Testing a Yamaha EFI 250 Engine

[cactusth]

Does anyone know of a code reader that can read trouble codes from a Yamaha 250 EFI 1999 model. A cheap code reader blinking light whip would be great too. The one in the manual is no longer available. I'm not so sure I want to speed all the money for a full laptop software device. Also, if someone has a wiring proceedure to install your own blinking light to check the codes would be nice. On automobiles in the day, a paper clip shaped like a "u" would work. Is there somthing like explained here out there. Help would be much appreached. :confused:

[samari]

I'm actually at Yamaha training right now. I wasn't aware the "winky blinky" light was unavailable, I'll ask tomorrow. I do know the cord from the laptop to the motor is unavailable from Yamaha and has been for about a year. We were told they are working on a new diagnostic program and that might be the reason for the unavailability. There is no other way to get codes out of them.

What is your motor doing... or not doing?

[VectorPat]

Yep, you need the winky blinky, a laptop wont work.

[cactusth]

I just rebuilt the motor and I want to check to see if it may be pulling any codes. Some of the sensors appear to have wear on them and possible rough handling when the motor was in other hands. The motor has not been installed on a boat and the motor has not been broken in. Next week I will have time to install the motor on my boat. Also it would be nice to have one of these whips.

[samari]

The winky blinky lights are available from a yamaha dealer. As Vector stated the light is the only one that will work on your engine, I missed that it wasn't a hpdi.

[cactusth]

On this whip, I would think there is only two wires that are needed for the light to function correctly? Can anybody tell me what is the motor voltage that lights up the light on the winky blinky, Also what wires or positive and what wires are signal or negitive?:confused:

[bringit2]

in all actuallity,that winky blinky isnt worth a chit.fuel pressure guages/vacuum guages are gonna be the best because u can make sure there is plenty of fuel and no restrictions.i have yet to have the light help with anything other than a surelly busted sensor.and do u know why the engine smoked in first place?yeah in the yama classes they make the light seem very helpful,but in the real world it sucks.very seldum do i see yama components faulty unless someone has shorted one or done something stupid,and im being very honest.im not saying its not possible but the fuel etc....is way more important when u are first testing a rebuils/powerhead install.maybe this can help.

[VectorPat]

Also if there is a sensor issue most times the timing will be fixed, you will get an elevated idle and poor top end, so a timing light can also help you. Like mentioned above rarely have I seen the winky blinky actually so you a problem. Anytime you have a powerhead failure always check your fuel system and its not a bad idea to replace the O2 sensor also.