water separator filter with fresh gas before putting it in. Also, check the primary filter bowl and make sure it’s full of fuel.
 
Also, changing the spark plugs won’t affect your warranty. You can perform the regular maintenance without out risking the warranty.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
One more suggestion if you have a little mechanical ability is to find a small portable outboard fuel tank (new would be nice). Buy an inline fuel filter at an auto parts store. Hook the supply hose from portable tank to in line filter and then pull the hose from the OUT side of fuel filter on your boat to in line filter. That will bypass your tank (Bad gas?) and your fuel filter. If you can pump the ball until it gets very firm you should be good to test. If it runs good now, hook to filter in and test again. if it runs good you have eliminated the fuel filter. The next test would be to disconnect the fuel line at the tank, plug the end and do a vacuum test. If it has a small pinhole leak the engine won't draw the fuel correctly or all all. If you don't have a vacuum gauge, blow the fuel out (into a container) before you plug the tank end. Now suck on the line and put your lounge over the end of the fuel line. It should pull your tongue in and hold it until you pull your tongue away. I know it is a little gross, just rinse with mouth wash and then enjoy a shot for medicinal purposes.
 
In neutral will the engine reach higher rpm’s? If so the boat bottom may need to be cleaned. It does not take much algae, scum or barnacle growth to keep a boat from performing properly. May not be your boats situation but I thought it worth mentioning. Let us all know the outcome so we can learn from you.

Jim
 
I am interested to hear how the Yamaha 200 issue resolved. I had the exact same issue yesterday. RPMs topped out at 4100 and could not get on plane. Shut off motor but problem persisted. Waiting for a service appointment.
 
northvanner":m5t6bso3 said:
I am interested to hear how the Yamaha 200 issue resolved. I had the exact same issue yesterday. RPMs topped out at 4100 and could not get on plane. Shut off motor but problem persisted. Waiting for a service appointment.
Click to expand...

Changing the spark plugs fixed it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072D ... UTF8&psc=1

These come pre-gapped. You'll need a 10MM socket, and a long extension for the spark plug socket. You can search, Replacing spark plugs on a Yamaha 200 and a youtube video will come up. It's so easy to do, makes it not worth paying someone.
 
How many hours on the plugs when you had this issue?
 
another option could be bad fuel that has lowered its octane from sitting in the tank.

how old is the fuel in the tank?

definitely sounds like a fuel issue.
 
Fuel is maybe 2 months old. New spark plugs installed end of April. Hull is clean. Will put in a new load of fuel and see if it does the trick.
 
ok have to also ask in case it sparks a thought. How many people and gear were on the boat. perhaps you just never got up on the plane with the extra weight ?
 
Plus one for Jim’s observation….we experienced similar symptoms but the engine was fine. Marine growth on hull prevented us from getting on plane. We’re in North Carolina and normally have a diver check the hull monthly thru the hot summer months. Good luck.
Scott
 
The R-23 will have difficulty getting on plane if the back end of the boat is loaded with people and/or gear. You need to use your trim tabs (down) to assist, or have people move forward. Personally, I removed the 200 and repowered the boat and it is not an issue anymore.
 
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