Looking for help with a Yamaha 225 2 Stroke and a bad Sunday July 5th

Sunday July 4th left the dock from Meinke's at 6:00 AM sharp headed out to the Gravel Pit. While on plane traveling at 25 mph, at approx .5 miles out motor bogged down and shut off, started back up and tried to proceed, bogged again. Emptied the fuel/water separator (on it's 2nd season) there was a lot of debris, started back up and headed back in to Lorraine's Landing, changed filters and headed back out, motor bogged two more times, I decided to call it a day. On the way in the motor bogged 3 more times, on the 3rd time it wouldn't start back up, had to call Boat US for a tow back in. On Saturday July 4, I was out at the Gravel Pit 5.5 miles out, and finished by 12:30, came in at 30 mph without an an issue, no bogging. missing or vibration, can anyone with past/similar experience offer any assistance?

I had the same problem on Friday I have a I/o and the problem was my plugs were fouled out on 4 cylinders changed the plugs and wires and took it back out and ran fine

I did my plugs in 2018, how often should they be changed?

change plugs every year.
Also do you use gas with ethanol? All that crap you pulled out of filter is coming from tank or fuel lines. That sounds like fuel line breakdown to me because of gas with ethanol and letting it sit too long. Even if you use the fuel conditioners like star tron or sta bil, the ethanol will destroy your fuel lines. Let us know where this leads you.
Rickerd

I had similar issues last year and it was the ethanol that had eaten away at the fuel lines and the broken off pieces of fuel lines moved up into the carbs. Had to get new carbs and fuel line last July/ August. Big $$$$$.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by My Way

Sunday July 4th left the dock from Meinke's at 6:00 AM sharp headed out to the Gravel Pit. While on plane traveling at 25 mph, at approx .5 miles out motor bogged down and shut off, started back up and tried to proceed, bogged again. Emptied the fuel/water separator (on it's 2nd season) there was a lot of debris, started back up and headed back in to Lorraine's Landing, changed filters and headed back out, motor bogged two more times, I decided to call it a day. On the way in the motor bogged 3 more times, on the 3rd time it wouldn't start back up, had to call Boat US for a tow back in. On Saturday July 4, I was out at the Gravel Pit 5.5 miles out, and finished by 12:30, came in at 30 mph without an an issue, no bogging. missing or vibration, can anyone with past/similar experience offer any assistance?

---

I would have to think it is a fuel delivery problem. Not sure if you have a kicker tank or not, but I would have a stow away tank with the correct fuel line plug for your engine. If the problem happens again, you could switch tanks and see if the problem cures itself. It would be one way to narrow down the problem. You did say the fuel separator had a lot of debris in it. This would help determine if the problem is tank side or engine side.

Hello. Ethanol or non-ethanol fuel? Ethanol fuel has cleaning agents in that will clean old tanks and move that junk towards the engine as well as deterioration of fuel lines. Ethanol fuel also starts to break down as soon as 2 weeks and has moisture drawing properties. Long story short, only use non-ethanol fuel. If your engine has fuel injectors, the last line of defense is the 10 micron filter in the fuel injector. More info available at RaceCityInjector .com We were down the road from you at Turtle Point this weekend chasing eyes

I agree it sounds like an ethanol fuel problem. My boat is new this year and already had issues due to fuel. It’s hard to find non ethanol so I use an additive now.

For two years now I've been taking (6) 5 gallon tanks to the BP on route 53 and State street or Foxhaven marina or Boardwalk on PIB, whenever I need gas. Or trailering to BP to get Marine Fuel E-Free. So much less water and dirt in the filter now.
Rickerd

Does your engine have Vapor Separator Tank ( VST) and if yes when was the last time you changed the filter screen inside the tank? Some of the dirt you referred to in the fuel /water separator filter could very well have clogged the VST filter. I included a link to a video that shows typical servicing of a VST. I have had the same problem you are experiencing with my F200. Engine would run fine then begin to lose RPM and backfire once in a while but would die shortly thereafter. Shut the engine off and it would start and run but then die. Then finally not start at all. Some but not enough fuel was getting past the VST to allow it to run normal. Also I learned the hard way that you should use a 10 micron fuel/water separator which helps prevent clogging in the future.
YouTube

Does your engine have Vapor Separator Tank ( VST) and if yes when was the last time you changed the filter screen inside the tank? Some of the dirt you referred to in the fuel /water separator filter could very well have clogged the VST filter. I included a link to a video that shows typical servicing of a VST. I have had the same problem you are experiencing with my F200. Engine would run fine then begin to lose RPM and backfire once in a while but would die shortly thereafter. Shut the engine off and it would start and run but then die. Then finally not start at all. Some but not enough fuel was getting past the VST to allow it to run normal. Also I learned the hard way that you should use a 10 micron fuel/water separator which helps prevent clogging in the future.
YouTube

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 2 Old Guys

Does your engine have Vapor Separator Tank ( VST) and if yes when was the last time you changed the filter screen inside the tank? Some of the dirt you referred to in the fuel /water separator filter could very well have clogged the VST filter. I included a link to a video that shows typical servicing of a VST. I have had the same problem you are experiencing with my F200. Engine would run fine then begin to lose RPM and backfire once in a while but would die shortly thereafter. Shut the engine off and it would start and run but then die. Then finally not start at all. Some but not enough fuel was getting past the VST to allow it to run normal. Also I learned the hard way that you should use a 10 micron fuel/water separator which helps prevent clogging in the future.
YouTube

---

Most Likely it is the Filter Screen inside the Tank or the Check valve , seen this many times.
take the Line off and Blow from your mouth into the line that goes into the tank you will hear it Bubble and if the vent is plugged or the screen it will clear it out. again very common problem from what you have described.

also there is a Check Valve near the out Let of the tank, these go bad all of the time causing what you described, both of these things you can easily do yourself. Check Valves are available at almost any place that sells marine parts.
best way to test it is take it off and suck on it on outlet side , if working you will know it , just like siphoning gas when you were a kid .

one of these or both I am sure is your problem, also like some mentioned make sure you use Ethanol remover if you buy gas at a gas sta. best one can be bought all over even Walmart it is in Blue Bottle Think name is Staybright brand.

I'd like to thank everyone who contributed/offered assistance/info/suggestions. before I read all the information, I purchased and installed a new primer bulb, took it out a a test run to the intake, ran beautiful then as I rounded the intake, same results, lost all rpms had to limp in at 5 mph :(. Read all the information posted, went to the marina Saturday and took the gas line off and blew as suggested (several times). Then checked the anti-siphon valve on the pick up tube and there was no ball in the valve, it was free flowing from either direction, went to Mobile R.V. & Marine in Oak Harbor and picked up a new valve installed and motor started right up, ran for 20 minutes, ran beautiful, after I shut it down, checked fuel/water separator, no debris, unable to test run it due to 3 - 5 foot waves Saturday morning.
Went to go fishing Sunday (yesterday) and 1 mile out same results, lost rpms, so I decided to fish right there, 30 minutes, no luck, so I moved a few times, ended up drifting 5.5 miles towards the east, ended up with 1 eye. At this point it was 11:00 I said I better head in. Took off fine, after about a mile & 1/2 lost all rpms again, cut off many times on the way in. At one point I went to prime the bulb to help get it started, the primer bulb had collapsed suck in on itself. end up limping back in, cut off in the channel, I ended up docking in the middle of A bank, let it sit for an hour, then limped back to my dock, very frustrated. Captain Tacky you mention a filter Screen inside the tank, how would I access it? My engine is a 2001 Yamaha 225 TXRP it does not have a VST found how to clean one on You Tube. I also switched to Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment from Sta-Bil. I have ordered new plugs and wires but I really feel as if its a fuel issue because when its idling at the dock it sounds like its running perfect. NOW THE BAD;
I've used any gas available, usually the least expensive I could find, the previous owner only told me to use mid-grade to premium, so if that meant trailing, then that's what I had to do, occasionally I'd get it at Meinke's but its really expensive, almost $4 a gallon at times. I never knew anything about non-ethanol gas until reading this forum, after reading I began paying attention at the pump mostly Costco, they bolster about having Top Tier Gas but over the weekend I see the pump says; "contains 10% ethanol" :( So this is where I am, it's so frustrating I'm about ready to go to a shop, $$$ but most in the area don't/won't service Yamaha, the closest I could find is; Happy Days or Dubbert's' PC! :(
Thank you all in advance for any & all of the assistance.

look up Lee's Outboard Motor Service on Facebook. He is on Catawba Island. He is a great guy, mechanic, great at customer service.

Also, when you fuel bulb is collapsing, you definitely have a fuel delivery failure. Until you correct this, you won't be able to judge the motor.

Google "ethanol free gasoline near me" I just noticed this past weekend another gas station on 269 north of route 2 carries E-Free gas.
Rickerd

If you fuel bulb is collapsing the ball is not the right one go to dubberts and get OEM bulb I had a fuel issue bulb I bought was inferior product primer bulb helped with the issue from now on only yammi parts fit me

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by My Way

I'd like to thank everyone who contributed/offered assistance/info/suggestions. before I read all the information, I purchased and installed a new primer bulb, took it out a a test run to the intake, ran beautiful then as I rounded the intake, same results, lost all rpms had to limp in at 5 mph :(. Read all the information posted, went to the marina Saturday and took the gas line off and blew as suggested (several times). Then checked the anti-siphon valve on the pick up tube and there was no ball in the valve, it was free flowing from either direction, went to Mobile R.V. & Marine in Oak Harbor and picked up a new valve installed and motor started right up, ran for 20 minutes, ran beautiful, after I shut it down, checked fuel/water separator, no debris, unable to test run it due to 3 - 5 foot waves Saturday morning.
Went to go fishing Sunday (yesterday) and 1 mile out same results, lost rpms, so I decided to fish right there, 30 minutes, no luck, so I moved a few times, ended up drifting 5.5 miles towards the east, ended up with 1 eye. At this point it was 11:00 I said I better head in. Took off fine, after about a mile & 1/2 lost all rpms again, cut off many times on the way in. At one point I went to prime the bulb to help get it started, the primer bulb had collapsed suck in on itself. end up limping back in, cut off in the channel, I ended up docking in the middle of A bank, let it sit for an hour, then limped back to my dock, very frustrated. Captain Tacky you mention a filter Screen inside the tank, how would I access it? My engine is a 2001 Yamaha 225 TXRP it does not have a VST found how to clean one on You Tube. I also switched to Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment from Sta-Bil. I have ordered new plugs and wires but I really feel as if its a fuel issue because when its idling at the dock it sounds like its running perfect. NOW THE BAD;
I've used any gas available, usually the least expensive I could find, the previous owner only told me to use mid-grade to premium, so if that meant trailing, then that's what I had to do, occasionally I'd get it at Meinke's but its really expensive, almost $4 a gallon at times. I never knew anything about non-ethanol gas until reading this forum, after reading I began paying attention at the pump mostly Costco, they bolster about having Top Tier Gas but over the weekend I see the pump says; "contains 10% ethanol" :( So this is where I am, it's so frustrating I'm about ready to go to a shop, $$$ but most in the area don't/won't service Yamaha, the closest I could find is; Happy Days or Dubbert's' PC! :(
Thank you all in advance for any & all of the assistance.

---

Have you noticed any un-burnt fuel coming out of the back of the motor? I had a very similar problem with my ox66 225 last summer. My problem ended up being a fuel pump. Replaced all 3 for 150.00 and all is good. Should be a you tube video on how to check for a bad diaphragm. Think all I did was tighten all the screws around the housing then loosen the pump from the cylinder and pump the bulb. If no fuel leaks out tighten and go to the next one and repeat. Worth a look but im old and forgetful so look for a video.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by My Way

I'd like to thank everyone who contributed/offered assistance/info/suggestions. before I read all the information, I purchased and installed a new primer bulb, took it out a a test run to the intake, ran beautiful then as I rounded the intake, same results, lost all rpms had to limp in at 5 mph :(. Read all the information posted, went to the marina Saturday and took the gas line off and blew as suggested (several times). Then checked the anti-siphon valve on the pick up tube and there was no ball in the valve, it was free flowing from either direction, went to Mobile R.V. & Marine in Oak Harbor and picked up a new valve installed and motor started right up, ran for 20 minutes, ran beautiful, after I shut it down, checked fuel/water separator, no debris, unable to test run it due to 3 - 5 foot waves Saturday morning.
Went to go fishing Sunday (yesterday) and 1 mile out same results, lost rpms, so I decided to fish right there, 30 minutes, no luck, so I moved a few times, ended up drifting 5.5 miles towards the east, ended up with 1 eye. At this point it was 11:00 I said I better head in. Took off fine, after about a mile & 1/2 lost all rpms again, cut off many times on the way in. At one point I went to prime the bulb to help get it started, the primer bulb had collapsed suck in on itself. end up limping back in, cut off in the channel, I ended up docking in the middle of A bank, let it sit for an hour, then limped back to my dock, very frustrated. Captain Tacky you mention a filter Screen inside the tank, how would I access it? My engine is a 2001 Yamaha 225 TXRP it does not have a VST found how to clean one on You Tube. I also switched to Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment from Sta-Bil. I have ordered new plugs and wires but I really feel as if its a fuel issue because when its idling at the dock it sounds like its running perfect. NOW THE BAD;
I've used any gas available, usually the least expensive I could find, the previous owner only told me to use mid-grade to premium, so if that meant trailing, then that's what I had to do, occasionally I'd get it at Meinke's but its really expensive, almost $4 a gallon at times. I never knew anything about non-ethanol gas until reading this forum, after reading I began paying attention at the pump mostly Costco, they bolster about having Top Tier Gas but over the weekend I see the pump says; "contains 10% ethanol" :( So this is where I am, it's so frustrating I'm about ready to go to a shop, $$$ but most in the area don't/won't service Yamaha, the closest I could find is; Happy Days or Dubbert's' PC! :(
Thank you all in advance for any & all of the assistance.

---

I dock at Meinke West, looks like that is your home port also, if you want to email me [email protected] I would be glad to stop take a look, it is a Fuel delivery issue if the Buld is Collapsing, No charge, I live close and always like to help if I can . I would bet the screen is plugged , very common problem.

In boat fuel tank? Check for plugged tank vent line. Sounds like fuel pumps on motor working pulling fuel out of tank cauesing a vacumm which make bauble to colapse. Vent lets gas vapors leave and allow air in tank. Good luck!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DoubleG

In boat fuel tank? Check for plugged tank vent line. Sounds like fuel pumps on motor working pulling fuel out of tank cauesing a vacumm which make bauble to colapse. Vent lets gas vapors leave and allow air in tank. Good luck!

---

Meinke has alcohol free gas.
Its expensive, but so are tows.
Buy the Tow Boat US towing insurance. I pay about $80/yr for a 33 ft boat.

There are quite a few mud daubers around Meinke marina that like to fill up any hole available with mud.
Check your fuel tank vent. If its plugged, it will suck the bulb flat.
Also, look inside your fuel lines and if you see any rubber debris in your fuel filter, replace all of your rubber lines with line that can withstand alcohol.

Curious,
Did you try a different tank yet? like the stowaway tank method? I have read all the posts. Yes ethanol is not a good thing (But) Read on
I do not want to jinx myself, but I have burnt over 5 gallons of Opti II 2 stroke oil since last August so that means I have burnt a bunch of gas. I have done this for a lot of years too. I burn premium pump gas from any old gas station. I am sure there is some ethanol in it. To be honest I do not look. But the key is in not letting the fuel sit in the tank for long periods of time. Ethanol is hydroscopic so it absorbs water and that is where the contaminant bonds with the ethanol and can produce some funk. If you can get your problem to happen again, a separate tank will tell you where the problem is. If you plug in the stow away and the problem goes away, the problem is with your tank. If you plug in the stow away and the problem is still there, the problem is between your tank connection and the engine. I made my living doing similar things mechanically for a lot of years. Now I just teach it. And run my boat and go fishing.. :)

Thanks Pounder, I hadn't tried a different tank yet because my engine or tank doesn't have a quick connect connection, but I can disconnect the fuel line from the water separator and run it directly into a 5 gallon gas can. I am going to the marina and try that first thing in the morning, I just have to figure out the fuel to oil mix ratio since I'll be bypassing the precision mix oil tank. Thanks again.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by My Way

Thanks Pounder, I hadn't tried a different tank yet because my engine or tank doesn't have a quick connect connection, but I can disconnect the fuel line from the water separator and run it directly into a 5 gallon gas can. I am going to the marina and try that first thing in the morning, I just have to figure out the fuel to oil mix ratio since I'll be bypassing the precision mix oil tank. Thanks again.

---

50 :1 is the Mixture

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by captain tacky

50 :1 is the Mixture

---

Also more oil is better than less, make sure you have enough in it.

Before I did this I would take the Line off and blow in it, it should gargle sound and the pressure will come out of the Vent, the vents have also known to plug with Spiders. also crack the gas Cap loos when running and experiencing Problem, this will also vent it if that is problem .

Screen in Fuel Tank, Gas Filter , Check Valve , Vent , Collapsed or Pinched Fuel Line , One of these or a combination is your issue given age of Boat and your Description. All are easily repairable yourself .