Yamaha Connecting Rods - Pistons - Driveshafts - Camshafts - Crankshafts

YamahaPartsOnline.com has a wide range of outboard components available, such as connecting rods, pistons, driveshafts, camshafts, and crankshafts, all designed to fit the exact specifications of your Yamaha outboard motor. Additionally, if you have any queries about servicing your outboard motor, you are sure to find the answers to your questions in our blog.

If you need additional help locating or installing Yamaha OEM parts and accessories, check out our helpful Yamaha outboard engine schematics.

Yamaha Outboard Connecting Rods, Pistons, Driveshafts, Camshafts, and Crankshafts FAQs

What is an outboard motor connecting rod? 

In a Yamaha outboard engine, the link between the pistons and crankshaft is a connecting rod. The pistons cause the rod to rotate and this in turn causes the crankshaft to move, converting the up and down motion of the pistons into the rotational motion necessary for the engine to work.

What is an outboard motor crankshaft? 

The crankshaft inside your Mercury outboard motor is a necessary engine part that changes the up-and-down movement of the pistons into a spinning motion, and this is what causes the motor to move forward.

What are outboard motor pistons? 

The pistons in a Yamaha outboard motor utilize the energy created through combustion to produce movement. As the mix of fuel and air combusts within the piston chamber, the pistons go up and down, thereby causing the connecting rod to move and the crankshaft to rotate, and finally creating thrust.

What is an outboard motor camshaft? 

The Yamaha outboard motor's camshaft rotates in tandem with the pistons, and opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves on the cylinders.

What is the life expectancy of my Yamaha outboard engine?

Yamaha outboards have earned a well-deserved status for being dependable. With the right upkeep, a typical outboard engine can survive at least 1,500 hours, which equates to 6-8 years of use for the average boater. But with the proper maintenance, it can last as long as 4,000 hours, or 16-21 years!

At YamahaOnlineParts.com, you can buy the marine components you require and consult our Marine Tool Kits guide to become aware of the tools necessary for your engine upkeep. If the troubleshooting guide does not provide a solution, it is recommended you talk to a professional mechanic. They might find a solution to the problem or you may have to replace the outboard entirely.

How Do I Troubleshoot a Yamaha Outboard Motor?

Prior to starting, put out any cigarettes or other burning materials regardless of whether you detect the scent of gasoline or not.

It's advisable to start by tackling the most straightforward issues before moving on to more intricate ones. The following basic solutions may provide an explanation for why your Yamaha outboard motor has ceased to function.

If the kill switch is not connected securely, it could be the source of the motor issues. Unfasten the attachment and reattach it where it belongs. It might be necessary to switch out the kill switch entirely.

The following action to take is to examine your gear shift. It is simple to accidentally move it out of place, leading to the engine not starting. Make sure that it is in neutral and try again to fire up the motor.

It could be possible that an obstruction is preventing your motor from functioning properly. This could be a fishing line, an abundance of seaweed, or something else that has wound its way around the blades. Take the time to remove anything that has wrapped around the prop and analyze it for any indications of damage. If the propeller is harmed, it has to be replaced. If your boat starts up but then dies almost immediately, it is likely due to a blockage around the propeller.

Attempt to get the engine running with and without utilizing the choke. If this fails, change the throttle setting. Sometimes giving it more or less fuel can help. Lastly, press the primer bulb a few times to make sure the motor is prepared.

If the battery you have has an on/off switch, make sure it is set to the "on" position. If the engine is no more than 25HP, you could attempt to pull-start it using the emergency cord. This is possible with engines up to 50HP, but it will be harder to do as the HP increases. If this works, it's probable that the battery needs to be changed.

Why are Yamaha outboard oil change kits so important?

Yamaha has dedicated a considerable amount of time and money to producing oil suitable for marine engines. YamahaOnlineParts.com can verify that this oil is designed to handle even the most extreme conditions that an outboard motor may endure. Genuine Yamalube engine oils can stand up to long-term full-throttle running, intense bursts of acceleration, and hours of trolling.

Yamalube oil provides outstanding lubrication and helps protect against corrosion for outboard engines used on boats. It also helps to prevent ring sticking, carbon accumulation, and varnish buildup. It has the most efficient anti-foaming formula on the market and has been certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association, unlike ordinary car oils.

We’ve made it easier for customers by creating oil change kits for a variety of Yamaha outboard motors. The kits come with the exact amount of oil, the right oil filter, and a gasket for the oil plug drain.

How do I protect my Yamaha outboard engine parts?

The aquatic habitat is one of the most hostile places on the planet, making it necessary to take special precautions to protect your Yamaha outboard motor. Yamashield Rust & Corrosion Protectant is a great solution to guard against rust and corrosion. Yamashield is a mixture of solvents, lubricants, and waxes that was originally created by Boeing Aviation, and it can be used to clean, lubricate, and safeguard your Yamaha outboard.

Yamalube Marine Grease has been created with the marine setting in mind, and is strongly impervious to water. It is absolutely vital for preserving your Yamaha outboard. It provides exceptional lubrication that adheres to all friction surfaces, even with the engine's vibrations, to make sure the engine components are working properly. We also suggest applying Yamalube Marine Grease to the propeller shafts.

Yamalube's Ring Free Plus is a solution that offers superior prevention of deposits on fuel injectors, carburetors, intake valves, intake ports, and combustion chambers. These accumulations of residues may occur due to inferior quality fuel or just regular motor operation. If left untreated, they can lead to engine knocking, loss of performance, stalling, decreased durability of spark plugs and sticking of piston rings.

Yamalube Combustion Chamber Cleaner is a great way to rid your engine of the carbon deposits that can slow it down and reduce its power. It also removes gum and varnish and helps unstick rings that have become stuck. YamahaOnlineParts.com suggests it as part of your seasonal maintenance plan to ensure the longevity of your engine and prevent carbon build-up.

Yamaha has created two separate maintenance kits to make it easier for owners to keep up with their outboard engine maintenance. The 20-hour kit and 100-hour kit both include genuine Yamaha outboard parts and Yamalube marine engine oils. They have all the necessary components to accomplish the 20-hour service or the 100-hour/annual service.

How do I increase the lifespan of my Yamaha outboard motor? 

From the second you launch your Yamaha outboard, the engine will start to deteriorate. If it is used too much, vulnerable to tarnishing, not stored correctly, and not serviced correctly (see below), it will not last as long.

Yamaha produces a wide array of top-notch outboard motors that will continue to work for many years. Nevertheless, to acquire the highest performance and longevity, routine servicing is a must.

If you neglect to replace the oil in the lower unit of your Yamaha engine with Yamalube gear lube, it could lead to your engine seizing up and incur a large repair bill. To avoid this, it's a good idea to have a Yamaha marine gear lube kit ready to use, which is an economically sensible approach to preserving engine performance in the long run.

Having all of the required components and items available will help you save both time and money. Performing a DIY project allows you to change your oil, exchange regular parts, and lubricate your motor in a few hours. Furthermore, the cost of this will be much lower than if you take your watercraft to a professional marine technician.

Lubricating oils and greases are the most important elements for maintaining your outboard in perfect running condition, avoiding costly repairs. If you need to do some maintenance, or you notice the oil has a milky hue, a burnt aroma or appears darker than usual, it is time to replace it.

Yamaha outboard motors must have consistent servicing in order to remain dependable out in the ocean and escape from breakdowns. This maintenance should take place after the engine has been used for 20 hours for the first time, and then each 100 hours thereafter. Additionally, more thorough maintenance should be done every 300 and 500 hours.