Hard to start VMax 225 when warm

[Cajun Skeeter]

My 2000 VMax 225 has just started having problems starting. This is only when the motor is "warm".

I have had the motor for 3 years and it has always cranked right up whether cold (1st start of day) or warm (subsequent starts throughout the day). Starting 1 month ago, the motor still cranks great cold but it doesn't crank easily when it's warm. If I turn the key, it will fire right up and instantly die. After that I have to press on the hotfoot to get it to start up.

I changed the spark plugs and there's no difference. A friend mentioned that it might be a fuel filter issue. I have never touched the fuel filter (yeah, I hate maintenance ). Best I can tell, I only have the filter on the side of the motor as I can't find an in-line filter.

Any recommendations where to start???

[DChamp]

My 225 V-max (ox66) motor did the same thing. Changed the plugs, cleaned the O2 sensor, changed the inline fuel filter (water seperator-you really need one of these), changed the filter on the side of the motor, changed the filter in the vapor canister and it still was hard to start when it was warm. Read about the 3 mechanical fuel pumps on the side of the motor and the problems they can cause when a diaphram starts to leak. Went to Yamaha dealer and bought three new pumps ($35 ea) put them on and it starts on the first turn when it's warm. Just a suggestion for you.

[EL Skeeter]

Hummm I have a 2000VMax mine had the same symptoms.Start first time even when cold. After getting to the first spot. It'd be hard to start.I could also smell "GAS". Turned out to be as the above posted stated."fuel pump diaphrams" leaking.

[Cajun Skeeter]

Thanks guys for the lead on the problem. I will probably give that a shot in the next week or so.

I don't smell any gas but the cranking problem sounds just alike.

[HaulinBass]

Mine was the fuel pump diaphragm too. Starts immediately now.

[ghind]

If you haven't replaced the fuel pump diaphragms yet, it is time. A common recommendation is to replace them every 3 years. They wear quickly on the ox66 big blocks and can cause powerhead failure.

There are 3 on your motor. Each fuel pump has two bolts holding it to the powerhead. Unbolt them and squeeze your primer bulb. If you see fuel leaking then that is your problem. Fuel is going straight into the crank case.

$35 each new, do not bother with rebuild, they can warp and if so, a rebuild will not help. You save little by rebuilding them so just replace.

[Cajun Skeeter]

I just swapped out my filter element for the first time. I will try that Friday night and see if it helps.

My next step will be to run the "bulb squeeze" test on the fuel pumps if the problem still exists.

Thanks!

[MIKER2702]

fuel pumps. boats.net just went
through this for 5-6 months.

[skeeter202]

fuel pumps...............

[Beetle]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DChamp &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My 225 V-max (ox66) motor did the same thing. Changed the plugs, cleaned the O2 sensor, changed the inline fuel filter (water seperator-you really need one of these), changed the filter on the side of the motor, changed the filter in the vapor canister and it still was hard to start when it was warm. Read about the 3 mechanical fuel pumps on the side of the motor and the problems they can cause when a diaphram starts to leak. Went to Yamaha dealer and bought three new pumps ($35 ea) put them on and it starts on the first turn when it's warm. Just a suggestion for you.
</TD></TR></TABLE> Same for me. I wouldn't run it until you fix the problem. I did and because of it smoked a powerhead according to the Tech. Replaced powerhead, 3 fuel pumps and O2 sensor for free OUT OF WARRANTY!!! No problems since. Kudos to Yamaha

[Cajun Skeeter]

Is this the part number for the fuel pumps for a 2000 Vmax?

6E5-24410-03-00

[skeeter202]

http://www.boats.net/parts/sea...=2000
this is the cheapest place . you need model # to look up part

[Cajun Skeeter]

Can I get away with just replacing the fuel pumps or am I going to end up needing to replace some tubing/hoses too?
(ie, Is it easy to break loose the hoses from the fuel pumps?)

[DChamp]

I was able to replace the pumps without damaging the hoses. You will need to replace the clamps (nylon snap locks). Take your time and don't force the hoses off, try to twist them first to break their seal and then push them off. Loosening the fuel pump/vapor tank will give you better access to the pumps also.

[jigger223]

Ditto on the diaphrams. I had the problem with mine and there was a small hole in a diaphram allowing fuel to leak down and flood the engine.

[Cajun Skeeter]

I swapped out my mechanical fuel pumps today. I'm optimistic that was the problem as the old ones were leaking gas like crazy when I pumped up the bulb.

I'll try it next Friday and see if it's fixed. Thanks for the help everyone.

[riflipping]

I have a 2001 225 ox66 and it is losing power at wot. It started last trip and by the end of the trip it would lose power to the point where it would sputter and die if i got over 4000 rpms. ichanged both fuel filters and the plugs. I was wondering if the fuel pumps leaking could cause this? Also when you guys pressure checked the fuel pumps did you replace the gaskets ar reuse the old. I am going to check fuel pumps and if that doesnt fix it next is the o2 sensor. Any other ideas?

[Cajun Skeeter]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

My boat is now cranking like it's supposed to. The fuel pumps took care of "warm starting" problem entirely.

[MIKER2702]

great news.