15hp 4 stroke stopping & locking in gear

[Tomstinnie]

I have a 2005 15 hp 4 stroke F15ELHZ ( has done approx 60 hours) which I recently purchased and it had been serviced prior to purchase. I took the boat out the other day and the motor ran for about an hour and then stopped. The gears also locked so I was stuck in forward. After about 20 minutes the gears freed and I was able to start the motor again. This time only ran for about 5 minutes then stopped and again locked the gears. I got the boat home, checked the gear & engine oil and both are correct levels & clean. I ran the engine for about 20 minutes with the flush muffs on and there was no problems and the gearbox was fine in its operation. Also the motor was smooth in its operation. This is an electric start / tiller steer model. Any suggestions please.

[TownsendsFJR1300]

If its a remotly con*****ed set up (controls away from the engine), check the control cable adjustment at the engine.

If their not adjusted correctly, it can cause issues.

Generally, you'll disconnect te cables at the engine, put the remote shifter in NEUTRAL. Put both the throttle and shifter at the engine fully closed(should be some markings)/in neutral.

The cables should slip over without moving anything if adjusted correctly. If they don't, adjust the cables in or out until they do.

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Ya...ENT/parts.html

Part #12 (both) and the locking nuts are what you'll be specifically checking.. **Make sure the retainer, part #14 is in place as well-really important..


Please post how it goes..

[Tomstinnie]

Hi Scott, thank you for your reply, the motor is set up with tiller steer, control only. The gear lever is located at the front of the engine just below the cowling. I ran the engine at home for a considerable time with no problems and also there was no apparent problem in operating the gears or signs of overheating.

[99yam40]

Are you saying the motor died because of the gears locking up or that you turned it off but could not shift it after?

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Are you saying the motor died because of the gears locking up or that you turned it off but could not shift it after?

Just to add to the above, we're trying to find out if the engine is NOT FULLY in neutral, which will NOT ALLOW the engine to start/ run.

There should be some sort of safety switch not allowing the engine to run UN-LESS in NEUTRAL.

I'm not familar with the linkage set up but even without the remote control, the linkages should be set up (aligned properly) so it shifts properly first into gear, (actually goes dead smack into neutral when shifted into neutral) then accelerates the engine once in gear..

[Tomstinnie]

15hp stopping

Hi Scott, The motor had been running for about an hour when it suddenly stopped. I went to restart the motor however the gear lever was locked in the forward position and could not get it to the middle or neutral position to try a restart. The gear lever on this model is a 3 position lever at the front of the motor. Pushing it forward engages forward thrust, the middle position is neutral and pushing the lever back to the motor engages reverse thrust. The overheating alarm / light had not activated when the engine stopped. There had not been any warning that there was a problem arising, the engine failed without warning. thanks, Tom

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Why it locked up in gear and why it just stalled sounds like two different issues to me.

Even stalled, it should be able to shift to neutral, especially if you can pull the manual starter just slightly(to rotate the crankshaft/drive shaft), or move the flywheel (ENGINE TURNED OFF) to make sure nothings binding up..

We're you able to check the linkage(s) adjustments?

If the linkages are corroded/not serviced(greased), that would hamper/make shifting more difficult too(and potentially lock up)..

[Tomstinnie]

Hi Scott, the engine is an electric start only and to access the flywheel the cover needs to be unbolted. The motor was serviced about 4 months ago and has only done about 3 hours since then, I checked all linkages and they are greased. Normally the gearshift is easy to move between forward / neutral / reverse, the only time I have trouble is when the motor stops and locks in forward gear. Tom

[TownsendsFJR1300]

I don't know if hooking up to a computer will show any fault codes on your engine.

I would check with your Yamaha mechanic and see if the engine stores any fault codes.

Are you getting any "CLICKING"(starter relay, starter) or any noise when you turn the key to crank? (IE, any electrical power to the engine right after it quits?).

Something is obviously amiss for it to stall randomly. It would be easier to detect when it fails. At least a 12 volt test light (a multi-meter would be better) would let you know (while its failed), if you have voltage to the starter/starter relay.

I would at a minimum, inspect all the battery connections (not just look at but remove, clean, dilectric grease, clean grounds, tighten)-basic maintainance to start with.. A load test on the battery just to rule that out as well.

A bad connection where the main wire harness plugs into the computer should be CAREFULLY checked as well (looking for any corrosion), all wires fully inserted and gently re-installed..
..

[Tomstinnie]

I am booked into the local Yamaha dealer on the 29th, I will let you know the outcome. Tom

[Tomstinnie]

Engine stopping & locking in gear

Hi Scott, I have just been to my local Yamaha dealer and we think we have solved the 2 problems I was having. Firstly with the engine locking in gear. While on the water and travelling forward I locked the throttle to the desired speed then when the engine stopped I hadn't unlocked the throttle to allow the setting to return to zero. The gear lever will only move when the throttle is a zero setting. We believe that the engine stopping was caused by moisture getting into the engine kill switch. The boot that covers the kill switch had a split in it and allowed moisture in. There is now a new boot on the switch and will launch again in the next few days to see if all is well. The rest of the engine checked out fine. Tom

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Hi Scott, I have just been to my local Yamaha dealer and we think we have solved the 2 problems I was having. Firstly with the engine locking in gear. While on the water and travelling forward I locked the throttle to the desired speed then when the engine stopped I hadn't unlocked the throttle to allow the setting to return to zero. The gear lever will only move when the throttle is a zero setting. We believe that the engine stopping was caused by moisture getting into the engine kill switch. The boot that covers the kill switch had a split in it and allowed moisture in. There is now a new boot on the switch and will launch again in the next few days to see if all is well. The rest of the engine checked out fine. Tom

Excellent, makes sense...

If moisture got in that switch, you may want to replace that switch as its possible there's corrosion on the contacts.

If not, at least know how to by-pass(hot-wire past the switch/disconnect) just in case it fails shorting out again and kills the engine due to internal corrosion..

Multiple clicking of the switch on and off usually helps as well cleaning the contacts too...

[Tomstinnie]

Hi Scott, yes I have cleaned up the switch as well as giving it a coating of Innox with lanolin, works well. Tom

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Sounds like a plan Tom, glad it was simple!