Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

knukey11

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Jul 18, 2009
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5
I have a 2001 115 that is VERY hard to start but runs great in all RPM ranges once running. I recently took it to be repaired for this issue and took it out to have the same problem and it finally started after an honest 30 minutes of trying. I went home and shot carb cleaner in and it fired right up. After it sits for a couple of hours it would not start again without the carb cleaner. Any ideas?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:

cousinabe

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 13, 2001
Messages
765
Re: Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

post your starting procedure. step by step, blow by blow.
 

knukey11

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Joined
Jul 18, 2009
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Re: Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

Ok.

Plug up quick connect for fuel
Prime bulb until tight (6-7 times usually)
Lift fast idle to about mid-way
Push in key to engage electric choke
Turn the key and pray
Adjust throttle from nothing to WO, back and forth
No JOY

Same procedure as above with a squirt of carb cleaner in both carbs, JOY.

I took it to the repair shop who watched me closely do my starting procedure outlined above - NO JOY. The only way it started for them was spraying gas in the carbs. They checked the spark and cleaned the plugs prior to spraying the gas. They were perplexed too so they kept it overnight to try it cold again the morning. Will post the findings.
 

knukey11

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Jul 18, 2009
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Re: Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

Posting the answer to my problem for posterity.

RESOLUTION:

Per the visiting "Master Technician" the problem is.....drum roll please.....you ready.....DESIGN FLAW!!! :eek:

For those of you guessing other, you are incorrect - Sorry :(

Per the shop the choke butterfly comes with an approximate 1/2" diameter hole in it that allows too much air to the mixture during start up.

THE FIX - Plug the hole. :p

Thanks for all that may or have played along.

Kevin
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

not really a design flaw, doesnt affect all engines.
could be some wear on the crankshaft seals or sealrings causing a low intake vacum at cranking speed.
and sometimes it just doesnt work.
to plug the holes I cut some thin aluminium and pop rivit it over the holes, be aware that if any part of that plug comes loose your engine gets toasted.
biggest ones were carbs on the 95 to 97 models.
 

ftripepi

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May 31, 2010
Messages
2
Re: Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

Hi guys, I have the same exact problem with my 1996 Yamaha V-Pro 115, it run awesome for the last 2 years (bought it used) just had a mechanic change the throttle cable and change gear fluid. Suddenly the engine would not start as per prior starting mode, which is the same as yours. If I spray fuel spray into both carbs, it starts right up, then runs fine. But when it cools down, it wont start for nothing! It is driving me crazy! I have to admit that by changing the throttle cable we also had to play with the idle screw on the carbs, it seemed that the change in cable also changed slightly the idle rpm (to a higher position) I live in Miami, Florida, and the boat only sat for two months before this problem. But as I said before, once started, it will run fine.

What should I do then? Try starting it without choke? I would like to not plug any choke hole if possible.
 

99yam40

Fleet Admiral
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Sep 7, 2008
Messages
9,129
Re: Yamaha 115 2 stroke starting problem

Start a new thread for your problem please
 

Bodean2

Cadet
Joined
Aug 21, 2010
Messages
7
Re: 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!
 
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