Hi everyone,
I have an 18hp tohatsu currently but I think I am going to purchase a Yamaha T50 for my 2002 . I like this model because of the large prop and heavy duty gear case. Also the dealer is a stones throw from the marina that I will be keeping the boat at. I have looked at the archives and noticed that they can be tough to start in certain situations.
Can anyone offer advice on this engine?
I am looking for feedback - good or bad before pulling the trigger....
Have '98 Yamaha T-50 on my 2001 X. Doesn't like being tilted all the way up when hot, tends to flood. Better to avoid carbutator model if this will be encountered. Otherwise fine.
Dave Mason
I've got the carbureted 2002 T50. Nice motor with good low torque for maneuvering in marinas and good open end speed at about 58Ks. Local Marine Patrol swears by them.
Right now I've got frustration getting it started after sitting a while. It keeps killing like someone pulled the gas line off. It takes a while and I practically think Im going to run down my 5 year old stock automobile battery. Once it gets going, I'm good for a cruise and it kicks with a twitch of the key.
I think something's wrong with my bulb. I'll have it checked. Just doesn't seem to get any gas first off. Bulb remains pliable, never gets real hard.
Sloop John B wrote:I think something's wrong with my bulb. I'll have it checked. Just doesn't seem to get any gas first off. Bulb remains pliable, never gets real hard.
I don't think we should touch this one with a ten foot boat hook.
Sloop,
Could also be a float valve sticking on one of the carbs sticking open.
It could flood one bowl, and starve the other ones. Might also expain why it goofs up when tilted up and back down. Just a guess
Hello Chris: Some observations on the Yamaha T50Z. My experiences with my 2001 have been mixed. While Yamaha has been touted over Honda lately I have yet to be convinced. While the engine is extremely quiet and economical Ive had two breakdowns with it in the last year. The motor that operates the tilt froze in the up position. Come to find out (after a $400.00 repair bill) that the field is only glued to the housing. The other was when the fuel line decided to become disconnected to the outboard while i was crossing a shipping channel with a freighter bearing down. Not fun. The control cables are located in such a position that its hard to get a good grip to connect the fuel lines especially when you have 2 tanks and are switching from 1 to the other often. Otherwise pretty satisfied with it, gets her up to 22 mph and burns 1 1/2 gal or less per hour at 10 knots.
Sounds a good plan to have the Dealer close at hand! Consider any of the more recent 4-stroke EFI motors - mine hasn't seen a dealer since he installed it, six years ago. It never floods and never fails to start.
But it has stalled ... solved by switching fuel hose from empty tank to one with some gas!
Thanks for the response guys, I think I will take the plunge. I am going to get the extended warranty so I don't have to worry about anything for a while. Hopefully it will be all smooth sailing...er I mean motoring...
. I like this model because of the large prop and heavy duty gear case. Also the dealer is a stones throw from the marina that I will be keeping the boat at. I have looked at the archives and noticed that they can be tough to start in certain situations. 
Consider any of the more recent 4-stroke EFI motors - mine hasn't seen a dealer since he installed it, six years ago. It never floods and never fails to start.