Yamaha Components for Trim and Tilt Systems

YamahaOnlineParts.com provides a range of trim and tilt components to assist in the maintenance of Yamaha outboards. These kits are pre-assembled and include snap rings, oil seals, backup rings, o-rings, trim dust seals, and trim cylinder end screws, tailored to each outboard model. Alternatively, parts for repairing and maintaining Yamaha trim and tilt assemblies can be bought separately.

Along with equipment for adjusting the angle and position of an outboard motor, we are also proud to provide a full range of Yamaha OEM Parts and Accessories.

Yamaha Outboard Trim & Tilt Components FAQs

What are the signs of faulty Yamaha trim and tilt problems?

If you are having trouble with the trim and tilt switch on your Yamaha F115 Outboard, there are a few external issues to consider. Trim and tilt is all about the angle of the propeller shaft relative to the boat, and how this affects the performance of the motor. A faulty switch can lead to a number of problems, including lower fuel efficiency, slower RPMs, poor acceleration and control, and difficulty raising the motor for storage or repairs. The good news is that you can replace the switch and avoid these issues. Nonetheless, it is important to keep in mind that a faulty switch may be indicative of some other concerns such as a weak battery, electrical shorts, or issues with the hydraulic motors.

How do I install a trim tab anode on my Yamaha outboard engine?

Having grasped the significance of trim tab anodes for your boat and motor, let us discuss the process of how to mount trim tab anodes on Yamaha outboards.

• Determine the area of the anode on your Yamaha outboard motor that is used for the trim tab. This component is usually situated above the propeller on the anti-ventilation plate.
• Identify and take out the plug that is situated directly above the trim tab.
• Insert a socket wrench with an attachment into the opening to get to the fastener that holds the trim tab in place. Most Yamaha trim tabs require a ½” socket wrench.
• Take note of the hash marks beside the trim tab, indicating the number of degrees they will be moved. Put a piece of masking tape on it if you need to remember the position so that you won't need to make adjustments to it afterward.
• Rotate the bolt anticlockwise in a gradual manner until it becomes slack.
• Place the fresh trim tab anode in. Replacing is the same action but in reverse order as putting it in.

After you have successfully installed a trim tab anode on a Yamaha outboard motor, all you need to do to adjust it is to slacken the fastening bolt and adjust it according to the indentations.

To rectify misalignment, move the trim tab in the necessary direction - if your vessel is veering to the right, adjust the trim tab to the right; conversely, if it is leaning to the left, adjust the trim tab to the left. Be sure to make adjustments in single clicks, and make sure that the trim tab anode is firmly in place, as a wobbly trim tab could move away from its original spot.

What does the trim tab anode do on my Yamaha outboard motor?

Trim tabs are a must for controlling a boat in a safe and precise way. When they are aligned correctly, they can counterbalance the torque created by the propeller, leading to better maneuverability and lessening the effect of the "prop-walk" - the tendency of a propeller to rotate around its vertical axis. This is why it is referred to as a "trim" tab, providing a more stable journey, while reducing any unwanted torque. Trim tabs are usually set at an angle to achieve this, with right-turning outboard motors needing the tab to be aligned to the right, while left-turning outboard engines should have the tab on the left. Yamaha outboards normally have a set of hash marks near the trim tab to indicate the necessary offset for optimal steering.

Boats tend to experience three kinds of corrosion:

• Simple electrochemical corrosion
• Galvanic corrosion
• Electrolytic/stray current corrosion

Trim tab anodes are better able to resist corrosion compared to other parts of the engine, which makes them a valuable line of protection against more costly and difficult-to-fix components.

Anodes, which are usually constructed of inexpensive zinc materials, deteriorate with time and must be replaced. As the material breaks down, it loses its guidance capabilities and its ability to resist corrosion. Cleaning it with a wire brush can be beneficial if the damage is minor, but when it has corroded to around half of its original size, it must be substituted. That is why they are known as sacrificial anodes; the anode sacrifices itself to shield your engine and its components.

At least once a year or every 100 hours, an inspection of the trim tab anode (as well as any other anodes) should be carried out as a part of regular maintenance.

How do I service my Yamaha outboard lower unit?

To drain Yamaha lower unit gear lube, start by taking out the lower drain screw. Afterwards, take out the upper plug vent to let air in. Generally, both plugs can be seen on the lower unit, though in cases where the forward pickup is low, it needs to be taken out to get to the drain plug. When loosening these screws, it is important to use a screwdriver that is the right size and a wrench if necessary since they are usually quite tight. It might be necessary to use an impact driver and hammer, depending on who last serviced the engine. When removing the drain screw, keep in mind that it has a magnetic tip, so inspect it after to see if there are heavy deposits. Some fine shavings are common, but if there are chunks or a lot of metal, further inspection is needed. Make sure there is a drain pan and some extra rags at the ready, as gear lube will begin dripping from the skeg when the upper vent plug is removed. Furthermore, remember to collect the fiber gaskets from both plugs and dispose of them, as they are not reusable.

Leave the engine in the tilted-down position for a few minutes to completely empty the old gear oil. Examine the oil that has been used to check for water, other contaminants, and metal. If you acquired one of the convenient lower unit oil change sets from YamahaOnlineParts.com, you will have the necessary gaskets, oil, and pump. Attach the pump to the lower drain opening and after that associate it with the quart of Yamalube gear oil or HD gear oil, depending on your model. Begin to pump the oil into the lower unit until it starts to come out from the vent plug at the top.

When finished pumping, take a short break to give the air bubbles time to exit the gearcase. Then, pump a few more strokes until the gear oil that comes out of the vent plug is free of bubbles. After putting a new fiber gasket in, secure the top vent plug in place by torquing it. Take off the fill hose from the bottom drain plug and quickly switch it for the drain plug with a new gasket. Tighten according to the specifications and reinstall the water pickup screen at the bottom if it is applicable.

How do I choose the right propeller for my Yamaha outboard motor?

When deciding what Yamaha outboard propeller to buy, you'll need to weigh the following aspects: pitch, diameter, aluminum or steel, amount of blades, rake, cupping, and rotation. Pitch is a major factor and should be carefully examined. It's the distance the propeller will go in one full rotation without any drag or slippage.

Increasing the pitch of the propeller is a common method for achieving greater speed; however, if the propeller has too much pitch, the motor will not have enough power to turn it efficiently, resulting in fewer revolutions per minute. This is known as over-propping, which puts an excessive strain on the engine and leads to wear and tear. On the contrary, if the pitch is too low or the diameter is small, then the motor is subject to over-revving, which can harm the engine and negatively affect fuel consumption.

Propellers with a bigger circumference lower the RPM and highest speed. Conversely, propellers with a smaller circumference increase RPM and the highest velocity. Nevertheless, these small-diameter props have a tendency to slip more often and are not recommended if you are aiming for a better hole-shot or faster acceleration.

Aluminum propellers are the most commonly used and budget-friendly type. Stainless steel propellers provide increased durability and improved performance because of their thinner and more rigid blades.

Propellers normally have either three or four blades. Most boats used for recreational activities make use of three-blade propellers as they offer less friction in the water, make it easier for the engine to reach higher revolutions per minute and make the fuel consumption more economical.

Propellers with four blades tend to provide a quicker start off the line, making them popularly employed on vessels used for water skiing. This type of prop also enhances maneuverability and is often preferred in choppy waters.