1988 Yamaha 115ETLG - Are these good motors?

trendsetter240

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Jun 22, 2009
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I'm looking to buy a used 1988 yam115ETLG for my boat. I've never owned a similar model yamaha nor do I know anyone that has.

My question is are these motors reliable? What are the common failures and repairs required for these engines?

The motor looks in good shape, has new power trim and tilt and carbs rebuilt 1 year ago. Seems the PO took good care of it an is the original owner.

I ran a compression test, came in at between 105 and 110 PSI on each cylinder.

Any advice based on your experience would be great!

Thanks.
 

sigma

Seaman
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Oct 14, 2009
Messages
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Re: 1988 Yamaha 115ETLG - Are these good motors?

I have owned two 115 motor and can't think of anything. Both of mine we basicly trouble free. Make sure you run it first though and check charging, lower unit, and the other basics. Have the reeds been replaced???
 

trendsetter240

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Re: 1988 Yamaha 115ETLG - Are these good motors?

sigma said:
I have owned two 115 motor and can't think of anything. Both of mine we basicly trouble free. Make sure you run it first though and check charging, lower unit, and the other basics. Have the reeds been replaced???

Thanks for your reply! The reeds have not been replaced. Could this be a problem on a 1988 motor?

I will be able to run a few more tests when I go to pick it up. Unfortunately can't do a water test though because the boat it is on has a rotten transom.

Good idea on the charging. I will check that with it running on water muffs.
 

sigma

Seaman
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Oct 14, 2009
Messages
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Re: 1988 Yamaha 115ETLG - Are these good motors?

No reeds not a problem per say it's just that Yamaha uses a metal reed a lot of the times and on a older motor if they get weak and break off it's lights out for the cylinder. A glass or carbon reed would be a good upgrade
 

blackbox

Seaman
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Feb 24, 2009
Messages
74
Re: 1988 Yamaha 115ETLG - Are these good motors?

the 115 has a good track record. if it is a salt water motor,you may want to chk. the upper shift shaft. you can see the shaft right above the lower unit as it enters in to the lower part of the drive shaft housing. if the fuel pump is original, it should be replaced. the chk. valve screws are not stainless steel and flake off and get into the carbs. yam. fuel pumps want to stainless steel screws in 1990 mod. year. good luck!
 

iammarcuse

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Oct 15, 2007
Messages
131
Re: 1988 Yamaha 115ETLG - Are these good motors?

Great motors. Take care of it and it will run forever.
 
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