Yamaha Outboard problems

[Rum_Pirate]

85hp Yamaha 2 stroke

One engine (ignition) will not work.
Will pull start and run no problem and switch off when the ignition is switched off.

The trim up/down works on the other engine. Will not start.
A (not loud) clicking sound is heard when turning on.
Starter motor does not engage.
Will pull start and run no problem and switch off when the ignition is switched off.

Batteries are brand new.

For some reason the batteries have the negatives linked???

Suggestions?

 

[gordmac]

What about the interlock in the control lever that won't let the engine start in gear?
Linking the battery earths allows one earth wire back (and connected to both) from the engines.

 

[jfm]

85hp Yamaha 2 stroke

One engine (ignition) will not work.
Will pull start and run no problem and switch off when the ignition is switched off.

The trim up/down works on the other engine. Will not start.
A (not loud) clicking sound is heard when turning on.
Starter motor does not engage.
Will pull start and run no problem and switch off when the ignition is switched off.

Batteries are brand new.

For some reason the batteries have the negatives linked???

Suggestions?

RP that's a really confusing description. You say the ignition doesn't work but the engine runs. That just makes no sense; if the engine is running the ignition system must be working. And what is the significance of telling us the power trim works on the other engine?
Can you start again describing the symptoms please?

 

[Vitesse]

I would first check if both batteries are fully charged (a poorly battery can pull down a good one). Disconnect them and measure voltage individually. Put a load on each (12V test lamp) and see how the voltage holds/drops over an hour or two. Also check battery connections for tightness and corrosion. Have a look for other poor connections.

Beyond that I don't know, but your symptoms mostly match a failing battery and/or poor connections. Why did you replace the batteries in the first place? Anyway, good luck.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

RP that's a really confusing description. You say the ignition doesn't work but the engine runs. That just makes no sense; if the engine is running the ignition system must be working. And what is the significance of telling us the power trim works on the other engine?
Can you start again describing the symptoms please?

Neither engine will start, using the ignition switch.

One engine has no response [totally dead] to the ignition switch or trim controls. The other engine will (sometimes) respond to the trim switch, nor will it power up the started motor.

It is possible to turn the ignition on and then pull-start the engines. They will then run.

They will stop if you turn off the respective ignition switch, but not start again, unless pull-started again.

I suspect that the throttle control, with the trim switch in the handle, on the centre console is at fault.

I also expect there is an issue with the conections at the ignition switches,

Heading down now (it is nice, warm and sunny) to have a look at all the conections.





PS: I will have to take some Heineken to ward off dehydration.

 

[tico]

Reckon its a bad connection on the heavy battery cables... will drag voltage down hence starter motor wont turn (or elec tilt) but ok to pull start.
I'd start by taking off each connection of the heavy cables, cleaning the surfaces and retightening

 

[Rum_Pirate]

Reckon its a bad connection on the heavy battery cables... will drag voltage down hence starter motor wont turn (or elec tilt) but ok to pull start.
I'd start by taking off each connection of the heavy cables, cleaning the surfaces and retightening

Thanks, I will follow your advice and start at the battery connections and follow the power all down the wires to the engine for both of them.

Also will check the numerous connections under the console at the ignition switched.

 

[rustybarge]

85hp Yamaha 2 stroke

One engine (ignition) will not work.
Will pull start and run no problem and switch off when the ignition is switched off.

The trim up/down works on the other engine. Will not start.
A (not loud) clicking sound is heard when turning on.
Starter motor does not engage. Suggestions?

Stuck solenoid. Use tried and tested method: hit solenoid a sharp blow with hammer.

 

[markle]

you got there before me!

With pull start being an emergency measure you will still need ignition on as the motor will look to be 'online' (much like starting a car engine by jump start - still need an open circuit to run). Doesn't confirm it is working as a starter but looks that way.

I would not doubt the switch itself but where those wires go .... solenoid/relay probs? Good news - normally cheap ish fix.

Glad you are using correct safety measures, dehydration is a terrible thing

 

[Garfish]

Have you checked the main fuse in faulty engine? My 70 yam will start with puller with the fuse missing but the trim and tilt will only work if the fuse is in place. It really maybe that simple.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

I have a chap supposedly coming tomorrow to help check it out.

Will also be checking all the fuses.

 

[Rum_Pirate]

Reckon its a bad connection on the heavy battery cables... will drag voltage down hence starter motor wont turn (or elec tilt) but ok to pull start.
I'd start by taking off each connection of the heavy cables, cleaning the surfaces and retightening

Give that man a coconut.

The battery isolator switch was the main problem. 18" from the battery.

OK, so everything working now.

Leaking [a cut(?) in bulb letting air in] fuel line bulb replaced.

Just happened to have two of them in my boat bag.

Undid the Racor 3227 water separator filter

cleaned top surface and replaced with a film of oil on the seal.

Vaseline on the battery terminals.

Undid the ignition switch panel, undid and reconnected the connections. There are a lot of them.

I also replaced a 20amp fuse on the engine, which I had.

Tools : Leatherman Wave, CRC, Vice grip, two screwdrivers, vaseline, Castrol TCW3 oil, volt meter.


Cost for labour chap to do this with the boat on mooring . . . 3.5 hours, including traveling, USD$148.00.

 

[markle]

Great news could have been worse (worse to me means more costly ) Simple problem simple fix with the forum on your side

 

[Rum_Pirate]

Gets complicated