1998 Yamaha 200 Saltwater Series will not idle and rpm's fluctuate

tkgjax

Cadet
Joined
May 8, 2005
Messages
6
Please help. Engine starting having problems losing power and maxing out at 1500rpm but would still idle ok. Pumped out all gas and replaced, change fuel/water seperator and replaced plugs. Motor ran great for about 20 miles and happened again. Completed compression test and all cylinders are around 120lb. Noticed lower plugs on both sides were fouled. Cleaned plugs and replaced both fuel pumps and all seemed well for about another 20 miles. Checked plugs and they were clean this time. Rebuilt all three carbs and now it seems to run great at higher rpms but sneezes and dies when trying to idle. Adjusted pilot screws based on manual at 7/8 turns out port and 1 1/4 turn out starboard. Also, I can be riding along at about 4000 rpm and it will suddenly jump to 4300 like something was dislodged but I know the carbs and the filter are clean. I adjust back down to 4000 and it will intermittently drop rpms and I will have to apply more throttle to get back to 4000. Any ideas?
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: 1998 Yamaha 200 Saltwater Series will not idle and rpm's fluctuate

check your low pressure pumps. I reccomend replacing at 3 year or 300 hour intravals. also drain the carbs and check for debris/water. sometimes the fuel lines are coated with stuff and it gets back into the carbs at reassembly. would not be the first time I have seen it.
 

tkgjax

Cadet
Joined
May 8, 2005
Messages
6
Re: 1998 Yamaha 200 Saltwater Series will not idle and rpm's fluctuate

Thanks for the reply. I have replaced the fuel pumps mounted to the side of the motor with rubber diapram. Are these the the low pressure pumps you mentioned? Also, is my Clymers correct in showing different pilot screw adjustments on port and starboard? All other posts I am seeing say to back all out 1 1/4 turn.
 
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