Monday, April 20, 2009

Basic troubleshooting for YAMAHA outboard motors (part I)

Basic troubleshooting for YAMAHA outboard motors (part I)



A problem in the fuel, compression, or ignition systems can cause poor starting, loss of power, or other problems. This basic troubleshooting and possible remedies, and covers all Yamaha outboard motors. Therefore some items may not apply to your model. If any more questions, please consult your Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shops.

Starter will not operate.
Q. Is battery capacity weak or low?
A. Check battery condition. Use battery of recommended capacity.

Q. Are battery connections loose or corroded?
A. Tighten battery cables and clean battery terminals.

Q. Is fuse for electric start relay or electric circuit blown?
A. Check for cause of electric overload and repair. Replace fuse with one of correct amperage.

Q. Are starter components faulty?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.

Q. Is shift lever in gear?
A. Shift to neutral.


Engine will not start (starter operates).
Q. Is fuel tank empty?
A. Fill tank with clean, fresh fuel.

Q. Is fuel contaminated or stale?
A. Fill tank with clean, fresh fuel.

Q. Is fuel filter clogged?
A. Clean or replace filter.

Q. Has fuel pump malfunctioned?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.

Q. Are spark plug(s) fouled or of incorrect type?
A. Inspect spark plug(s). Clean or replace with recommended type.

Q. Are spark plug cap(s) fitted incorrectly?
A. Check and re-fit cap(s).

Q. Is ignition wiring damaged or poorly connected?
A. Check wires for wear or breaks. Tighten all loose connections. Replace worn or broken wires.

Q. Are ignition parts faulty?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.

Q. Is engine stop switch lanyard not attached?
A. Attach lanyard.

Q. Are engine inner parts damaged?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.


Engine idles irregularly or stalls.
Q. Are spark plug(s) fouled or of incorrect type?
A. Inspect spark plug(s). Clean or replace with recommended type.

Q. Is fuel system obstructed?
A. Check for pinched or kinked fuel line or other obstructions in fuel system.

Q. Is fuel contaminated or stale?
A. Fill tank with clean, fresh fuel.

Q. Is fuel filter clogged?
A. Clean or replace filter.

Q. Have ignition parts failed?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.

Q. Has warning system activated?
A. Find and correct cause of warning.

Q. Is spark plug gap incorrect?
A. Inspect and adjust as specified.

Q. Is ignition wiring damaged or poorly connected?
A. Check wires for wear or breaks. Tighten all loose connections. Replace worn or broken wires.

Q. Is specified engine oil not being used?
A. Check and replace oil as specified.

Q. Is thermostat faulty or clogged?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.

Q. Are carburetor adjustments incorrect?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.

Q. Is fuel pump damaged?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.

Q. Is air vent screw on fuel tank closed?
A. Open air vent screw.

Q. Is choke knob pulled out?
A. Return to home position.

Q. Is motor angle too high?
A. Return to normal operating position.

Q. Is carburetor clogged?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.

Q. Is fuel joint connection incorrect?
A. Connect correctly.

Q. Is throttle valve adjustment incorrect?
A. Have serviced by a Yamaha dealer or the experienced service shop.

Q. Is battery cable disconnected?
A. Connect securely.

18 comments:

  1. motor starts fine and runs grate but wont run over 2200 rpm

    ReplyDelete
  2. it like it runs out of fuel over 2200 rpms 2 new fuel pumps new cant rember the name but it go from 6 volts to 12 volts 4 the fuel pump witch is elic. inj. motor 150 2000

    ReplyDelete
  3. I keep blowing the 30 amp fuse. The fist time it blew I blew when i tried to start it. I replaced the fuse and it ran for about 10 minutes and abruptly quit. I replaced the fuse and it ran for another 10 minutes and abruptly stopped. I blew another fuse. These fuses are under the cowling behind a plastic cover and inside a fuse block there are two fuses in small holder. There are two holders. When it blows it will not start nor will it tilt.

    ReplyDelete
  4. motor worked fine all summer long I ran it hard for about a mile and now it starts to shake

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ive got a 150 four stroke outboard 2012 motor, the hand control buzzer goes off when idoling in neutral only. Can anyone tell me what this means pls.

    ReplyDelete
  6. My 15 hp Yamaha starts after 2 pulls, runs great, but stops running at low RPM, or "idle speed". It has new spark plugs,fuel filter, fresh oil change including the oil filter. It is a 2001 model and rarely used until I bought it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Heya¡­my very first comment on your site. ,I have been reading your blog for a while and thought I would completely pop in and drop a friendly note. . It is great stuff indeed. I also wanted to ask..is there a way to subscribe to your site via email?


    HP Printer Customer Care Support

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have a Yamaha 200 outboard when I turn key to start I hear sound from engine compartment like it is receiving fire however starter will not turn over.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I have gas coming from the exhaust while priming fuel line

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello, i am working on 97 yahama wave runner ||| 650. I can't find anywhere on the routing of the fuel line's. Where do they go connected from the main, reserved to the carburetor. Its cranking over but no start.

    ReplyDelete
  11. i have a 2018 yamaha 200hp like the engine except it has a load grumbling noise at about 1000 rpms its otherwise fairly quiet just wondering if this is normal or is there something wrong with the engine would like to here from other owners

    ReplyDelete
  12. i have a 50hp 4 stroke carburetor just stopped while driving ,didnt overheat checked fuel supply ,fuel filter fuel pump all ok , no warning on gauge ,started again ran for a min and stopped again wait 2 = 3 mins start again idols and revs ok then stops ,maybe a sensor ?can you help me

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have a 2010 Yamaha 115 four stroke runs perfect on initial run but once stopped and sitting fir a couple hours starts fine but looses power coming back will only get to 3500 rpm has happened twice now any help would be appreciated

    ReplyDelete
  14. I have a 2017 4 horse Yamaha. Just got it back from the dealer after having carburetor cleaned. Hooked it up to a hose and it fired up for about 3 seconds now I can get it to start or run without carb cleaner or starting fluid. What should I do? Thanks in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cool you write, the information is very good and interesting,

    ReplyDelete
  16. This blog is really very Informative and helpful. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Have a Yamaha 150hp. Replaced both batteries cleaned all connections, when cranking, it cranks like a dead battery. Replaced the starter same thing, even bye past everything went directly to the starter same thing. When both batteries select on switch cranks great.

    ReplyDelete