115 2-stroke: What year is it?

[k_m_thompson]

I'm looking at a boat online and the seller doesn't know what year this engine is. Can any of you suggest a year or year range. Also, bonus question: any comments on the pluses/minuses of this model and /or things to look for, specific to this model, before buying?

Thank you in advance (you can tell I'm Canadian, eh?),

Kerry Thompson

 

[ClassicAQ]

Have the owner look for the serial number plate, located starboard side of engine bracket. Use the pictures below as a guide. Once you have the information on the plate you can then determine the year. I can, however, tell you as a matter of fact the engine is older than 1998. I have a '98 115 and my top cowling is much different than the one you have pictured. So I'm guessing it's an early 90's model, late 80's at most.






As far as specifics to the engine in question....I don't know the model or year, so no point in guessing. With that said, it's a 2 stroke engine. Yamaha produced excellent 2 stroke outboards. The condition of the engine is proportional to how it's been maintained throughout the 20+ years. It's no cliche....a well maintained 2 stroke outboard will run indefinitely. It's a good the engine you're looking at is still hanging on a transom. There is no amount of diagnostic testing that is more important than the outcome of how the engine performs while under load. So before you buy I highly suggest a sea trial, including running the engine at WOT. If something is amiss, it will show itself when you're pushing the engine hard. Which is what you want to know. Good luck.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

What you have there is 1995 model 2-stroke V4 ... that particular model is a hard working motor, the guys over here use them on their deep sea fishing boats running WOT for hours on end. It should start and run first time every time. If it doesn't do a compression test.