Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

[whitestar]

While out in the channel yesterday manuvering in traffic (crawl speed)...I put the control into reverse... and then back to forward....I heard a familiar rattling sound down below (heard this rattle a couple weeks ago).
I could get no forward rotation....I was stuck in reverse.
I even turned off the motor and was able to "start in gear"???? with the prop still spinning in reverse???
Wound up with a $400 tow bill. Thank goodness for insurance.
Anyone up for ideas?

 

[whitestar]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Forgot to mention...model year is 1991 C115 TLRP.
Also since replacing the impeller last summer, been having issues with either a strong, weak or no pee stream. When there is no stream, I quickly rev the engine and then I see the stream.

 

[gcboat]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Sounds like you lost your connecting pin on the shaft. Gonna' need to take apart the lower unit and take a look. Probably won't need to drop it completely. If you do need to pull it off might as well go ahead and change that impeller - double check the size and shaft fitting.

 

[whitestar]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

The shift shaft connects to the splined stud which sticks up about 3" from the top of the lower end? Where is this connecting pin located?

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

The shifter pin is inside the gear housing in the prop shaft.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Nope, not gonna be the problem. Pre 93 engine so the shift shaft isn't going to made of stainless. So what you will find is the shaft that starts just under the lower carb and goes down to the lower unit has rusted in half. Probably just a few inches above the lower unit. The powerhead will need to be removed in order to replace the shaft. DO NOT disassemble the lower unit looking for problems. If you go ahead and drop the foot, you will probably have the lower connection of the shift shaft come out with the foot.

 

[whitestar]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Yes indeed, it was the shift shaft. Rusted and broke in two.
The repair bill came to $820.00 along with a few misc other bolts and parts.

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

I was going to suggest that. I'm praying that my 1985 Yamaha 200 doesn't have the same problem sooner rather than later.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

If its been in salt water most of its life, you are past due for the shift rod to rust out.

 

[lasvegaskid]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Yes indeed, it was the shift shaft. Rusted and broke in two.
The repair bill came to $820.00 along with a few misc other bolts and parts.

Hi,
I'm glad I spotted this. Just had the same problem with both 1989 200 hp Yamaha's. I think I broke both at the same time. I was quote $3000-$4500
per engine to replace the shift shafts. I think I'm going to do them myself, I'm in Ct. I have to go to my boat tomorrow, to confirm thats what it is.
I'm not a happy boater right now. Thanks for the info. Bob

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Dang, come on down and I'll do it for half that much. The biggest problem is getting the bolts holding the powerhead on, out. Can be a real humdinger. They are easy to twist off and when they do, you drill thru the adapter plate, just below the powerhead and drill thru the bolts. Once you have the powerhead off, you can get the broken bolts out and after reinstalling the powerhead, fill the drilled holes with epoxy.

 

[lasvegaskid]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Dang, come on down and I'll do it for half that much. The biggest problem is getting the bolts holding the powerhead on, out. Can be a real humdinger. They are easy to twist off and when they do, you drill thru the adapter plate, just below the powerhead and drill thru the bolts. Once you have the powerhead off, you can get the broken bolts out and after reinstalling the powerhead, fill the drilled holes with epoxy.

I wish I could. I will post, once I get into the project. I'm headed to the boat, right now from the Cape, in MA. Any help you give me, would be priceless, Thanks alot, Bob

 

[lasvegaskid]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Hi Everyone,
I checked my boat yesterday, its got one broken shift shaft and one that appears to be twisted. I'm hauling the boat home on Monday to begin the project. I did get one dealer to quote me $450.00 per engine plus parts, but they stated, that was an estimate not guaranteed. In all good conscious, I have to give it my best shot. I'm very particular about how thing are done. I have some ideas of things to try, after reading here. I'm planning to photo every step and post the pictures on webshots, for anyone that has the misfortune of having to deal with it. Talk to you all soon. Thanks again for the advice. Bob

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Its one of those jobs where if everything went right, I've done them in half a day. But then I've had them take a full day and part of the next.

 

[lasvegaskid]

Re: Yamaha 115 Stuck in Reverse

Its one of those jobs where if everything went right, I've done them in half a day. But then I've had them take a full day and part of the next.

Capt Ken,
Got the boat home today. I put heat to the motor, and got 10 out of 12 of the long bolts out. 2 broke off, right at the bolt head. I thought someone said, the bolts are tapered. There is no taper on the bolts. I plan on putting some tention on the powerhead, with the hoist, while trying to drive the bolt up with a punch, the same diameter as the bolt. I'm also planning on changing the steering arms. Thats going to require, a little more work.
I'm going to take pictures tomorrow. I will keep everyone advised. Thanks, Bob