Blown motor, what to do?
A little background; A couple weeks ago on the way back from a fishing trip my engine starting acting up. It would only do 2000 to 2200 rpm’s. Years ago on another boat I owned we had the same problem and it ended up being the fuel filter so I wasn’t too concerned at the time. Anyway we had to limp back the 6 or 7 miles to shore. By the time we got back the tide was too low to put it on the trailer so we tied it up and grabbed a beer. After an hour or so we had enough water but now the engine wouldn’t start. Pulled the cowling and oil was everywhere. We eventually got it load and dropper it off at the local stop I’ve used in the past. They called me back a few days later to confirm my fears, blow motor. They also said due to the age and type of motor is wasn’t worth rebuilding. (2005 Yamaha 250hp HPDI with 700 hours on it)
Unfortunately money is a little tight for me so dropping 20-25k on a new engine just isn’t an option. I can only afford about half that amount 10-12k so I’m forced to look at used and or rebuilt engines. Although I have owned several boats over the years this is the first time I’ve had to deal with this issue and hoped you guys could give me some pointers.
- Should I look for a used or rebuilt motor? In other words is one better than the other? Their doesn’t seam to be much of a price difference.
- Will the rigging that’s currently on my boat work with a “new to me” Yamaha 4 stroke engine or is that something that needs to be replaced too? If it doesn’t then I’ll stick with Yamaha but if not I can expand my search to other brands.
I found a few used / rebuilt Yamaha 250hp 4 stroke on the internet that looked decent and fall within my price range. The problem being the two companies that have what I’m looking for also had a lot of bad reviews (M&W outboards and Blackbird/A-1). Regardless to where I purchase the motor my plan is to hire a 3rd party mechanic to inspect it first. By doing this would you still consider a motor from one of these companies? Also does anyone have any recommendations on good source for a used outboard? I live in Tallahassee and will most likely have to have the motor shipped to me to get mounded which is why I want it inspected first.
Any thoughts or pointers anyone has on this subject will be greatly appreciated! Thanks for the assistance
Replies
Good luck
larrywitt
My posts are my opinion only.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=2005+Yamaha+250hp+HPDI&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.X2005+Yamaha+250hp+HPDI+power+head.TRS1&_nkw=2005+Yamaha+250hp+HPDI+power+head&_sacat=0
My posts are my opinion only.
When this issue first came up I thought it would be a simple process of finding a replacement motor, having it installed and be on my way. After doing my homework I've learned it's not that easy. For those that will go through this in the future this is what I've learned.
- First an 11 year old 2 stroke hpdi is not worth rebuilding. The tolerances levels on this motor are so tight it just isn't worth it. This only applies to 250hp and 300hp Yamaha hpdi and not other 2 stroke engines.
- The rigging from my old Yamaha motor will work with a newer 4 stroke model as long as it's not set up for digital controls. This will save me some money and one of the reasons I want to stick with a Yamaha.
- The companies that show up the most on search engines for used 4 stroke motors also have the most customer complaints. That being said I don't believe their is a company in existence that doesn't have a least one unsatisfied customer but the number of horror stories I found on the most prevalent ones were very concerning.
- Never buy a rebuilt 4 stroke motor. Most likely they were rebuilt for one of two reasons. Either (A) they have a ton of hours on them or (B) they had to be rebuilt because the owner didn't properly maintain them.
- Before buying a used 4 stroke make sure it has been fully inspected by a trusted mechanic!
Thanks for all the feedback and advise, it' been a big help.
Matt has a good reputation. Have done business with him and has been very pleasureable.