'86 Yam 115 trim unit, general service

[DelawareDan]

I have what appears to be a 1986 Yamaha 115 that came with a classic Whaler I just bought (OK, an old, beat up, classic Whaler!)

Numbers: 115ETLJ 6E5 L 357836.

The trim unit is completely missing, and I'd like to try to find a used unit. Any suggestions other than craigslist and ebay, which I've been looking at? Can I run the motor for a while without it? What about reverse gear? Will the motor just float back when I put it in reverse? Is there a temporary fix for this?

I've ordered a service manual, and plan on changing the lower unit oil, the impeller, and cleaning the carbs. What else should I do?

Before taking it off the transom to work on the hull, I ran it using a garden hose attachment. Ran it for four minutes or so, and it stalled, after which, when I turned the key to ON (not start) the buzzer went off, so I didn't want to start it again and mess anything up.

As soon as it started, I got a good stream of water from the telltale beneath the powerhead.

Any advice or suggestions, directions to other resources would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[jonp]

Hi Dan,

Without the trim unit, It will probably slam down on the transom if reverse lift it up. I would be very careful with reverse.

As far as the buzzer, was there oil in the tank? If very low it will set off the buzzer/horn. Over heat will set if off as well. Did you have the multifunction gauge hooked up? It shows oil level.

I would replace the water pump regardless if there is a water stream. I do it every other season.

Ebay is great resource, I got a complete power trim for $60.... It did work but needs new seals and valves. All I really wanted was the motor which was fine.

Jon

[DelawareDan]

Thanks, Jon! I've been looking on ebay for quite a while, and craigslist. A friend gave me some phone numbers of boat "boneyards" I'll try, too.

[DelawareDan]

looking for more replies to my questions