Yamaha 80 starting problem

Nickgriff · 26 April 2010, 09:42

So the scenario: Saturday night boat battery is charged ( new in January this year, only been used to raise engine ) ready for Sundays trip. Sunday morning, engine turns about half a turn then dies... I am thinking the battery is probably the problem so I am having it drop tested today ( nearly drop kicked yesterday!!). The Engine is a 2007. Do these engines suffer from starting issues... starter motors etc?

Hopefully it is the battery, but any info would be appreciated.

Ian Austin · 26 April 2010, 09:56

Hi Nickgriff
First remove the spark plugs, (just in case it is hydraulic locking) and try to turn engine over with kill cord removed, if this doesn't work then.

Check the conections on the battery first, if they are clean and tight find start relay and with a peice of thick wire (or a screwdriver) short out the two big terminals (don't turn the ignition on) if this turns the engine over okay its the relay if it doesn't it could be the starter motor.
Hope this helps

9D280 · 26 April 2010, 10:13

Taking that one step further, check all connections between the battery & the starter - and your batt switch - I had one where the switch contacts corroded inside - one replacement switch later & it was like night & day.

Nickgriff · 27 April 2010, 11:31

Battery is fine... Looks like a fault finding weekend!! OH what Joy!

9D280 · 27 April 2010, 13:12

If you can get hold of crimps and about 4" of suitable wire, crimp 2 eye terminals on the ends and use to short the battery switch terminals to see if the problem goes away (if it does it;s your switch) - !!! make sure it's either switched on or the batt disconnected before you do so!!!!

I carry one with me in case the switch packs up (as happened a couple of years ago), so it's not an entirely wasted bit of test kit either!

Nickgriff · 04 May 2010, 13:42

Well nobody can say I didn't try!! Checked everything this weekend. Changed battery terminals, ran an earth from the engine directly back to the battery. Checked every terminal bolt/screw. I even wired out the isolator switch. Engine still would not turn over quick enough, infact half a turn was about it's limit.
Managed to get hold of a spare battery with the idea of conecting it directly to the starter motor. Before this I thought I would try "one more time". Bloody thing cranked over no problems!!! IT is going into the Yamaha dealer next week...