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I have an '88 15hp Yamaha that I run on my 13' Whaler for my kids on the local lakes. I've been thinking of upgrading and perhaps the decision has been made for me. The engine ran fine for most of the summer until the cool weather, when on the last day out it wouldn't achieve full throttle. I took it to the local dealer and he said it was probably an issue with ethanol gumming up the carbs, that Yamahas have particular problems with ethanol, and since Yamaha is aware of this they have a program in place where you can trade in your old Yamaha carb engine for a new engine at half price. The dealer called back today and said yup, it's the carbs and was I interested in the trade-up program. Has anyone else heard of this special deal?

John K.

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Not sure John about the program, what did your dealer say about the program?

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This may help:
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/...91109.aspx

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John -

While not trying to dissuade you from buying a new engine, note a few things.

Were you using a fuel additive (startron or stabil)in your tank all summer? With E-10, it is strongly recommended since it helps delay phase separation. If you run untreated fuel that has been sitting for several weeks, you will have problems. If your fuel lines are less than a few years old (not alcohol-resistant) you will have problems.

Even fuel injection engines can suffer from E-10 if the fuel lines are old and/or the gas allowed to suffer phase separation.

Here is a good primer on ethanol and outboards

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The program Matt linked to is different from what my dealer has told me, which is a full 50% off. Believe me, I'm going to double-check that!

As for additives, I've been using both a fuel stabilizer and what Yamaha recommends, their Ring Free additive. But, the gas was no more than a month old, and my dealer says that this will continue to happen with older Yamahas no matter what additives are used.

John K.

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I cleaned my carbs once the first time I got my motor a few years ago and haven't had a problem yet. I run ring free in it at the beginning of the season and call it good. I do not use any fuel additives or stabilizers other than ring free in the spring. My '93 Yami runs great.

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Sounds a bit like the dealer really wants to sell you a new motor... Friends with 2 stroke Yamaha's have no similar problems on a regular basis, and the gas here in MA is no different from anywhere else.

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I do suspect my dealer is trying to get a new engine (or half a new engine!) out of me, which is why I posed the question. The thing is, prior to this the engine ran as if it were brand new: it always started immediately on the first pull or hit of the starter, idled without stumbling, and ran on full throttle without missing a beat.

John K.

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I smell a rat. Even if the motor does have a problem with ethanol, there should be nothing to do except rebuild the carbs and replace the fuel lines. However, if the guy will really sell you a new motor at 1/2 price, that's probably a pretty good deal. It might be fun to call him on that and see if it really happens - but don't let him take away your old motor until the new one is right there ready to go on your transom, and at the right price.

Tim