1st time owner

[twincities]

Hello,
I am a 1st time outboard owner (really a 1st time boat owner). I do my own maintenance and repairs as much as I can for my cars etc. and I have a few questions about the outboard on my boat (It did not come with an owners manual):

1989 Yamaha 115ETLF 2 stroke oil injected

1. What type of lower gear lube to use (weight/brand etc.)? I changed it yesterday for winter and I flushed from the top hole and then filled from the bottom until it started to run out the top hole... is this the correct level?

2. I don't know anything about scheduled maintenance for an OB other than winterizing it each year. What are some good things to do now?

3. What should I be aware of with this engine (common problems etc.)?

4. Is it worth buying an owners manual or should I just buy a seloc (I think that's what it is) manual?

5. The engine has tilt/trim how/if should I check the hydrolic fluid levels. Should I change this fluid for winter also?

6. When I winterized it I disconnected the gas line and was going to let the engine run out but than I thought its possible for it to run off of the 2 cycle alone for long enough to gum up the pistons injectors etc. Should I have just let it run out? Is it okay the way it is (I did all the other steps)?


Thanks for all your help. I did try the search function but it kept routing me to something that did not look like a forum

 

[robert graham]

Re: 1st time owner

Get an owners book for that motor and a Yamaha Outboard Manual, both of these are available on-line. Check/clean entire fuel system from tank, pick-up, primer bulb, quick-disconnect at motor cowl, fuel pump, fuel filter. Drain carbs several times per year, install fuel/water seperator, use Ringfree and Stabil Marine in fuel all the time. I had a 115HP Yamaha and they are great running motors and with just a bit of preventive maintenance should serve you very well. good Luck!

 

[twincities]

Re: 1st time owner

That brings up another question I had.

Where is the best place to get parts for this engine? Can anyone recommend a good web source? Is the fuel water separator an after market piece and where should I install it?

Does a Seloc manual explain things like routine maintenance (draining carbs etc.)?

Thanks for your advice

 

[robert graham]

Re: 1st time owner

You can get your Yamaha parts here at iboats. The fuel/water seperator looks and acts similar to an automotive oil filter, 2 screws mount it on inside of your transom or any convenient spot where you can get to change the screw off cartridge. Most carbs have brass hex-head drain bolts/plugs on the bottom/side of float chamber, just remove it, drain and replace. I always drain mine onto a clean white rag to see what, if any, trash/water was in carb. Most maintenance on the older, carbed motors is really quite simple after you do it once. The later fuel injected motors have more pumps, screens, filters and assorted parts to deal with. Go to:bogueinletnc.com/yamaha for detailed instructions with photos on several Yamaha maintenance procedures. Good Luck!

 

[twincities]

Re: 1st time owner

thanks again,

Does anyone have any advice about which fuel water separator to buy (Yamaha VS After market)?

 

[robert graham]

Re: 1st time owner

Get the Walmart fuel/water seperator for $27, install on transom(2 screws), cut and run your fuel lines so they don't rub or interfere with movement of motor. You'll need to stop by Ace Hardware or other for a couple of fuel line "barbs" and clamps. This installation is really very easy to do, just take your time and think about it as you go, so you don't screw up. Water/fuel seperators are one of the very best preventive maintenance items ever. While you're at Walmart buy a spare cartridge to keep in your boat so you'll be ready to change it when necessary. Good luck!

 

[twincities]

Re: 1st time owner

Are the filters interchangeable to some degree? I have seen specials for a sierra 10 micron with bowl kit for around 40 dollars? Could I thread on a generic filter later?

thanks

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1st time owner

there are at least 2 sizes of the inside threading even though the outside is the same.
i like the big blue Yamaha. I'd rather change them than drain them, and the "clear" bowls can be hard to see thru.