155 saltwater. what do you reckon?

[Sheik]

Looking at a boat with a Yamaha 115Hp V4 Saltwater Series 2 stroke with about 200+ hours on it. I've done a little research here and online and seems to have a good reputation this motor. I've always said I'll only ever have a fourstroke but finances dictate otherwise. ANy comments on how they go and whether 250 hours will mean problems for me? I think it's about four years old.
thanks jim

[BM]

Hi mate.

Pay to have it checked out or do it yourself if capable.

Give it a compression test, check the gear box oil and power trim operation. Have a general powerhead check for any signs of trouble/problems.

Run test it and check it shifts in and out of gears ok. With it running in gear check prop shaft for trueness.

Check for good strong telltale flow and check cylinder heads aren't getting excessively warm.

Water test if possible and run at max rpm for 10 mins. This will determine if there are nag temperature related issues.

Check battery voltage before running and whilst running to confirm charging circuit operation.

Cheers

[ozscott]

BM has nailed the tests. The 115 V4 is a gem. You have done the research. I have a 93 pre-saltwater series that had about 200 hours on when I bought it some years ago. It has been a fantastic motor. I have only (last few weeks) replaced the regulator that failed. Apart from that, as a matter of servicing I had the fuel pump replaced last year (it was not showing any signs at all of problems - precaution because it was the original). Its been a fantastic motor. Just run the carbs dry if you are not going to use it for a while. I start mine every 3-4 weeks and get it up to temp on the muffs even if it doesnt go out, then run it dry of fuel - no problems with varnish in the carbs if you do that. Starts very quikcly at the ramp in any weather. Starts instantly when hot. Run only Merc Quicksilver premium plus for Optimax motors in the oil container for excellent performance even trolling and virtually no smoke - when warm there is only the faintest wiff sometimes, not all the time and usually only when backing up.

Cheers

[Sheik]

THanks Oz, that sounds pretty good to me. I'll get back to you on it and let you know how it looks. Do you like a Solas or similar on it?