Yamaha 115 1996 update: couple more questions

[One4DelRey]

Question - Looking to buy a 1996 Seastrike 18s with a Yamaha 115. I have looked up the serial # C115TLRU, and it is a 1996. I have found no info. on C series. Seller said its a pre-mix. Is he correct? update: bought boat, but have some more questions.

 

[Trent]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Yes its a premix model. C=commerical. About as simple as they get. Good engines.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

I had a 115 for a couple of years and it was bulletproof the whole time, but it was an oil injected model, much prefer the premix motors since a lot less to go wrong. Be sure you install a fuel/water separator, use Stabil Marine and Ringfree all the time. Drain carbs a couple of times per year. That's a sweet running motor, I had mine on a 16' Checkmate and it would cruise for hours at 5800RPM. Good Luck!

 

[One4DelRey]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Great replys........ The Yamaha looks fine for its age. . Any issues with the said outboard.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Before you buy it, take it to the lake/river and run it for an hour or 2, all speeds, wide open for 5500RPM, idle speed, if it runs good and looks good and sounds good, then you've probably got a great motor. If you buy it, then change water pump impeller, lower foot oil, plugs, filters, drain carbs, get a motor manual to study up on that motor to save yourself a lot of problems and expense going forward. Good Luck!

 

[One4DelRey]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Thanks to all... I think I found a perfect package.... This motor looks great, almost too great I am having an independent Yami tech check it out tommorrow. (hope all is fine) The hull is in great shape. Will post and share some pics if (when) all goes well!..... Take care.

 

[One4DelRey]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Bought the boat. Had the motor checked, by a Yami tech. And he was amazed with its (great, clean) condition. Compression on all 4 cyls. were 125! , lower unit presure and oil were fine. Then we went for the water test. Didnt start with just one turn of the key(took about 30 seconds) It did smoke a little at the ramp (a minute or so), but he said this is normal with the C Series. Idled out of the no wake zone, very smooth. Then for the test. I gunned it (good water presure)..... hit 45 mph at 5200 rpm.... played with the Hydraulic Jackplake a little (those Jackplates are something to get used to) and hit 52 mph at 5500 rpm. With a nice rostertail! He said all is fine, then dropped back to idle and up to 500 rpm. Very smooth at the lower rpms. He said - buy it. I am bringing the boat to the techs. shop on Friday, He wants to test the LU oil, and maybe sell me a chopper prop.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

The prop you have is probably just right like it is. Don't forget to install a fuel/water separator, Stabil Marine and Ringfree. Those motors are really nice but you gotta keep the gas clean, fresh and stabilized. Good Luck!

 

[One4DelRey]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

I put a new filter in my separator Today, Quicksilver. Have the Stabil Marine (and it is looks like it deals with Ethanol issues) ready for next fill up. This boat has a 30 gallon tank, with 1/3rd left. What is Ringfree........ The previous owner used Amsoil 2 stroke oil, but that stuff is very expensive....... I was going to use the Pennsoil 2 stroke from wallymart...... like I have used for years on my old Mariner. Do you see any problems with the switch to Pennsoil?

 

[One4DelRey]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

Re: Yamaha 115 1996

More things to add......... The steering IS very sloppy. Are there any adjustments I can make to fix this? On my old boat, I rarely had to touch the wheel.

 

[One4DelRey]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996 update: couple more questions

Bump:

 

[Trent]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996 update: couple more questions

SOunds like its time for a new cable and steering gearbox. You will need to look under the dash to see if you have a rotary (round) or rack steering box. Some people like to spend the extra money for a "No Feed Back System" but to me they are not worth the extra money. Look on the cable near the engine and usually stamped on the cable is the length. If not your going to have to measure so you can order the system. Depends on the boat, sometimes you have to remove the engine to install a new cable because of the way the boat was built. New system without the steering wheel is less than 200.00

 

[robert graham]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996 update: couple more questions

Ringfree is a Yamaha product you can order on-line for about $38/quart delivered, which ain't cheap, but at 1 ounce/10 gallons of gas, not all that bad, and it works very well. Several years ago I switched to the Pennzoil Marine 100% Synthetic at Walmart(27/gallon) and it burns very clean with less smoke. Good Luck!

 

[One4DelRey]

Re: Yamaha 115 1996 update: couple more questions

I have a rotary helm. When at helm I can turn wheel, and the cable turns the outboard (about 2" or more of play). Why is it when when in power and in low RPMs. This needs soooo much correction at the helm to track. Can it be the jack plate. As I see it the jack plate is mounted about 2" above transom. By the way its a Bobs Marine jack plate. Why not mount the JP flush with top of transom? Will this help....... Or is it like you say - new helm with cables. I would sure like to fix this myself.... Thanks.......