What should I expect from a stored 200 HP Yamaha?

[Aggie 98]

I am considering the purchase of a 1999 Parker Big Bay 23T. This boat has a 200 hp Yamaha salt water engine, however the boat and engine have been sitting in a slip above saltwater for approximately 3 years. To my knowledge the boat has not been run for the past three years and it was running just fine before it was put into storage.<br /><br />I would like to know what maintenance I should do to the engine before I attempt to start it. Also, what problems should I expect to encounter with an engine that has been sitting for so long. Do the Yamaha engines have any bad characteristics that I need to watch out for?<br /><br />I know that more information about the engine would be usefull, but at this time this is all the information that I have. Any information that you can provide would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Keith

 

[Arnold96]

Re: What should I expect from a stored 200 HP Yamaha?

I have that same engine in a 96, or it is at least very similar. First, all of the gas in the boat has to go as it is really no longer gas. Second, it is for sure all of the gas in the carbs are gone if it has carbs. If you can either get the old gas out and new gas into the tank, or hook up a temporary tank to the fuel line it may just go as it is. That is a pretty tough engine. Just put a lot of Sea Foam additive into the tank. Also, it has an oil tank inside the cowling and a reserve tank elsewhere. Inspect this to make sure the old oil has not jelled, and replace it if it has. You may hear from others to do this and that, but try it with good fuel first and see how it goes.

 

[Ray Neudecker]

Re: What should I expect from a stored 200 HP Yamaha?

I would also pull the plugs and spray some fogging oil in each before starting. I would use a small tank with oil mixed to test with and be sure the oiling system is working properly.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: What should I expect from a stored 200 HP Yamaha?

hello<br /> was it properly stored or neglected?<br /> I see many neglected engines shed wrist pin bearings afrter prolonged neglect.<br /> remember that at least 3 exhaust ports were open to the air.<br /> if it was neglected you may buy a headache. ask then to get it running and do a 3 hour sea trail. if they wont either get it cheap or pass.<br />good luck and keep posting.

 

[Aggie 98]

Re: What should I expect from a stored 200 HP Yamaha?

Thanks for all of your replys. I don't know much about the boat, but I would guess that it has been neglected. The only reason that I am considering the purchase is because I think that I will be able to pick it up very cheap. Should I be concerned with any type of dry rott on any of the hosing or other engine components?<br /><br />Keith

 

[wtrojan]

Re: What should I expect from a stored 200 HP Yamaha?

Check visually for everything that could get cracked during this time, like fuel lines. Talking about rubber, I think that changing the waterpump’s impeller would be a good idea. The sea trial, as rodbolt says, is a must, but I don’t know if that would be safe to go out for several hours, with the impeller no being used for three years. Maybe also checking the lower unit oil – at least it’s level, would be a good idea. BTW, during the water trial you will be able to check also everything else, like electronics and controls, so it’s good to run it.

 

[Osprey]

Re: What should I expect from a stored 200 HP Yamaha?

I recently purchased a 1995 Grady White with 175 Yamaha in same type of condition, ie not used in several years. I would do the following. 1. Remove clean/flush both oil reserviors and replace small inline filter located on/under external reservior. 2. Replace spark plugs 3. Replace fuel/water filter external to engine. 4. Replace internal fuel strainer on engine. 5. If possible drain/replace fuel, if not add as much fresh fuel as possible. 6. Add Yamaha ring-free fuel additive use shock treatment quantity described on bottle. Also if possible do initial start with an external fuel tank with fresh fuel. 7. Check all cable ends at batteries replace if needed. 8. Drain/refill or at least check level of gearlube in lower unit. Water pump impeller and thermostats should be replaced ASAP after engine checks good. 9. Remove carburater cover spray off carbs with Chemtool carb cleaner. Will likely need carburator rebuild if engine won't idle after running for a few hours or has other throttle problems. Before initial start remove all plugs, turn engine over several times then replace plugs and attempt to start.

 

[Osprey]

Re: What should I expect from a stored 200 HP Yamaha?

Important additional tip - Carefully check all Thru-Hull fittings especially if any/all are plastic. As plastic thru-hulls age they will crack and/or break off completely its just a matter of when. My initial sea trial with the Grady was made quite interesting as one of its 1" plastic fittings at the water line was cracked 2/3's of the way around and was allowing a substantial amount of water into the boat. Replace all thru-hulls with bronze or stainless steel. Also test your bildge pump before the boat leaves the trailer.