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I'm looking at a boat powered by a 2002 Yamaha 225 four stroke. I'm wondering if there are any known issues or recalls with this motor? Any input would be great. Thanks.
I believe ALL the 225 fourstrokes have the same issue with the throttle potentially hanging above idle making it very difficult to pull it out of gear. There is a kit and I would make sure you have it covered so you don't run into a dock, and possibly hurt someone. Your dealer should know the problem, and help you get the kit installed.
Virtually every outboard has "issues." There are thousands of Yamaha 225 four strokes out there with literally thousands of happy owners. Sure there have been problems, just like there have been problems with all outboard engines, but if there has been a problem with the Yamaha 225 four stroke Yamaha has taken care of it, a fact well documented on this site. Are you not going to buy a boat with a 2002 Yamaha 225 four stroke on it because someone somewhere had a problem? Would you not buy a pair of pants because someone got a pair that didn't fit right?
If you're quesey or have any doubts about the 2002 225, require that a Yamaha mechanic of YOUR choice be allowed to check the motor for all factory upgrades and improvements to make sure they have been preformed prior to your purchase - that's a wise precautionary move prior to the purchase of any marine engine.
Cat-fishin'-
that's kinda where I was heading with this question. I want to be aware of all previous issues so that they can be repaired before I buy the boat. I don't even want to give the dealer a chance to say "there's nothing wrong with it."
I have an '02 Parker with the F225 and have not had one issue at all! I have read about voltage regulating problems, but, never heard of hard to start when hot, at least mine isn't. I did just recently receive the recall for the throttle linkage problem and will get it serviced although I have not noticed a problem with the throttle linkage yet. I currently have 380 hours on mine and it hasn't missed a beat!(knock on wood)
In my opinion, an AWESOME motor.
By the way, I service mine myself. Buy an oil extractor and change the crankcase oil yourself. It's extremely easy and alot cheaper than paying $70 an hour to a mechanic.
thanks Parker. What's the annual maintenance like for you? Is it something I could do or should have dealer do instead? I did everything on my old carbed Johnson 2 stroke. Very simple to maintain/winterize.
Since the initial 20 hour "break in" service, I have done it myself. Like I mentioned I purchased an oil extractor and oil changes are a piece of cake. It sucks all but 4-6 ounces from the motor thru the dipstick tube, then tilt the motor all the way up and let the rest of the oil drain from the block and remove the drain plug on the side of the motor. Then it's a matter of removing/replacing the oil filter and re-filling. Takes the extractor about 5-10 minutes to get the oil out. I have change the engine oil and filter, lower unit oil, fuel filter every 100 hours. I have only changed the plugs once since break-in and they looked fine. The first "break-in" service was almost $400 so it does save you quite a bit to do it yourself.
Nothing like getting on your boat, turning the key, let the motor warm up(with absolutely NO smoke, smell or noise) and go. I have never touched the primer ball and there is no choke. Even though I have never "pumped the ball", it has never taken more than 2-3 seconds for the motor to fire. I love it!
I received a recall notice regarding the shift linkage "bushing" yesterday 9/30/03 and called the Yamaha dealer this morning. He said Yamaha doesn't even have the part for the repair available yet and it's a problem that might never even happen to my Yamaha anyway. i will get the recall service done when it's possible, but it doesn't sound like a major emergency.
Recalls are the manufacturers way of covering their ass. There could be 1,000 motors out there and when a few have a problem they recall all of them. Sometimes it makes the product look bad and sometimes its overkill. Whatever the deal is, I am thrilled with the F225.
If you buy the boat, talk to a reputable Yamaha repair facility, give them the serial number and tell them you want the appropriate service bulletins and recalls that apply to your SN range applied!
I can tell you two things that you will have to learn to do with the F225; watch the tach when starting it, because you won't hear it start and also remember to shut it off when you stop. It's that quiet.
i have the identical boat/motor as "parker at the bar"with no issues as of yet,just had my recall done even though i never had any issues with the bushings.
The 4-stroke recalls for the regulator are by serial number.
The hot start problem, or bogging on acceleration is only done if you complain about it. It's on a service bulletin.
The throttle cable sticking recall is for all 200-225 4 stroke Yamahas. The latest letter to owners from Yamaha say NOT to use the engine until the parts are replaced. That is to cover Yamaha's tail should the throttle stick and you run into a dock or another boat.
The throttle cable sticking recall is for all 200-225 4 stroke Yamahas. The latest letter to owners from Yamaha say NOT to use the engine until the parts are replaced. That is to cover Yamaha's tail should the throttle stick and you run into a dock or another boat.
I'm confused I got the recall for the sticking throttle and got no such warning to NOT use the engine. Then when I called the dealer, he said the parts needed for the repair aren't even available yet. Guess I need to call Yamaha direct. Anyone have the number??
My earlier post mistakenly says throttle cable recall, it should be the throttle linkage bushings that are the problem.
Yamaha sent out letters to the owners, the one dated 9-13 or 9-17 says to NOT use the boat. Over the years when Volvo, Mercury, and OMC had safety related recalls, the customer letters said the same thing, don't use the boat. That way if anything happens, you knowingly used the boat against the manufacturer's recommendation and could be held as neglegent or at least, partially responsible.
Any known issues with 2002 Yamaha F225? 
I got the recall for the sticking throttle and got no such warning to NOT use the engine. Then when I called the dealer, he said the parts needed for the repair aren't even available yet. Guess I need to call Yamaha direct. Anyone have the number?? 
