Yamaha 115 4 stroke starting problem

[tomn3]

Went to go fishing today and when I went to start the boat the motor made a wheezing sound, like a starter(not a cranking sound). Bulb was primed and firm. Tried a few times, checked connections and primed more. Finally turned over and ran fine all morning. Stopped and restarted at the dock both before and after to be sure it wouldn't strand me.
I know I have some fuel issues, engine died at WOT last week. I can accelerate at a steady pace and reach WOT but if I punch it it dies.(Once)
Does the starting problem sound like it could be a fuel system related problem? Would a lack of fuel sound like that?
We checked it out the night before with no problems.
Plan on having it looked at this week.

BTW-
2005 F115, 5500 rpm at WOT and around 34 mph. Sound reasonable?

Thanks

 

[jeffersondodson561]

Re: Yamaha 115 4 stroke starting problem

You could try spraying the bendix of the starter (part that engages the flywheel) with some spray lube (WD-40 or equivalent) and work the bendix up as far as it will go. If you have a multimeter put your red lead on the wire that attaches to the starter and the black to the starter ground and crank engine (emergency stop switch should be pulled to not allow engine to start) and if the meter reads 9.5 volts it is ok. If it reads significantly less or more could have bad starter (a full voltage drop test is needed to confirm for sure). The fact that your starter just spins does not sound like it is a fuel related issue unless you have a voltage loss somewhere in your battery cables. I would suspect a fuel restriction or a problem with your VST/Fuel regulator. Need to check the fuel pressure at the VST.