Hard starting Yamahas, Really a big deal??

[Chris]

I'm looking at 50 to 75 HP 4-stroke motors and keep hearing about difficulty starting Yamahas in this HP range cause of carbs. Does it really take more than a couple tweaks on the throttle before starting to get them to run? I will be running in temps anywhere from 20 degrees on up.

Any insight on motors in this power range or suggestions on other brands is HIGHLY apreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

[Tom]

I have both a 50hp and 100hp four strokes. They are the best cold weather motors I have ever owned. I never had any problems with
either one, starts great and troll all day. Tom

[T-Mac]

You have heard some "BS". That is a sales pitch commonly used by salesmen for a different brand.

[Stormsearch]

I've started my motor last year several times below 20 deg F. It started on the first crank within 1 - 2 seconds. The auto-priming feature of these motors handles the choking really well. You still need to let these engines warm up in these cold conditions before hammering them though. I have also been a big fan of using RingFree, which helps keeps things cleaned up which I believe helps easier starts. Have only been using brand name 87 Octane gas, and the motor started on the first time almost everytime last year except when I forgot to connect my kill switch lanyard.

These are not going to start like the EFI/DFI's, but it starts quicker than what most people realize, again 1 - 2 seconds and its humming.

[Das Boot 3]

I've had a Yamaha F50 and F80 and they have been BOTH more difficult to start than I thought was reasonable for premium dollar equipment. I took the 50 back to the dealer because I was sick of starting it 5 times before it would idle decent. After it came back it was better but still not up to snuff. My F80 was better but you could not put it in gear unless it was well warmed up and it was in need of a fast idle circuit until it warmed. Good motors, should last about forever with proper maintenance but this year a injected motor will be snuggled up the rear of Das Boot.






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[Chris]

Thanks for the replys so far! Amazing how opinions and experiences differ!! Stormsearch may I ask what motor you're running? Anybody feel that Mercury has proven themselves reliable with their EFI's in this HP range yet?

[Scorpio]

I have a F60 and it starts like a charm, even below freezing temperatures. Usually I just have to push the throttle to full a couple of times and then one turn of the key and away it goes. I have to let it warm up one or 2 minutes.

[MarkG]

I have an F40 that is only a little difficult to cold start the 1st time in the morning regardless of temperature. But once it is started,runs smooth, does not seem like it needs any excessive warm up time,and starts instantly the rest of the day even after a few hours of off time. Its just that 1st time in the morning,and no worse even below freezing temps than on a warm day. I saw this subject a couple of months ago here,and several said that goosing the throttle a couple of times 1st before attempting to cold start is supposed to be the solution. I will try it my 1st opportunity this upcoming season. Just wonder if anyone knows how the self primer in these Yamahas actually work?

[hawg]

chris, the 60 efi merc is great. i cant imagine a better running motor. turn the key ad go. everytime all the time.

[Stormsearch]

2001 F80