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Older Yamaha Outboards
W J Moody	#1  Posted on 04/15/10 - 1:42 PM
Member Posts: 20 Comments: 0 Joined: 02/07/08	I have a chance to pick up a 1990 Yamaha 200, very clean, with low time (less than 400 hr) to be used on a weekend boat only. Any past experience with these motors and problems would be appreciated. Thanks
John Fyke	#2  Posted on 04/15/10 - 4:05 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1307 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/06/06	Check the shift shaft.
hevysrf	#3  Posted on 04/16/10 - 12:36 PM
Member Posts: 17 Comments: 0 Joined: 10/20/07	The early Yamaha outboards were noted for corrosion of the shift shaft, I believe powerhead removal is required to remedy. Any 20 year old engine will need maintenance, make sure you check compression, hopefully seatrial. Purchasing a non running engine or one that only runs on a hose is an act of faith, do you believe the seller? MartyD
dreilly	#4  Posted on 04/16/10 - 12:52 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 130 Comments: 0 Joined: 09/14/09	I also say, "check the shift shaft." My 1993 needed a new one after 16 years of salt water usage. It does require pulling the powerhead (+/- $800 repair). If it is hard to find Neutral - you need to beware.
Derwd24	#5  Posted on 04/16/10 - 12:54 PM
Member Posts: 1607 Comments: 9 Joined: 05/09/07	And if you're in that deep or pull the l/u for any reason, inspect both the drive shaft splines and the socket it fits into at the bottom of the powerhead. A friend with an '89 Yamaha had the "teeth" inside the socket actually corrode away making the powerhead worthless. We thought it was a spun prop hub initially from the symptoms, then saw the corrosion damage after disassy. I've never seen that happen before on an outboard. Dave - 1983 Outrage 22
joninnj	#6  Posted on 04/16/10 - 2:01 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 408 Comments: 3 Joined: 06/07/07	I have heard about the shift shaft issues as well. The older ones did not have stainless shift shafts from what I have read believe it or not... Salt will definitely take it's toll on these in no time... I have an "89" Yamie as well and I am watching it closely. You can see very small section of the shaft at the top of the lower unit. If you do NOT see somewhat cleaner and solid metal on the shaft at that spot, that might be an indicator of a problem down the line... I have had this happen on an old Merc as well years ago. You will also see a much larger section of it if you do your own maintenance while changing the water pump. Good luck Edited by joninnj on 04/16/10 - 7:59 PM Jon in NJ Many other boats and outboards in my boating history The Whaler is the one I like the best!!!