2001 LS2000 - Several Minor Issues

[blaw1823]

I have owned my 2001 LS2000 for 5 years now. Up to this point, I have just ignored the minor inconveniences and chalked it up to having a 25 year old boat. The boat has been great overall and I really enjoy it, but want to get it working as it should.

Here is a list of issues:

• Tough steering - out of the water, the steering moves without much effort and the jets turn each direction equally. In the water is a different story, it is tough to turn both ways, but especially right. Also, when turning right, the turn radius is much, much larger. The boat turns left on a dime, but turns like an ocean liner to the right. Is this normal? Is this because of the push-pull difference in the steering cables? Resolving this issue would be #1 on my list.
• Port engine has trouble with hot starts. Starboard engine starts right up after running it for a while a shutting it down. Port engine will start, quickly sputter out, then struggle to restart. It will eventually restart after pumping the throttle and turning it over several times. Could this be vapor lock? Where do I start?
• Fuel gauge doesn't work. Is there a way to test if it is the gauge that is the issue or the sending unit?
• Tachometers don't work. Same question - how can I tell if the gauges are bad or if there is an issue with the wiring before I spend money on new gauges that don't fix the issue?

 

[Exciter 220]

1. Due to the fact that both impellers rotate in the same direction, but the intake grates are angled differently, there will be a difference in how each performs. This is normal to some extent, but if it's really a problem, I'd inspect the cables. Perhaps you have one that has separated inside and you're only steering with one cable.

2. Most of the time, they will start easily when hot and crank excessively when cold. Pumping the throttle does nothing because there is no accelerator pump on these engines. Sounds like it's time to overhaul the carbs. Use ONLY genuine Mikuni parts! It MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

3. Here's the procedure for testing the fuel level sender. The senders and the gauges are prone to fail.



4. The tachs are the cheapest junk Yamaha could find. They fail all the time. Made by Faria Instruments and they haven't been available for years. There are a number of other companies that make tachs that fit.

 

[blaw1823]

Thanks @Exciter 220!

Is the assumption on the steering issue that the cables behave differently underload? That makes sense. Do I need to get LS2000 specific steering cables? Or can I just match the length and diameter? If so, do you know off hand the specifications for the cables?

I took the carbs apart, inspected and cleaned them. They appeared to be in good condition, but there could be an issue with a diaphragm still. Is there anywhere to buy the Mikuni parts at a reasonable price? I've found them for @$65/each. Is this as good as it gets?

I definitely need to get the tachs working. I am paranoid of running the boat with only one engine, and with the port engine stalling out, I could go crazy. I think it will also help me identifying other issues. Thanks again!!!

 

[Exciter 220]

The cables could behave differently under load. They pull when turning right, push when turning left, so it's possible that it would bind in one direction. Does your steering have a tight spot in it? One of my Exciters did, drove me crazy. After I bought a new cable, but before I installed it, I discovered that the steering gear had a manufacturing defect that caused the cable end to catch on the steering gear housing.

You don't have to buy cables from Yamaha. You can basically design your own cable from some manufacturers by specifying the length, travel, threads, etc. You can also buy aftermarket cables from places like WSM and SBT. I don't know specs on the cables, but I checked to see if my Exciter cable would fit your boat--it doesn't.

Did you clean the internal filters on the carbs? Check the pop-off pressure? Are the pulse lines in good shape? Fuel filters good? (do NOT use paper element filters). $65 sounds about right for Mikuni kits. There is a mod to enlarge the return line orifices in each carb and have one common orifice after the return lines are hooked together. This keeps the pressure in each carb the same. That mod also requires a larger needle & seat.

There are several companies that make tachs that will work. I think Teleflex, VDO, Isspro, and yes, even Faria have replacement tachs. You might find some on Ebay but make sure they are guaranteed to work.