Did you know that a bent or broken connecting rod is usually caused by the engine hydrolocking? Hydrolocking is caused by too much fluid, water, or fuel entering the cylinder. Because fluid can’t compress like an air/fuel mixture, the piston cannot reach the top of the combustion chamber on the compression cycle. Either the engine […]
Driveshaft Support Bearing Service
The SIM YAMAHA tech department receives requests asking “what is this squealing noise”—especially one that comes and goes, often noticeable at idle or low RPMs after the engine warms up or following a run—is a very common issue on many Yamaha four-stroke outboards in the F40 to F350 range (including popular models like the F115, […]
Running In a Bucket -How Deep is Deep Enough?
Have you ever tried running your outboard motor in a tank, barrel, or large bucket? As the photo shows the water pump—specifically the impeller—is located at the top of the gearcase (lower unit), just above the gear housing but below the powerhead/exhaust area. While the pump can sometimes draw water upward if the level is […]
Why is my Outboard Overheating?
A overheating outboard can happen for a variety of reasons. If you have ever noticed a lack of water coming from the cooling water pilot hole (also called the “overboard discharge indicator” or ODI or “pisser” or telltale) on your outboard, here are a few tips that can help you quickly analyze the situation. TIP […]
Trim Signal Wire
When rigging or repowering a boat with Command Link® (CL) gauges, (Round gauges, Square gauges, 6YC display, CL5 display, CL7, CLPlus 6Y9 and NMEA 2000 MFD’s) make sure that you connect the trim signal wire. Usually you will see full up reading or one segment blinking of the trim reading isn’t there. The pink wires, […]
COLOR SETTINGS FOR HELM MASTER EX CONTROL
For extra convenience, if your boat is equipped with the latest Helm Master EX system, you can adjust the LED Color Setting on your remote control to display particular colors depending on the shift setting. This will make it easier to tell at a glance if the remote is in or out of gear. To […]
Cleaning the Throttle Valve
If a fuel injected outboard model stalls, experiences idling problems or difficulty starting, or has throttle position sensor (TPS)/ electronic throttle valve (ETV) trouble codes, check the throttle valve. A dirty throttle valve can cause the above listed symptoms and it is important to inspect and clean the ETV/ throttle body every 100 hours or […]
Back to the Basics: The Importance of Flushing
Your Yamaha outboard is raw-water cooled, meaning it uses the water it’s operating on as cooling water. All water, fresh or salt, contains contaminants that will eventually build up in the cooling passages over time. Saltwater is naturally corrosive and any remaining inside after use is left there to do its worst. Saltwater can also […]
HELM MASTER EX GUIDE
DOWNLOAD HELM MASTER EX RIGGING AND USAGE GUIDE HERE The Yamaha Helm Master™ EX is Yamaha’s next-generation, fully integrated boat control system designed to revolutionize handling for outboard-powered vessels. It delivers effortless precision, advanced automation, and unmatched convenience—whether you’re docking in tight marinas, holding position while fishing, navigating long runs, or just relaxing on the […]
Which Outboard Models Are Compatible With The Variable Trolling Speed (VTS) Feature?
Recently, we have been receiving calls regarding this question. So, what models are compatible? Refer to the updated chart below to see which models are compatible with this additional feature. NOTE: The motor must reach operating temperature and be in gear to engage the VTS feature.