'01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

[knukey11]

I replaced the fuel tank, fuel line and bulb, fuel filter (yamaha filter) put in fresh gas to get rid of starting problems, but there still there. It runs fine once (if) it starts, but it is a BEAR to get started. I started at the dock rode for about 10 minutes and stopped the engine. We played in the water for about 1.5 hours and it would NOT start. This is the pattern its been in for years. I had the carbs rebuilt last year and ran the motor out of fuel when I put it up. I checked all connections on the fuel line and all seems tight. What's going on with this thing?

I'm not a big Yamaha fan due to these constant and infuriating problems.

 

[k4ubr]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

have you run compresstion test? , aslo when was the last time you tune up the motor, spark plugs,, you mite also check the fuel pump, if has not been serviced sence you have owed it i would replace it. give some history, well see what we can do.. also decarbing the motor...has this been done?

 

[knukey11]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

Compression is fine or it wouldn't run like it does right?

I think the fuel pump is original.

I removed and cleaned the spark plugs.

I haven't decarbed before, this might help?

 

[Little Fish]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

At a minimum I replace my plugs every year. Depending upon the history of the motor the carbs may need cleaning/rebuild. Every used engine I've bought has needed some carb work within the first 0-24 months. Checking compression is a good idea so you can check it off the list as the source of a potential problem.

 

[robert graham]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

the motors each have a certain "starting procedure" that seems to work the best for them. tilt/trim motor down, pump bulb until hard, open idle throttle a bit(maybe about 1/4), operate choke manual and/or electric. my 90C has only the electric choke that is actuated by pressing in the ignition key while turning the starter. yours may have manual and electric chokes and you might experiment with different combinations of these. I do the procedure, crank on the motor for just a couple of seconds, let off, wait a few seconds, try again, usually starts right up, then instant starts the rest of day. I also keep battery charged full with a 2 amp overnight charge and the motor seems to start up quicker with a good hot battery that spins the starter motor over with confidence. I hope this helps and Good Luck!

 

[Bodean2]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

I have a 2002 115hp and had the same problem. If you choke by pushing the key in, check to see if your solenoid that actuates the choke is adjusted properly. Take the cover off of your engine. The solenoid is located, as you look a the front of your engine, on the front left of your engined above the carburator. It is attached with 2 bolts. Loosen those bolts and slide the solenoid up (it is adjustable). then tighten. this will tighten the choke linkage. if the choke does not close all the way, it will have a hard time starting when cold. this takes 5 minutes. It fixed my starting problems. Please try this before anything else. It works!

 

[gradyk]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

This is my second 115 two stroke and each one has had their own way of cold starting but I find this newer unit with precision blend oil pump to be a more difficult unit to get started cold than my older unit which had no oil mixer.

I find this procedure to work best:

1. Pump bulb until it hardens - don't over pump where you see gas dripping from power head.
2. Don't touch the choke yet, leave it all the way in and crank it a good 10 seconds.
3 Crank again for 5 seconds. This time it should die out itself and hummm. When you get the cold Hummmmm sound this is when you need to add a little choke.
4 Pull choke 1/3 out.
5. Crank it a few times. It might cough and sputter a few times.
6 Put choke in to a 1/4 to 1/8 mark
7. After a few of those cold Hummmssss it should start to fire and idle blowing that pretty blue smoke. Let the choke sit in at 1/8 mark for about a minute and then push it all the way in.

If at anchor for more than 90 minutes you will need to pull choke 1/8 out to get it cranked again.

For the record, my unit has choke also controlled from key console where a little lifter will gradually bring the choke in. I only use this feature when I have manually pulled choke out 1/8 or 1/4.

 

[99yam40]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

gradyk
your statement,
Pump bulb until it hardens - don't over pump where you see gas dripping from power head.
Is some what strange as you should not be able to over pump the primer bulb and get fuel to come out anywhere if everything is working properly.

knukey11

have you read your owners manual as to what starting procedure to use?
All motors with chokes that I have seen say to lift the fast idel lever a small amount and then hit the choke as you turn over the motor. You need to make sure the choke is closing properly as Bodean2 stated.

 

[DC20]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

I had a 130, check your choke operation, that could be your problem if it runs well warm. Mine also liked a fair amount of throttle for a cold start. I would also change out the plugs and put in a new fuel pump. I think it was Rodbolt who recommends replacing the fuel pump every three years to avoid problems.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

once you make sure the choke linkage and the throttle linkage is properly adjusted, simply TRY the correct starting procedure for a 2 stroke 115 yamaha.
with engine down pump fuel primer to insure fuel is avalible in the fuel bowls, thats ALL the primer does.
then advance the cold start lever to allow spark advance and throttle opening.
your goal is to fire it off at 1500-1800 RPM instantly.
now turn the key to on,push in the keyswitch or hit the choke toggle switch,depending on what its rigged with.
turn the key to start while keeping the choke activated.
when it starts adjust the throttle to maintain about 1500 RPM and sometimes you have to tap the choke lightly in the first 30 seconds of run time.
its a carbed 2 stroke with chokes and MUST have operator interaction to start when cold.
if that 115 is PROPERLY adjusted AND the PROPER starting procedure is used its very easy to start but it DOES require operator interaction.\
you CANNOT simply turn the key like other prime start or EFI models.

 

[scottfromoz]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

once you make sure the choke linkage and the throttle linkage is properly adjusted, simply TRY the correct starting procedure for a 2 stroke 115 yamaha.
with engine down pump fuel primer to insure fuel is avalible in the fuel bowls, thats ALL the primer does.
then advance the cold start lever to allow spark advance and throttle opening.
your goal is to fire it off at 1500-1800 RPM instantly.
now turn the key to on,push in the keyswitch or hit the choke toggle switch,depending on what its rigged with.
turn the key to start while keeping the choke activated.
when it starts adjust the throttle to maintain about 1500 RPM and sometimes you have to tap the choke lightly in the first 30 seconds of run time.
its a carbed 2 stroke with chokes and MUST have operator interaction to start when cold.
if that 115 is PROPERLY adjusted AND the PROPER starting procedure is used its very easy to start but it DOES require operator interaction.\
you CANNOT simply turn the key like other prime start or EFI models.

That is the procedure that I use on my 93 V115...(except I never need to re-choke in the first 30 seconds but then again in Queensland where I fish even early in the morning its never less than 1-2 degrees on the water and usually higher) and it starts quickly, in the first 5 seconds easily when dead cold, and sometimes sooner, PROVIDED the primer bulb is doing its job. If it is not getting hard chances are its not filling the bowls and then you are not going to start it with insufficient fuel.

I once had huge problem starting it and stripped it down and found that the choke mechanism was sticking from not being adjusted properly and would not choke air off from the carbs which meant it was trying to start lean which a Yammy V4 2 stroke will simply not do - they like choke and if you can choke it, and you have fuel and spark (ie properly set up as Rodbolt is pointing out) she WILL start. These are a very very reliable engine folks and not complicated.

Cheers

 

[mctwin]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

I have a 1998 C-115 TXRX with a manual choke knob and would like to know how this functions. Asking because the choke solenoid came loose (bolts came off) and is hanging and the plunger also became disconnected from the arm amd after looking at it would like to know how it works. Can someone give me the rund down on what happens when you pull the choke out for a cold start and what that does to the carb and how it interacts with the choke solenoid/plunger and arm. Could it also be that my motor has a combination electric choke via the push in function of the key as well as a manual choke? Thanks.

 

[99yam40]

Re: '01 Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

Yes they normally have both.
It is best to start your own thread instead of posting on to an old one