2005 250 HPDI VMAX - Cold starting

[fishinman]

I have a new 2005 250 HPDI VMAX on a Ranger boat (with keyless ignition).. I've only had the boat out 6 times in the past 5 wks... only encountered one problem. When the weather is cold, its very hard to start. I noticed this about a week ago.. the weather was about 40 degrees, and I had a rough time starting it.. also noticed no choke on the controls. I called my dealer and they explained no choke needed...and recomended not to use the neutral throttle while trying to start. Went back and the weather was warmer.. no problems... Went fishing this past saturday - temp 36 degrees... it took me about 10 minutes to get it to start and half way idle... Plans are to call Yamaha and my dealer back tomorrow.. something just don't sound right.. any suggestions would be helpful.. PS - great web site.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 2005 250 HPDI VMAX - Cold starting

Welcome to iboats and pretend that warm-up feature doesn't exist.<br /><br />The computer controls everything now. The choke has no function. And if you give it any throttle whatsoever while starting, the computer sees a value it doesn't expect and defaults to a basic program to get it running albeit a much less efficient program. It has to be at idle to start properly. You might also check that the throttle is fully returning back to idle at the motor. Maladjusted throttle cables can fail to bring the linkage to idle all the way and thus confuse that computer. Also keep in mind that few if any outboard motors are engineered to run at freezing temperatures. You are among a small minority of operators that operates in those conditions and certain modifications are usually required (although I don't know of any specifically for an HPDI).

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2005 250 HPDI VMAX - Cold starting

hello<br /> yep something is not right on that motor.<br /> it will strat flawlessly regardless of temp. it uses 1100 psi or so on the high pressure rail and 50 psi or so on the medium pressure rail. it has a sensor for intake air temp and enginetemp to aid cold starting and maximize fuel delivery at all temps. if you move the throttle it either wont start or will be difficult. its time for a trip to the dealer but he wont find much unless he is luckey or can test it at 36*. but it will be time to check the TPS and CPS as well as the shift switch.

 

[Jason S in WA]

Re: 2005 250 HPDI VMAX - Cold starting

I honestly don't know anything about that particular motor as far as owning one yet (have a 200HDPI on order). But I know a lot about fishing cold weather. I start the boat first when real cold out of water. Let it pop to life at the top of ramp before putting in. Immediately stop. Put boat in water and it usually will pop right back to life. Works on my Merc.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2005 250 HPDI VMAX - Cold starting

Jason<br /> dont pop them. no need to. its a good way to destroy a pump. I know you will reply that it hever has before but trust me. you wont believe how many pistions I have replaced and found a partially melted pump housing on teardown and inspection. sometimes you only get one overheat and sometimes the alarm wont trigger but the piston will burn across the top edge due to a steam bubble.