Possible vapor lock SX190

[gmotley]

Tn lake day with temperatures near ninety and after a stop (5-10 min) my boat had difficulty starting. This is my first full season and boat was purchased new last August. My old inboard Larson would vapor lock often and refuse to start in very hot temperatures until you let it set for a few min, then it would start . I hoped I was getting rid of that problem. After having this problem happened twice yesterday, I left on my blower on constantly and it didn't happen again but it was later in the day and cooler. Has anyone else had vapor lock type issues with with this Yamaha engine??

 

[tdonoughue]

Maybe. Very difficult to diagnose the vapor lock issue. I have been on the lake at much higher temperatures with no issues. Equally, I have had some (few) times where one engine would crank and crank and crank and not start (a few minutes later to start with no problems and we all carried on). Was it vapor lock? Hard to tell.

Was this your first outing this year? When were the plugs last changed? I think most of these types of issues are ultimately traced to needing new plugs rather than vapor lock issues. I think.

 

[jollyroger]

Interesting as I too have had on rare occasions the same situation. Turn the key and the engine cranks and cranks an does not start. Will try to start it again right away and same cranking with no starting. Have to wait a few minutes then starts right up. Scary when it happens. There seems to be no pattern to it. Possibly happens when engine run "hard"; but it is run "hard" fairly often due to water sports.

The oil, oil filter and plugs are changed before we head out each season, in fact going to do some of it today. I add Sta-bil and Ring Free in every tank of gas. Hmmmmmm

 

[tdonoughue]

Yes, that is very similar to my experience--right down to the scariness. I have no idea what causes it. I would think were it vapor lock that it would be more consistent. Like frequently at the same temperature or conditions. But it will start just fine 10 times, then do this once. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then it will start up again fine and be fine for the rest of the day.

 

[Britboater]

Happened a few times to my 190 too, I also put it down to heat. As soon as you realise the engine won't start I'd stop and wait a while then retry as not to discharge your battery.
It's also happened once with one engine on my 240 but with having the same problem with my 190 I wasn't worried.

 

[4x15mph]

I know this is a long shot but if the lanyard is disconnected, the engine will crank in a 190 but not start, right. That is how my LS works. When you have this issue, try playing with the lanyard safety switch. Otherwise, agree with the scariness

 

[Kevin1741]

I just had an engine not start yesterday. A few minurmtes later it fired up.

 

[njmr2fan]

I've had this happen a few (3?) times. I've checked the lanyard, the wet storage lid, just weird didn't know what to make of it.

 

[Bruce]

Wow, I have never had an engine fail to start. Would drive me crazy if I did.

 

[Britboater]

It happens fairly frequently with these 1.8's, my old FZR ski used to have the same issue.

 

[Evil Sports]

It happens on 1.8s usually in very hot conditions. Been there, its annoying but it resolves it self in a minute or 2. There are indications that the blower can help prevent it but no solid info from mother Yamaha

 

[bronze_10]

It sounds like a computer issue to me... maybe turning the key off and then back on and the computer straightens out... maybe the heat causes a faulting reading or something... my durango some times will start a d turn right back off again... u can't engage the starter again or the motor will juat crank and not start... u have to turn the key off then back on..

 

[veedubtek]

Yeah, my FXHO does it. My wifes does not. It's very rare and hard to duplicate, but it's occurred 3 times now.

 

[4x15mph]

@gmotley , what octane gas are you using and what does your manual call for? Another long shot but worth checking -