Yamaha 115C User Manual (English)

obarkerAug 20, 2025

How to fix a Yamaha 115C Outboard Motor when the starter will not operate?

J
Jonathan FarmerAug 20, 2025
If the starter on your Yamaha Outboard Motor isn't working, begin by checking the battery. It might be weak or have low capacity, so verify its condition and use a battery with the recommended capacity. Ensure the battery connections are tight and free from corrosion; tighten the cables and clean the terminals if necessary. Inspect the fuse for the electric start circuit; if it's blown, identify the cause of the overload, repair it, and replace the fuse with one of the correct amperage. Also, make sure the shift lever is in neutral. If these steps don't resolve the issue, the starter components may be faulty, requiring service by a Yamaha dealer.

Brand	Yamaha
Model	115C
Category	Outboard Motor
Language	English

Brand

Yamaha

Model

115C

Chapter 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS RECORD

Record outboard motor serial and key numbers for reference and parts ordering.

EMISSION CONTROL INFORMATION

Details on compliance with U.S. EPA emission regulations for marine engines.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Crucial safety precautions for operating the outboard motor and boat.

IMPORTANT LABELS

Location and explanation of key warning and information labels on the motor.

BASIC BOATING RULES (Rules of the road)

Rules for navigation, right-of-way, and safe operation on waterways.

FUELING INSTRUCTIONS

Safe procedures for refueling the outboard motor with gasoline.

BATTERY REQUIREMENT

Specifications for the required battery capacity for electric start models.

PROPELLER SELECTION

Guidance on selecting the appropriate propeller for optimal performance.

START-IN-GEAR PROTECTION

Explanation of the safety feature preventing engine start in gear.

Chapter 2: BASIC COMPONENTS

MAIN COMPONENTS

Identification and overview of the outboard motor's main parts.

OPERATIONS OF CONTROLS AND OTHER FUNCTIONS

How to operate the remote control lever and other essential controls.

DIGITAL TACHOMETER

Details on the digital gauge displaying engine speed, trim, and hours.

TRIM AND HOUR METERS

Information on trim angle and engine run time meters.

WARNING AND LEVEL INDICATORS

Understanding oil level and overheat warning indicators.

DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER

Details on the digital gauge displaying boat speed and other data.

TRIP METER AND CLOCK

How to use the trip meter and set the clock.

FUEL METER AND WARNINGS

Information on the fuel level display and warning indicators.

FUEL MANAGEMENT METER

Details on the fuel flow, consumption, and economy metering system.

FUEL CONSUMPTION AND ECONOMY

How to read fuel consumption and economy data.

SPECIALIZED INDICATORS

Twin engine speed synchronizer and water separator warnings.

EXTERNAL COMPONENTS

Tilt support lever, cowling lock and release levers.

FLUSHING DEVICE

How to use the device for cleaning cooling water passages.

WARNING SYSTEM OVERVIEW

General overview of the outboard motor's warning systems.

OIL AND FILTER WARNINGS

Specific warnings for low oil level and oil filter clogging.

Chapter 3: OPERATION

INSTALLATION

Guidelines for correct motor installation and setup.

MOUNTING THE OUTBOARD MOTOR

Detailed steps for mounting the outboard motor onto the boat.

Mounting Height

Information on achieving optimal motor mounting height for efficiency.

FILLING FUEL AND ENGINE OIL

Procedures for filling the fuel tank and engine oil reservoir.

FILLING OIL

Step-by-step guide for filling the engine oil tank.

Oil Level Indicator

How to interpret the oil level indicator signals.

PRE-OPERATION CHECK

Essential checks to perform before starting the outboard motor.

OPERATION AFTER A LONG PERIOD OF STORAGE

Procedures for operating the engine after extended storage.

BREAKING IN ENGINE

Proper procedure for breaking in a new engine for longevity.

STARTING ENGINE

Step-by-step instructions for starting the outboard motor.

WARMING UP ENGINE

Procedure for warming up the engine at idling speed.

SHIFTING

How to engage forward and reverse gears safely.

STOPPING ENGINE

Correct procedure for shutting down the outboard motor.

TRIMMING OUTBOARD MOTOR

How trim angle affects performance and engine strain.

ADJUSTING TRIM ANGLE

Detailed steps for adjusting the motor's trim angle.

TILTING UP/DOWN

Procedures for tilting the outboard motor up or down.

CRUISING IN OTHER CONDITIONS

Tips for cruising in salt water and turbid water conditions.

Chapter 4: MAINTENANCE

SPECIFICATIONS

Detailed technical specifications for the outboard motor models.

TRANSPORTING AND STORING OUTBOARD MOTOR

Guidelines for safely transporting and storing the outboard motor.

Flushing Cooling System and Fogging Engine

Essential procedures for flushing the cooling system and fogging the engine.

LUBRICATION AND CLEANING

Lubrication points and procedures for motor exterior cleaning.

Battery Care

Proper procedures for maintaining and caring for the battery.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE

Overview of regular maintenance tasks and their importance.

MAINTENANCE CHART

Schedule outlining routine maintenance checks and intervals.

CLEANING AND ADJUSTING SPARK PLUG

Instructions for cleaning and adjusting spark plugs for optimal engine function.

CHECKING TOP COWLING

How to check the proper fit and security of the top cowling.

CHECKING FUEL SYSTEM

Inspection of fuel lines, connectors, and potential leaks.

CLEANING FUEL FILTER

Procedure for cleaning the fuel filter assembly.

INSPECTING IDLING SPEED

How to check and adjust the engine's idling speed.

CHECKING WATER TRAP UNDER ENGINE OIL TANK

Inspection of the trap for water or foreign matter in the oil tank.

ELECTRICAL AND LEAK CHECKS

Checking fuses, wiring, connectors, exhaust, and water leaks.

GREASING

Locations and procedures for greasing various points.

CHECKING POWER TRIM AND TILT SYSTEM

Inspection of the power trim and tilt unit for proper operation.

CHECKING PROPELLER

Inspection of propeller blades, splines, and shaft for damage.

CHANGING GEAR OIL

Procedure for draining and refilling the gear oil.

INSPECTING AND REPLACING ANODE(S)

Checking sacrificial anodes for corrosion protection.

CHECKING BATTERY (for Electric start models)

Procedures for checking and maintaining the electric start battery.

Connecting the Battery

Correct steps for connecting the battery leads to the motor.

EXTERNAL CHECKS AND CLEANING

Checking bolts, motor exterior, and cleaning cooling passages.

SURFACE MAINTENANCE

Checking painted surfaces and coating the boat bottom.

Chapter 5: TROUBLE RECOVERY

TROUBLESHOOTING

Guide to diagnose common problems and find possible remedies.

TEMPORARY ACTION IN EMERGENCY

Immediate steps to take in emergency situations.

STARTER WILL NOT OPERATE

Procedure for starting the engine with an emergency starter rope.

ENGINE FAILS TO OPERATE

Troubleshooting steps when the engine fails to operate correctly.

LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING ACTIVATES

Response actions when the low oil level warning is triggered.

TOP COWLING DOES NOT UNLOCK

Troubleshooting steps if the top cowling remains locked.

TREATMENT OF SUBMERGED MOTOR

Procedures to minimize engine damage if the motor is submerged.

YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A. OUTBOARD MOTOR TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

WARRANTY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Answers to common questions regarding the outboard motor warranty.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Contact information and procedures for warranty service and support.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Instructions for updating owner information for warranty registration.

Yamaha 115C User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Yamaha 115C Specifications

Summary

TO THE OWNER