Hard to start

[lazergeek]

Perhaps the next time you’re going to leave it in a slip for an extended period after you’ve tied off at the slip use the wake mode and raise the idle to level three for about 15 seconds then back it down and shut it off. This will remove some of the water from the water lock and perhaps prevent happening what just happened.

Did you go out and run it after replacing the plugs to see if you got your RPMs back?

I have not yet read it going out again this evening so we'll check that then. We have this rental house for a week so I'm definitely going to the no wake to see if that helps too.

 

[lazergeek]

I have not yet read it going out again this evening so we'll check that then. We have this rental house for a week so I'm definitely going to the no wake to see if that helps too.

I didnt get a chance to take it out last night but I did run for 30 seconds on Wakeless #3 after changing the plugs. I had to run 2 hours home and back to rescue the cat from a malfunctioning automatic feeder. while the family fished from the dock again. Same issue this morning, Hard to start starboard engine. After it finally started it ran rough for about 30 seconds before running normally.

RPM's are still off but looking at it closer today so is the Port engines I assume its the 87 degreees and 68% humidity causing...

Forgot to run wakleess mode when stopping at the Reef and had the same issue after haning out for 3 hours.

In the past its just been me and my wife which is why I assume I have had no issues in the past, but this trip has 2 adult "kids" too so I assuming the extra weight on the back is not helping the issue.

 

[tdonoughue]

I rarely run in as cool as 87 degrees or so dry as 68% humidity. So I doubt that is it.

Throwing out some unlikely things: No hole in the fuel rail or line, right? Then I would suspect the fuel pump on that engine being weak. The 30 seconds weak before it perks up makes me think that fuel is draining back through the pump into the tank and it is taking a bit to get that fuel back up and to the injectors.

Have I heard of that before? No. But that is what the latest writeup is suggesting to me...

 

[lazergeek]

I rarely run in as cool as 87 degrees or so dry as 68% humidity. So I doubt that is it.

Throwing out some unlikely things: No hole in the fuel rail or line, right? Then I would suspect the fuel pump on that engine being weak. The 30 seconds weak before it perks up makes me think that fuel is draining back through the pump into the tank and it is taking a bit to get that fuel back up and to the injectors.

Have I heard of that before? No. But that is what the latest writeup is suggesting to me...

The heat and humidity was just for refrence on the slight loss of RPM's

Its not a fuel issue... Water box back pressure is a known issue on this thread for the Starboard engine. It started fine this morning with no issue, Fishing last night was rained out so the family was not jumping on and off the back of the boat.

 

[tdonoughue]

Simply have not seen the hard starting and back pressure so substantially and in an instance where there is no extra weight on the boat. I may have missed (several) reports, but the worst 'every time it is hard to start' ones I recall were all where people had surfing sacs and had sunk the back of the boat to make the wake. The theory goes that sinking the back that 6-12 inches produces sufficient backpressure to either fill the boxes more than normal and/or just creates enough additional pressure against the water to cause hard starting. Haven't recalled it where people were just jumping off the back of the boat, or where it went from 2 adults to 4--always seemed to be more substantial.

Have also seen it opined that it is vapor lock with the gas in the feed line vaporizing (and thus the advices frequently to run the blower when stopping and to let it run at idle prior to shutdown). But those are typically at higher temps as well. And more frequently after a short stop (picking up a swimmer or similar).

And the particular thing that I have not recalled in all of those reports is anyone reporting that once it started that they had rough running for 30 seconds.

Again, I may have missed something (I don't get to read every thread), but the above is why I am suggesting investigation into some alternate theories. I simply offer it for your consideration.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Simply have not seen the hard starting and back pressure so substantially and in an instance where there is no extra weight on the boat. I may have missed (several) reports, but the worst 'every time it is hard to start' ones I recall were all where people had surfing sacs and had sunk the back of the boat to make the wake. The theory goes that sinking the back that 6-12 inches produces sufficient backpressure to either fill the boxes more than normal and/or just creates enough additional pressure against the water to cause hard starting. Haven't recalled it where people were just jumping off the back of the boat, or where it went from 2 adults to 4--always seemed to be more substantial.

Have also seen it opined that it is vapor lock with the gas in the feed line vaporizing (and thus the advices frequently to run the blower when stopping and to let it run at idle prior to shutdown). But those are typically at higher temps as well. And more frequently after a short stop (picking up a swimmer or similar).

And the particular thing that I have not recalled in all of those reports is anyone reporting that once it started that they had rough running for 30 seconds.

Again, I may have missed something (I don't get to read every thread), but the above is why I am suggesting investigation into some alternate theories. I simply offer it for your consideration.

If you go back through this thread @MrBubbaGump chronicles his trials and tribulations with the hard to start issue, especially on the 210 FSH models. Yamaha corporate has acknowledged this issue with this model, and I’m not sure if there is a crossover to the 21’ bow riders with the TR-1 engines as those boats are the same except for a different liner and top cap.

This guy was having the same issue but didn’t close the loop

J

Thread 'TR-1 Starboard Engine Intermittent Starting Issue'

Feb 5, 2025

Hello! I have a 2023 AR220 Boat that I love; however, I have been experiencing starting issues with the Starboard Engine Only. After spending a day on a sandbar (4-5 hours), the starboard engine does crank but not start. I have to try at least 10 times after it fires up but after the 2nd try there is a lot of gasoline smell. This issue has become a headache because after spending a lot of time under the sun, everyone is so tired and just want to go back to the ramp and then the starboard engine does not cooperate Has anyone experienced the same issue? If so, have you found the cause and...

• Johanv09
• Replies: 16
• Forum: General Discussion

Member @anmut has also solved his hard starting issues by running the no wake at level 3 for 15 seconds at neutral then back to idle then off. That method also works for me but in a different scenario, I troll for hours fishing and I think the water locks get very full of water and that creates too much back pressure for an engine to start up easily, but doing the NWM for 15 seconds then off I don’t have a problem.

 

[OntheWater77]

FYI, I have been trying the run for 15 seconds on "no wake mode level 3 setting" before shutting down and I have not had any significant hard starts for the past 30-40 hrs of use since using this method.. Granted I also changed spark plugs prior to this testing period as well.. Just wanted to keep you guys posted and fingers crossed for an actual solution from Yamaha!

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

FYI, I have been trying the run for 15 seconds on "no wake mode level 3 setting" before shutting down and I have not had any significant hard starts for the past 30-40 hrs of use since using this method.. Granted I also changed spark plugs prior to this testing period as well.. Just wanted to keep you guys posted and fingers crossed for an actual solution from Yamaha!

Thanks!

 

[Johanv09]

Hey Jetboaters community;

I’m reaching out again to see if any other Yamaha AR220 (or similar twin-engine TR-1 models) are experiencing a hard-starting failure on the starboard engine under certain load conditions. I am officially submitted a replacement request to Yamaha as well as filed a Florida Attorney General Consumer Protection complaint and a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Defect report.

Boat Information

• Model: 2023 Yamaha AR220
• Purchase Date: February 2023 (brand new)
• Engine: Twin TR-1 HO

The Problem

The issue only occurs in the water, and only when:

• 4–5 adult passengers are seated on the stern swimming platform and/or swim-up seats
• Stern-heavy load affects buoyancy and engine positioning

Symptoms:

• Starboard engine refuses to start for 10–15 minutes of repeated cranking
• Boat is limited to ~5 mph idle on a single engine (to avoid drivetrain damage)
• Creates a real safety hazard in channels and open water
  → Risk of collision, drifting, or being stuck in traffic lanes with limited control

Never happens on the trailer / boat ramp or dock.

Service History to Date

Despite extensive attempts, issue remains unresolved:

• 20+ warranty claims
• 5+ months accumulated time at dealership
• 4 water tests
  • Latest test included Yamaha District Service Manager
  • A slight start delay was observed
• No official cause identified by Yamaha
• No confirmed solution provided

Yamaha and dealer continue to ask for more water tests, despite lack of progress.

What Yamaha Is Claiming

Yamaha has stated: “No other boats have been reported with this issue.”

That is why I am posting here — to gather real owner feedback.

Actions I Have Taken

Due to safety and quality concerns, I have already:

Submitted a formal replacement to Yamaha
Filed a Florida Attorney General Consumer Protection complaint
Filed a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Defect report

All documentation cites:

• Loss of intended use
• Extended out-of-service time
• Water safety hazard

Why This Matters

A twin-engine boat that cannot reliably start both engines:

• Cannot operate safely in most real boating scenarios
• May violate expected Yamaha performance standards and safety obligations
• Prevents families from confidently using the boat they are paying for

I love Yamaha and the boating lifestyle — but reliability on the water is NON-negotiable.

If you have:

• hard-starting issues on a TR-1 engine
• Issues occurring with stern-heavy loading
• Dealer visits for unexplained start delays
• Fixes or root causes found

Please reply with:

• Boat model & year
• Starboard / port engine affected
• Conditions when issue occurs
• Anything a tech found or replaced

Even one or two similar reports will help push Yamaha to acknowledge this is not an isolated case.

Feel free to DM me if you prefer to share privately — I am gathering all data to support my case and help others who may be affected.

Thank you to anyone who takes a moment to respond.

I’ll keep this thread updated with any progress from Yamaha, the Florida AG office, or USCG.

Safe boating everyone

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Hey Jetboaters community;

I’m reaching out again to see if any other Yamaha AR220 (or similar twin-engine TR-1 models) are experiencing a hard-starting failure on the starboard engine under certain load conditions. I am officially submitted a replacement request to Yamaha as well as filed a Florida Attorney General Consumer Protection complaint and a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Defect report.

Boat Information

• Model: 2023 Yamaha AR220
• Purchase Date: February 2023 (brand new)
• Engine: Twin TR-1 HO

The Problem

The issue only occurs in the water, and only when:

• 4–5 adult passengers are seated on the stern swimming platform and/or swim-up seats
• Stern-heavy load affects buoyancy and engine positioning

Symptoms:

• Starboard engine refuses to start for 10–15 minutes of repeated cranking
• Boat is limited to ~5 mph idle on a single engine (to avoid drivetrain damage)
• Creates a real safety hazard in channels and open water
  → Risk of collision, drifting, or being stuck in traffic lanes with limited control

Never happens on the trailer / boat ramp or dock.

Service History to Date

Despite extensive attempts, issue remains unresolved:

• 20+ warranty claims
• 5+ months accumulated time at dealership
• 4 water tests
  • Latest test included Yamaha District Service Manager
  • A slight start delay was observed
• No official cause identified by Yamaha
• No confirmed solution provided

Yamaha and dealer continue to ask for more water tests, despite lack of progress.

What Yamaha Is Claiming

Yamaha has stated: “No other boats have been reported with this issue.”

That is why I am posting here — to gather real owner feedback.

Actions I Have Taken

Due to safety and quality concerns, I have already:

Submitted a formal replacement to Yamaha
Filed a Florida Attorney General Consumer Protection complaint
Filed a U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Defect report

All documentation cites:

• Loss of intended use
• Extended out-of-service time
• Water safety hazard

Why This Matters

A twin-engine boat that cannot reliably start both engines:

• Cannot operate safely in most real boating scenarios
• May violate expected Yamaha performance standards and safety obligations
• Prevents families from confidently using the boat they are paying for

I love Yamaha and the boating lifestyle — but reliability on the water is NON-negotiable.

If you have:

• hard-starting issues on a TR-1 engine
• Issues occurring with stern-heavy loading
• Dealer visits for unexplained start delays
• Fixes or root causes found

Please reply with:

• Boat model & year
• Starboard / port engine affected
• Conditions when issue occurs
• Anything a tech found or replaced

Even one or two similar reports will help push Yamaha to acknowledge this is not an isolated case.

Feel free to DM me if you prefer to share privately — I am gathering all data to support my case and help others who may be affected.

Thank you to anyone who takes a moment to respond.

I’ll keep this thread updated with any progress from Yamaha, the Florida AG office, or USCG.

Safe boating everyone

You know its interesting… in another thread, you were advised to change the spark plugs and check the oil level, for your hard start and lowered max rpms, yet you never responded to that suggestion, you were also advised to do the no wake mode at level 3 in neutral for 15 seconds before shut down, a procedure that has yielded great results with several members, and no response back on that either.

A simple search would have turned up another more extensive thread on the hard start problem wherein Yamaha acknowledged the hard start issue, according to the poster, and gave a procedure to alleviate the issue.

 

[Johanv09]

You know its interesting… in another thread, you were advised to change the spark plugs and check the oil level, for your hard start and lowered max rpms, yet you never responded to that suggestion, you were also advised to do the no wake mode at level 3 in neutral for 15 seconds before shut down, a procedure that has yielded great results with several members, and no response back on that either.

A simple search would have turned up another more extensive thread on the hard start problem wherein Yamaha acknowledged the hard start issue, according to the poster, and gave a procedure to alleviate the issue.

Hi FSH 210 Sport,

I have tried everything they suggested. Also, I did a water test with the Yamaha District Service Manager and he said that it should not happened. You don’t need to do anything to prevent this issue to happen, the engine HAS to start immediately.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

Hi FSH 210 Sport,

I have tried everything they suggested. Also, I did a water test with the Yamaha District Service Manager and he said that it should not happened. You don’t need to do anything to prevent this issue to happen, the engine HAS to start immediately.

You tried what “they” suggested, what about what was suggested here? I can say that the NWM mode thing works well for me, and this summer when it started to hard start and doing the NWM, I changed the plugs and it fires right up..

 

[Johanv09]

You tried what “they” suggested, what about what was suggested here? I can say that the NWM mode thing works well for me, and this summer when it started to hard start and doing the NWM, I changed the plugs and it fires right up..

I have tried everything that everyone on this forum suggested and also what Yamaha DSM suggested. The plugs were changed at the dealership per Yamaha DSM recommendation and they verified the oil level. The dealership also verified the fuel system pressure and the injectors!

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

I have tried everything that everyone on this forum suggested and also what Yamaha DSM suggested. The plugs were changed at the dealership per Yamaha DSM recommendation and they verified the oil level. The dealership also verified the fuel system pressure and the injectors!

I see, just had to go by what you did not report back on from before.. let us know how things turn out.