What might be the cause?

[gunner55]

We have a 02 Yamaha 115 that begun to start funny once a day.Since we got the boat & motor it has started the instant you turn the key even the 1st start of the day.On my last trip I had to turn it over longer(3-5 seconds) & usually the 3rd time I turned the key it would fire.Towards the end of the trip I started choking it the 2nd time I turned the key & it would fire.I always check the bulb when this happens & it's solid.Just looking for some ideas or maybe someone else has had this happen.It's more of a pain in the butt now than anything.I just don't want to get caught on the water in a storm with a motor that won't start.Thanks in advance & tight lines everyone.

[Crow Hunter]

My boat developed a starting problem like that. It turned out that my fuel filter was the type that you can take apart to replace/clean the screen; the housing had loosened up to the point where it was losing pressure there. I don't know if you have that type of fuel filter but it would be worth checking. Good luck.

[gunner55]

Thanks, that could be the source as I just changed the filter this spring.Maybe I didn't get it tight or like you say the screen is dirty.

[Ufatz]

If it is the separate strainer/filter (like a little pot) it is very possible you did NOT get a good seal when you screwed it on and left a small air leak. Remove and re-install it and I'll bet your problem is gone.

Have the same engine and it has started instantly since the day I bought it and that is going on 13 years now!

Love that engine!!

[gunner55]

Thanks Ufatz.I'm back in Ia now but that is the 1st thing I'm going to check when I get back up there.

[Northlander]

Start with the basics. Battery connections, spark plugs, fuel lines etc. I do know of a few motors that the alternator wasnt charging the batteries at all and the slow starts were a warning sign. New alternator and they were good to go.